Horticultural Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Culinary Specialist and Horticultural Specialist of Boulder Crest Foundation is responsible to the Executive Director for the overall care and upkeep of the central kitchen as well as performing various duties in the walled garden to assist the Property Manager. The Culinary and Horticulture Specialist is expected to perform a variety of skilled tasks in food preparation preparing menus, cooking, and presentation. The specialist is also expected to oversee maintenance subcontractors in the kitchen, supervise volunteers, and volunteer projects in the kitchen, and assist the Operations Team with keeping the Lodge/Retreat in impeccable order. The position requires spending a significant amount of time on your feet and outdoors.

Summary of essential job functions:

• Provide superior service to guests/participants at all times; respond to all guests in a courteous, efficient manner.
• Provide support to the Operations Team as needed to maintain 5 star experience to all guests/volunteers.
• Prepare various hot and cold foods, such as cooking basic sauces, soups and vegetable dishes; butcher and prepare meats, poultry and fish.
• Plan menus/meals for programs based on dietary restrictions of participants.
• Shop for food, maintain inventory of staples, and kitchen supplies. Replenish as necessary.
• Monitor all food for quality of taste, texture, and appearance.
• Perform daily housekeeping duties related to food and kitchen equipment; identify and dispose of spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment and/or other unusual conditions.
• Observe disease control practices at all times.
• Assist Property Manager in maintaining the appearance of the Retreat's walled organic garden; apply landscaping techniques including, but not limited to, pruning, fertilizing, planting, weeding, trimming, watering, and cleaning.
• Harvest vegetables and herbs in the Walled Garden to use in the kitchen during programs and to R&R guests.
• Oversee all kitchen activities and volunteers.
• Oversee all kitchen subcontractors.

Minimum requirements

The Culinary and Horticultural Specialist will have an education and professional background commensurate with this important position (typically a high school or equivalent diploma and 1-5+ years' experience in the culinary field). A valid driver's license and good driving record are required to use the Retreat vehicle and run occasional errands. The culinary specialist and horticulture assistant will also have strong cooking, gardening and organizational, time-management and interpersonal skills. He/she will be patient, detail-oriented and physically fit.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the Culinary and Horticultural Specialist is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear. The position requires extensive cleaning and heavy lifting, so the employee must have sufficient dexterity to use all tools and supplies. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

The Culinary and Horticultural Specialist must be able to travel back and forth to work and run errands in and around Bluemont (within 100 miles).

Work Environment

The work environment is a small, busy facility located in Bluemont, Virginia. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations in the work environment may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Capabilities / qualities required

• The Culinary and Horticultural Assistant is a subject matter expert in kitchen and garden management.
• Is skilled in the use of kitchen and garden hand and power tools.
• Has the ability to make informed decisions and take direction/guidance from the Operations Manager.
• Is an expert at delivering excellent customer service.
• Is a good communicator; possesses the ability to communicate (in the English language) effectively with customers, vendors, and other support staff.
• Is a team player. Works well with others, including supervisors and peers.
• Knowledge of MAC OS and Google Drive.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.