Part-Time Culinary Garden Specialist

At Sandhills Community College, we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and children across North Carolina. Recently, we became a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. Family Forward NC Employer Certifications, issued by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s (NCECF) Family Forward NC initiative, designate employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.

Summary The Part-Time Culinary Garden Specialist maintains the College's culinary gardens, greenhouse growing areas, and hydroponic system in support of Culinary & Pastry Arts instruction and events. This year-round position manages plant production, harvesting, pest and disease control, composting, certification records, garden-product communication, and student support related to safe harvesting and use.

Essential Functions

• Maintain year-round culinary gardens, greenhouse growing areas, grow bags, herb beds, grapevines, and the hydroponic system in the Russell Dining Room.
• Start seeds; propagate herbs; transplant, plant, water, fertilize, weed, prune, label, rotate, and amend garden beds and growing containers.
• Monitor and manage pests and diseases using methods approved by Certified Naturally Grown.
• Maintain accurate production, treatment, and other records required for annual Certified Naturally Grown certification and inspection.
• Follow applicable sanitation, food-safety, and safe-work practices when cultivating, harvesting, handling, and distributing garden products.
• Ensure that produce intended for consumption is grown only in approved locations and with approved water sources; distinguish edible products from plants or flowers intended only for decorative use.
• Coordinate seasonal garden transitions with students and support learning through safe plant identification, selection, harvesting, and use.
• Harvest and deliver herbs, produce, grapes, and flowers for instructional use, luncheons, and approved events; prepare floral arrangements as requested.
• Manage composting and maintain garden tools, equipment, supplies, labels, and growing areas in a safe, orderly condition.
• Provide culinary faculty with a weekly garden report identifying products currently available, expected soon, or nearing the end of production; support weekly garden-related social media content as assigned.
• Respond to garden and plant questions from students, faculty, staff, and guests and communicate maintenance or supply needs to the supervisor.

College-Wide Competencies:

• INTEGRITY– Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and transparency in all interactions within the college. Upholds the college's values, policies, and standards, and serves as a role model for others by consistently doing what is right, even when faced with challenges and pressures
• EXCELLENCE– Strives to achieve the highest standards of quality in all aspects of work, demonstrating dedication to continuous improvement, delivering quality results, contributing to the overall success of the college and its mission.
• RESPECT– Demonstrates an appreciation for the dignity of individuals within the college. Treats students, colleagues, and community members with kindness, fairness, and consideration to foster a welcoming culture. Respects differing viewpoints and contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• OPPORTUNITY– Demonstrates the ability to recognize, create, and seize opportunities that contribute to personal growth, student success, and the advancement of the college's mission. Encourages and supports others in identifying and leveraging opportunities for improvement, innovation, and development. Actively seeks ways to maximize potential and foster a culture of continuous learning and progress.
• HELPFULNESS– Demonstrates a commitment to service by being approachable, responsive, and proactive in providing support to students, colleagues, the community, and environment (both physical and cultural) of the college. Fosters a positive and collaborative culture where individuals feel valued and empowered to seek assistance and resources. It helps create a culture of belonging and engagement in which students can learn and achieve success.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of plant propagation, seasonal crop production, soil amendments, composting, pest and disease management, and safe use of garden tools and equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and use email and other basic digital tools.
• Effective communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and guests.
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and reliably complete year-round responsibilities.

Preferred education and experience:

• Postsecondary coursework or a credential in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, sustainable agriculture, or a related field.
• Experience with Certified Naturally Grown or comparable certification, greenhouse operations, hydroponics, or culinary or educational gardens.
• Knowledge of edible-crop food-safety practices and experience developing garden-related educational or social media content.

Sandhills Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, religion, age, ancestry, mental or physical disability, military status or veteran status.

This position is not eligible for benefits.