Huntington Library:
Position: Ranch Coordinator
Job Number: 044-12
Department: Botanical
Classification: Regular, Limited-Term, Hourly, 40 hours per week

Importance:  This position actively cultivates, preserves, and improves the Ranch and surrounding areas as a Gardener, while assisting the Ranch Manager with management of other assigned Gardeners, interpretation of the Ranch, and planning and development of improvements within the Ranch.

Essential Functions: Oversees daily activity of the Ranch and helps coordinate ongoing and future projects. Communicates continually with the Ranch Manager concerning planting, projects, construction, propagation, and collections management. Assists Ranch Manager in planning, design, and establishment of new projects on the Ranch, namely, but not limited to the Kitchen Garden project. Interprets of the Ranch, including interacting with visitors and program participants, and development of written material. Ensures the Garden and surrounding area is clean and orderly, that plants are protected and healthy, and that the garden is safe and attractive for staff and the public. Actively gardens through planting, weeding, watering, grooming, and cleaning. Establishes new planting areas through digging planting beds and amending soil. Prunes, shapes, transplants, and amends collections. Adheres to written safety policy, follows all precautions and directions in use of equipment and chemicals. Works with managers and curators to ensure long-term conservation of the plant collection and associated data.. Works with and supports goals of outside contractors engaged in projects related to the Ranch and surrounding area. Reports and responds to need for maintenance and improvement of support systems, such as paths, irrigation, frost prevention, etc. Supports staff, researchers, and educators in the use of Ranch for conservation, scientific study, interpretation, and advancement. Will be asked to perform duties related to other aspects of the development and operation of the Huntington Ranch as needed. Assists with events related to the use, promotion, and interpretation, of the Ranch.

Qualifications: Experience and extensive knowledge of small-scale organic based agricultural production including propagation from seed, nursery work, transplanting, direct seeding, mid-season maintenance, harvesting, and post harvest treatment of crops. Knowledge of plant identification and experience in growing a variety of plant material, with extensive experience and knowledge of edible annual and perennial plants. Ability to interpret sustainable agriculture techniques and gardens, both verbally and in writing. Computer literacy, including ability to work with database and writing programs. Excellent organizational skills. Physical capacity to work in gardens and field. Ability to work with staff and manage and volunteers. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion.