Job Details

Lead Gardener - Organic Farm & Garden

Salary:
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Kentfield & Indian Valley (Novato) - In Person, CA

Description


Priority Screening Date: August 10, 2026To Apply: Lead Gardener - Organic Farm & Garden Open Until Filled
POSITON OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the Dean of Math & Sciences, the Lead Gardener duties are primarily focused on the annual planting, maintenance, and harvesting cycle at the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden ("Farm"); which is a certified organic, diversified, and educational Farm. This position also performs skilled and semi skilled horticultural maintenance operations and routine grounds maintenance including the upkeep of a variety of athletic fields. All reasonably related duties are included.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
College of Marin (COM) is committed to cultivating a proactively supportive, inclusive, and accountable environment where equity, equity-mindedness, anti-racism, and social justice are valued, centered, and practiced. Our mission is to employ qualified administrators, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to student success and committed to an inclusive, anti-racist campus culture that demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population. We serve a county population of approximately 250,000 residents.

Based on fall 2025 credit enrollment data, the diversity of students at the College includes greater representation than the county with regards to enrollment with Hispanic/Latinx (37% of enrollment), Asian (7%), Black/African American (3%), white (44%), and multi-racial (7%) students. The high-quality education and training at the College are made possible by our faculty and staff who are committed to excellence. As of fall 2024, College of Marin's workforce includes Hispanic/Latinx (17%), Asian (7%), Black/African American (5%), white (57%), and multi-racial (3%) employees.

College of Marin does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, or perception of, race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, family and medical care leave, military or veteran status, or prior record of arrest or conviction, and is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Civil Rights Act of 1991, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In accordance with Executive order 11246 (as amended), the College of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Please be sure to review the Required Application Documents section below to ensure that you are attaching everything required. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• All application materials must be received by the Priority Screening Date to be considered during the initial screening.
• Applications received after the priority date may be considered thereafter at the discretion of the College until the position is filled.
• The initial screening will begin after the priority date, and applicants will be notified of their status, either way, thereafter. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted separately to schedule an interview appointment with the screening committee.
• This position primarily performs its duties on the Indian Valley (Novato) campus with occasional travel to the Kentfield campus, so if not already residing within the Bay Area, the successful candidate must be willing to relocate.
• Regrettably, College of Marin is not able to offer reimbursement for travel or relocation at this time.

Essential Functions

• Maintains landscaped areas and related items (e.g. storm drains, canals/creeks, etc.) for the purpose of preventing flooding, and removing hazardous debris.
• Plants, transplants, cultivates, fertilizes, and farm ornamental plants as well as established trees and shrubs, for the purpose of meeting the educational and revenue goals of the farm operation.
• Keep all assigned areas attractive and protect against erosion and/or fire.
• Prepares farm grounds for the purpose of providing attractive and safe areas for institutional and public use.
• Prepares and applies various chemical spraying solutions, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides as appropriate for areas certified as organic.
• Inspects and repairs irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Maintains landscaping/farming equipment (e.g. hand tools, mowers, chain saws, blowers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
• Responds to inquiries from staff, students, public, etc.
• Transports various items (e.g. tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required at job site.
• Complies with all mandated CAL/OSHA safety provisions in the course of work.
• Use of new equipment, software programs/applications materials and techniques is required with the need to remain current in new technology.
• Organic certification of the farm is essential and all job duties must be completed in a manner consistent with certification requirements.
• Recommends appropriate landscaping, farming and irrigation equipment tools; methods and materials used, and scheduling of other gardeners and student employees.
• Ensures that all necessary certifications are maintained by employees relevant to farm and landscaping of both campuses.
• Supports gardeners and others in the areas of training, guidance, solving problems, procedures for accomplishing assigned tasks, record keeping and gives clear instructions on daily, weekly and monthly activities through written and verbal communication.
• Assigns tasks and problem solves.
• Assists other gardeners, student employees, volunteers, and others in completion of daily tasks at the farm.

Other Functions:
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Requirements & Desirables


REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or Equivalent; and
• Job Related Experience with increasing levels of responsibility; and
• A valid California Class C driver's license; and
• A valid Qualified Applicator Certification or License from the California Department of Pest Control or ability to obtain; and
• A valid certification or license or certificate of training in organic certification of farm land/farm operations or ability to obtain; and
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understating of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, disabilities and learning styles of community college students and staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Desirable Attributes & Skills)

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math including calculation of fractions, percent's and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: irrigation, and landscaping equipment; organic certification requirements, and landscape maintenance.

SKILLS are required to perform single technical tasks with an occasional need to upgrade skills due to changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: utilizing equipment used in trade; and operating heavy equipment. Use of new or additional equipment brought about by new technology shall be incorporated consistent with the level of responsibility and complexity of this job. Provide clear and concise instruction including guidance, instruction on techniques, methods and procedures for accomplishment.

ABILITY to work with others under a variety of circumstances. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups. In working with others, some problem solving is required to analyze issues, create plans of action and reach solution. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: use of alternative methods of pest control; adhering to safety procedures; working as part of a team and communicating with diverse groups. Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, disabilities and learning styles of community college students and staff.

RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision; utilization of resources from other work units which may be required to perform the job's functions. There is continual opportunity to impact the Organization's services.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: carrying, pushing and/or pulling; significant climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; significant reaching, handling, and manual dexterity. Generally, the job requires 5% sitting, 90% walking and 5% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes, some hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) and in varying atmospheric conditions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following:

1. In accordance with Federal Law all employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
2. Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance.
3. California Education Code, Section 87408.6 requires persons employed by a community college in an academic or classified position to submit to a TB risk assessment developed by CDPH and CTCA and, if risk factors are present, an examination to determine that he or she is free of infectious TB; initially upon hire and every four years thereafter.
4. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: All Marin Community College District (MCCD) employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the MCCD requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. For more information, please see the MCCD Emergency Operations Plan.
5. Candidates applying for positions with the Marin Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
The following documents must be attached to your application in order to render it complete.

1. Cover Letter describing your interest in the position, including how you meet the minimum requirements and are qualified to perform the essential functions as listed in this job posting. In your response, please describe your approach to maintaining a safe, sustainable organic farm that supports student learning. Include examples of how you foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, employees, volunteers, and community members from diverse backgrounds. Please respond to the following prompt in your own words, without using AI tools-we're interested in your authentic voice and perspective
2. Resume
3. Copy of Qualified Applicator Certification or License from the California Department of Pest Control or ability to obtain
4. Copy of valid certification or license or certificate of training in organic certification of farm land/farm operations or ability to obtain

Supplemental & Salary Information


SALARY INFORMATION:
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Salary Range: SEIU 610
Full Salary Range: $34.04 - $54.24 per hour
Starting Salary: $34.04 - $37.53 per hour (Step 1 to 3). Normal entering step is Step 1.
Please refer to our Human Resources web site for salary schedules.

WORK SCHEDULE
Campus: IVC Campus (Novato)
Full-time Equivalent: 1.0 - Full-time
Months per Year: 12
Work Days/Hours:
Monday - Friday
40 Hours per Week

CLASSIFICATION & RETIREMENT PLAN:
Employees in classifications represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021 and are required to comply fully with the SEIU/Marin Community College District (MCCD) Bargaining Agreement. General information regarding rights and responsibilities under the Agreement can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreements section of our Human Resources site. SEIU employees are also members of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), to which the member contributes up to 8% of their reportable compensation on a monthly basis.

THE BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT WITH COLLEGE OF MARIN
SEIU Full-time Employees: The District offers six comprehensive medical plan options through Kaiser and Blue Shield. Effective 10/01/2025, the District makes a substantial contribution toward monthly medical insurance premiums. Regardless of the plan selected, the District's contribution fully covers the premium for employee-only coverage.

The District contribution amounts are:

• Employee only: up to $1,700 per month
• Employee + one dependent: up to $2,400 per month
• Employee + two or more dependents: up to $2,900 per month

Dental and Vision Insurance - Delta Dental and VSP vision plans for employee and dependents, with no cost to employees
Vacation Leave - 102 hours of accrual annually, with additional accrual after 3, 10, and 14 years of service
Paid Holidays - 18 paid holidays annually, which includes a paid winter holiday break at the end of December.
Sick Leave - 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year
Retirement through CalPERS - MCCD contributes 27.05% of employee's creditable earnings to CalPERS on a monthly basis (2024/2025). Vested after five (5) years. Mandatory employee contribution for 2024/2025 is 7% -8%, depending on original date of membership and prior membership status.
Life Insurance - $50,000, with the option to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for the Lesser of 5x base annual salary or $500,000
Additional Retirement Savings Plans - Employees are also eligible to participate in a voluntary, tax-advantaged 403(b)or 457(b) retirement savings plan.
Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability (employee paid), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's), Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional Benefits (at no cost to employee):

• 24/7 Helpline through the Employee Assistance Program (All members)
• 24/7 Physician Access through MD Live (Blue Shield members).
• Expert Medical Opinions through Teladoc (All members).
• Generic Medications through Costco (Blue Shield members).
• Enhanced Cancer Benefit through Contigo Health (Blue Shield members).
• Hip, Knee, and Spine Surgical Benefit through Carrum Health (Blue Shield members).
• Personal Health Coaching through Vida Health (Blue Shield members).
• Physical Therapy for Back and Joint Pain (Blue Shield members).
• Discounts for Gym memberships, Hearing Aids and LASIK Eye Surgery (Blue Shield members).
• ClassPass Kaiser Permanente has teamed up with fitness industry leader ClassPass to make it easier for employees to exercise from the comfort of their homes. (Kaiser members).

For more information regarding MCCD's comprehensive benefit plans, please see our Marin Community College District 2025/2026 Employee Benefit Guide. (Download PDF reader)


To apply: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofmarin/jobs/5408359/lead-gardener-organic-farm-garden?pagetype=promotionalJobs






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