Culinary Garden Manager

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a world-renowned award-winning luxury spa resort unlike any other. An exquisite oasis sheltered from the rush and competition of daily life, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa resembles a serene French village. Nestled away on 200 private acres in Northern San Diego County, our guests enjoy the lush, tranquil hillsides filled with beautiful vineyards and lavender fields, natural canyons and habitat. We are close to the communities of Vista, Bonsall, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, Temecula, and Murrieta.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Culinary Garden Manager is responsible for deploying expert gardening techniques and leading a team of farm hands to support the kitchen’s mission. This includes overseeing all culinary garden sites and fruit tree orchards to supply ingredients for a world class dining experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan and execute gardening designs for the culinary garden areas; implements seasonal planting, harvesting, and landscape strategies
• Work creatively to beautify the property, orange tree orchards, and culinary gardens of the resort
• Manage plantings with focus on sustainability, low-water usage, organic, non-, and low-toxic pest management
• Develop planting/care budget
• Work with Executive Chef to ensure adequate supply and harvest of vegetables, fruit, and herbs for seasonal/daily menus
• May provide occasional lectures on various horticultural topics (e.g., native species and management)
• Manage irrigation systems and maintain watering schedule
• Work with vice president of operations to develop and implement horticultural procedures
• Work with vice president of operations and HR to identify staffing needs; hire and train staff
• Manage departmental workflow of routine and ad-hoc tasks
• Establish and maintain departmental standards and practices by providing direction, training, and direct supervision of the culinary garden staff
• Plan and prepare department work schedules
• Manage department payroll – reviewing and approving department timecards

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:  Degree or certification in Horticulture or Master Gardener program; a combination of experience, practical training may substitute.

Knowledge:    Working knowledge of the property management system; knowledge of housekeeping processes and procedures; proficient with general office PC applications (i.e., Word processing, spreadsheets, databases)

Experience:    Minimum of 5 years’ experience overseeing the planting, production, and maintenance of a kitchen garden or equivalent. Prior experience compiling a budget, including the purchase of trees, plants, seeds, equipment/tool, non-toxic pesticides, etc.

Skills/Abilities:  Comprehensive understanding of sustainable gardening, including low-water, low-toxicity, and low waste principles. Working knowledge of irrigation installation and repair, plant propagation, soil amendment, and composting. Knowledge of state and local regulatory requirements relevant to San Diego hardiness zone, OSHA safety standards, hazards, fire, and other emergency protocols.

Availability:  Able to work hours that include weekdays, weekends, nights and/or holidays

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

(i.e., necessary travel, unusual work hours, unusual environmental conditions, etc.)
 

• Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather
• Must be able to complete repetitive gardening duties while kneeling and standing on a ladder
• Must be able to frequently bend, stoop, stand, climb, and walk
• Must be able to operate a variety of hand tools safely and frequently
• Must be able to frequently grip, squeeze, hold tools
• Must be able to frequently push/pull/dig with repetitive movements
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted from the ground and carry it a minimum of 10 feet

Salary : $66,560