Job description

About

Recognized this year as one of the "World's Best Places to Stay" and in 2010 as the #9 "Top Small Hotels in the U.S.A." by Conde Nast Traveler, Greyfield Inn is an exceptional estate offering elegant accommodations to a limited number of guests. There are few getaway spots with a location and history as exotic and rich as Greyfield's. Located on Cumberland Island--Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island and a federally-protected National Seashore--Greyfield is set amidst an environment of solitude and wonder, accessible only by ferry or small plane.

Essential Job Responsibilities

The gardener is a fundamental part of Greyfield's farm-to-table program, working closely with the Executive Chef to provide fresh vegetables to the kitchen throughout the year. He or she prepares year-round crop planning and independently cultivates a one-acre garden, a short walk from the inn at the edge of the salt marsh. Although not certified organic, the garden is operated according to best organic and sustainable protocols, including crop rotation, cover cropping, active composting, and integrated pest management. Synthetic herbicides and non-OMRI approved pesticides are absolutely not allowed. The gardener's responsibilities also include growing cut flowers for table arrangements in the inn, giving brief tours of the garden to guests, keeping the garden in a tidy and attractive appearance, and regularly updating the garden's blog and Facebook page. Greyfield has utilized the WWOOF program in the past for extra labor, and the gardener will also be expected to recruit and manage volunteers as needed from that organization.

This position requires residency on the island. Housing and meals are provided as part of a benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance and annual vacation time.

Qualifications

Applicant must have BS in Crop Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related field of study. Equivalent experience in organic and sustainable production may substitute. This is a remarkable opportunity for a recent graduate with significant time in the field or anyone with the right combination of education and experience interested in running a small, intensive vegetable operation.

Enthusiasm and good social skills are essential. The gardener lives with house staff in a turn-of-the-century farmhouse situated three miles from the inn. Meals are generally communal, eaten alongside other employees in the inn's back kitchen. Although Greyfield runs a ferry to the mainland three times daily, all applicants should keep in mind that this is an island, space and certain amenities can be limited, and a general attitude of respect is absolutely vital.

The position requires a minimum one year commitment. Preference may be given to applicants willing to commit for two.

Opportunity

Growing vegetables in an island wilderness can be challenging; at the same time, this is an incredible and unique chance to live in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in North America. Wild horses, hogs, deer, and bobcats roam the island. The soft, white beach stretches undisturbed for almost 17 miles. In the fall it's constantly shadowed by migrating birds moving south through the flyway. Porpoises, sharks, rays, manatees, and alligators are regular sights from the Greyfield dock. In a word, this is a fabulous natural environment--a wonderful place to be and a wonderful place to learn.

Compensation

this position is:

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline