What are the responsibilities and job description for the Garden Assistant position at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill?
Position: Garden Assistant
Status: Full-time and Part-time Hourly
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.
Home to the Shaker community of Pleasant Hill from 1805 until 1923, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original nineteenth-century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities, and events.
The Farm Department
The Farm supports the mission of Shaker Village by demonstrating the thoughtful stewardship of land and livestock through sustainable agriculture practices, and by partnering with the Trustees Table to champion the use of The Farm’s products for our guests' dining experiences.
Garden Assistant Position Summary
The Garden Assistant will support the cultivation, harvest, and promotion of SVPH’s certified organic, farm-to-table garden and heritage apple orchard. The Garden Assistant will focus on garden work but will assist team members (as needed) in daily livestock chores, care, and will be asked to perform a variety of tasks related to The Farm or events at Shaker Village. Suitable applicants will be interested in learning all aspects of diversified farming and be comfortable around large and small animals.
Hours will vary throughout the week, including weekend hours. Start times may be early as the season changes to avoid summer heat. Applicants must be able to perform physical labor in varied weather and remain positive and motivated. Applicants must be comfortable interacting with the public and sharing information as needed. This is a seasonal (July – October), hourly position, working up to 40 hours per week.
Responsibilities
- Garden care throughout the changing seasons
- Harvesting
- Seed starting
- Watering
- Weeding/cultivating
- Irrigating
- Sowing and transplanting
- Composting
- May occasionally support Farm Manager, Livestock Coordinator and Draft Animal Coordinator with animal care
Skills and Qualifications
- Must possess and display an understanding of and appreciation for the rich agricultural and social history of the Pleasant Hill Shaker community.
- Self-driven, with strong attention to detail
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow through on commitments
- Enjoy working with a variety of populations, including youth, families, and adults.
- Ability to work within a team structure.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work.
- Must be able to work a variable work schedule, which includes work on weekends, holidays, and evenings when required.
- Able to pass a criminal record background and reference check
Working Environment and Conditions
- Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions
- Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions
- This position requires working a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends and some evenings