Vegetable/Fruit Garden Account Manager

Will be responsible for ensuring the vegetable and fruit gardens are maintained to the highest standards of excellence, and that best management practices are applied in all aspects of sustainable gardens. The Account Manager will additionally be responsible for all scheduling

Responsibilities

• Manage the project proposal process and act as the primary liaison to existing and new clients
• Manage overall plant and soil health strategies for the garden to include sustainable gardening practice and integrated pest management
• Coordinate the administrative aspects of garden maintenance, including client communication, cultivating new business, marketing, planning, and budget management
• Work with architects, clients, contractors, to assist with the design and the installation of vegetable and fruit gardens, structures and pathways
• Supervise distribution of gardening supplies seeds, plant starts, winterization materials, educational materials, ordering tools, and supplies
• Lead and manage propagation and hoop house/greenhouse work (if applicable)
• Plant and provide seasonal produce harvests for the kitchen
• Maintain the health of all plants in the garden including, but not limited to: herbs, heirloom vegetables, fruits, annual and perennial flowers (if applicable)
• Manage soils and compost, soil texture and composition, soil quality, pH levels, and soil nutrients, fertilizer types and application techniques, produce compost.
• Clean, organize and maintain garden tools, garden van, and storage facility
• Maintain drip irrigation system and the water harvesting systems (cistern and rain barrels)
• Create and manage all plant labels in the vegetable garden
• Responsible for all aspects of garden care: weeding, orchard pruning, thinning fruit, pruning, planting/transplanting, composting, mulching, soil health, insect/disease diagnosis, and treatment management
• Develop and maintain a garden budget, planting schedule, seasonal records, and other appropriate documentation
• Communicate regularly with the Chef/Client and Garden team on seed orders, planting, harvest dates, quality control to meet or exceed client expectations

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and report garden results weekly
• Lead and manage Garden Crew and Interns in the implementation of garden plans, techniques and maintenance duties
• Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices
• Assist with college recruiting, educational, community, professional and career events

Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience

• Passionate about sustainable food production and applying deep organic principles to garden maintenance
• Strong working knowledge of edible garden plants (fruiting vines, fruit trees, vegetables)
• Direct Summerhill team members to ensure that equipment is operational and safety practices are followed.
• Certified in integrated pest management for vegetable gardens
• Safety is paramount follow safety standards for proper clothing, eye, ear, safety gear, and best practices.
• Strong communication, highly organized and efficient with documentation purchase orders, load dockets, invoices, etc.
• Represent Summerhill at the highest level always, maintain a high level of composure and good stress management
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Smartsheet and Strategic planning and long-range program development
• Work flexible hours in all weather conditions to accommodate the seasonality of the industry
• Ability to work independently and with others in a fast-paced environment
• Extremely detail oriented, excellent communication skills and time management
• Experience supervising, promoting cooperation and team building