Gardener (Seasonal)

The LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action (LCCA) is a new 500-acre retreat center in the Blue Ridge mountains in Marshall, North Carolina. LCCA will serve as a soul-focused sanctuary and learning center for individual and collective growth, exploration and transformation, focused on catalyzing the evolution of consciousness needed to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. The Center will host current and emerging leaders to cultivate and deepen the inner work needed to be more effective change agents in the world. LCCA is the home of LightEn US, which is part of the overall LightEn network. The center features five teaching spaces, event hall, dining hall, auditorium, spa and fitness center, reception building, administrative building, horticulture complex and 76 guest cabins. Currently there are about 40 LCCA team members. In addition to the core competencies outlined below, the right candidate will have resonance with LightEn’s vision, be flexible, have the desire to learn, maintain a willingness to contribute when needed, and an ability to lead from a place of inclusiveness, kindness, and service.

OVERVIEW:

The Gardener role represents an exceptional opportunity for an energetic, and caring professional to join LightEn US in its start-up phase. LightEn’s team is collectively working to deliver on an ambitious and world-changing mission, providing a world-class culture through a purpose driven lens. Further, this project is truly one-of-a-kind and is led by an extraordinary vision of its founders, transforming everyone who takes part.

JOB PURPOSE:

We are seeking a dedicated and well-rounded Horticulture Team Member to help care for the Land - from gardens to farm and nursery to greenhouse production. Working closely with the Land, the Director of Horticulture and Lead Garden Steward, this role focuses on cultivating high-yield crops in a small footprint by upholding regenerative, no-till farming principles. By stewarding the Land with care and integrity, the Horticulture Team Member plays a key role in creating an abundant and nourishing experience for both guests and our ecosystem. When needed, the Horticulture Team Member will also aid in supporting on-site Horticulture programmatic activities and will engage with guests and visitors. The ideal candidate is passionate about and has experience working with plants - from growing food and flowers to caring for native plants. This is a fixed term, seasonal role that concludes November 15.

All team members are expected to model LightEn’s approach and values of reflection, collaboration, and soul-infused action and are encouraged and supported to do so throughout their own practices. 

Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with the Director of Horticulture and Lead Garden Steward in caring for the Land with a focus on gardens (vegetable, flower, farm, and perennial gardens) and greenhouse operations.
• Assist in greenhouse propagation, transplanting, seasonal crop rotations, and harvesting.
• Foster and maintain connections with local farmers and herbalists.
• Implement regenerative soil and no-till practices to maintain productivity while prioritizing soil health and sustainability.
• Engage with guests and visitors and assist with horticulture programmatic sessions.
• Assist in tracking harvest and inventory in the garden and nursery.
• Support locally sourced food initiatives, guest experiences, and educational programs.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep respect for the Land and passion for working collaboratively with a team and sharing your knowledge.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Previous experience in food farming, forest farming, flower farming, gardening, herbalism, and/or greenhouse production.
• Knowledge of no-till growing practices and regenerative agriculture.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel a plus
• Ability and willingness to build meaningful relationships.
• Provide warm and welcoming interactions with guests, with humility, kindness, and open heart, delivering an exceptional guest experience.
• Knowledge and interest in our mission, vision, and culture
• Maintain strong communication skills, focused on transparency, leading with curiosity, and active listening.
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE:

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to bend over, stand and lift heavy materials.
• Team members must maintain internal service standards, including wearing a company provided uniform and maintaining a neat appearance.
• The team member must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work longer days during the growing season with a more flexible schedule in the cooler months
• Ability to stay flexible throughout the seasons - work independently, as part of the horticulture team and the larger LightEn ecosystem when needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Experience and/or education in growing vegetables and flowers
• Previous experience in flower farming, gardening, herbalism, and/or greenhouse production.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in the field working with a team.

SALARY BENEFITS: $22/hr starting rate with full health, dental and vision benefits paid 100% by LCCA, paid time off, paid sick time, 403(b) retirement savings and up to 6% company match, fresh vegetarian lunch provided daily along with uniforms.

AAP/EEO Statement

LightEn NC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, LightEn NC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation. and training.

LightEn NC expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of LightEn NC’s team members to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Marshall, NC 28753 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22