Culinary Gardener & Grounds Coordinator bei The Culinary Institute of America

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $24.00 to $28.00. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.  The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring rate would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process. 

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring rate for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Culinary Gardener & Grounds Coordinator is responsible for the planning, production, and maintenance of all edible gardens, fruit trees, and landscaped grounds at the CIA Copia campus. This role focuses on high-quality vegetable and herb production, harvesting, and seasonal crop planning to support CIA restaurants, events, and educational programs. In addition, the role oversees general grounds maintenance, coordinating with outside landscaping vendors to ensure the campus presents a world-class aesthetic for guests, students, and staff.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, plant, grow, and harvest a diverse range of crops for CIA Copia restaurants, events, and educational programs.
• Publish a weekly ‘fresh sheet’ communicating product availability and coordinate culinary teams ordering.
• Collaborate with chefs to create seasonal crop plans and maintain regular communication on product availability.
• Harvest, weigh, label, and deliver farm products to CIA Purchasing for proper distribution and accounting.
• Propagate seedlings in the greenhouse, transplant in the field, and perform direct seeding as needed.
• Prepare planting beds by removing debris, broad forking, tilling, and shaping beds.
• Maintain and repair irrigation systems, including micro-drip and overhead lines.
• Perform cultivation tasks including tilling, hoeing, hand weeding, and pruning of perennials, fruit trees, and olive trees.
• Coordinate with contracted landscaping vendors to ensure consistent upkeep of non-production grounds, lawns, and irrigation schedules.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas, including greenhouses, tool sheds, and storage spaces.
• Monitor inventories, maintain tools, and safeguard gardening equipment.
• Conduct occasional campus tours and provide educational demonstrations for CIA students, Boot Camps, and public visitors.
• Support seasonal grounds tasks such as citrus tree pruning, olive tree trimming and pest treatment, and large-scale clean-ups in coordination with Facilities staff.
• Ensure compliance with CIA sustainability and safety standards.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFCATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma.

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year of industry experience within a related field.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS

• Master Gardener Certification or ASHS Horticulturist certification.
• Experience managing both edible gardens and landscaped grounds.
• Experience working within hospitality organizations and with culinary teams.
• Experience operating and maintaining agricultural power equipment.
• Associates or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, or related field.
• Familiarity with organic and sustainable food production practices.
• Bilingual Spanish/English.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with chefs, facilities staff, and vendors.
• Knowledge of agricultural tools, greenhouse management, and irrigation systems.
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deliver results under seasonal and operational deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

• Ability to frequently lift and carry 30 lbs. and occasionally 50 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to stand for long periods, bend, kneel, and crouch regularly.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, including high temperatures and rain.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays based on operational needs.