Naturescaping Crew Lead

The LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action (LCCA) is a new 500-acre retreat center in the Blue Ridge mountains in Marshall, North Carolina. LCCA will serve as a soul-focused sanctuary and learning center for individual and collective growth, exploration and transformation, focused on catalyzing the evolution of consciousness needed to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. The Center will host current and emerging leaders to cultivate and deepen the inner work needed to be more effective change agents in the world. LCCA is the home of LightEn US, which is part of the overall LightEn network.

The campus features five teaching spaces, event hall, dining hall, auditorium, spa and fitness center, reception building, administrative building, horticulture complex and 76 guest cabins. Currently there are about 40 LCCA team members. The Gardener will report to the Director of Horticulture as part of the Horticulture Team. In addition to the core competencies outlined below, the right candidate will have resonance with LightEn’s vision, be flexible, have the desire to learn, maintain a willingness to contribute when needed, and an ability to lead from a place of inclusiveness, kindness, and service.

OVERVIEW:

The Naturescaping Lead role represents an exceptional opportunity for an energetic, and caring professional to join LightEn US in its start-up phase. LightEn’s team is collectively working to deliver on an ambitious and world-changing mission, providing a world-class culture through a purpose driven lens. Further, this project is truly one-of-a-kind and is led by an extraordinary vision of its founders, transforming everyone who takes part.

JOB PURPOSE:

We are seeking a dedicated and well-rounded Naturescaping Lead to help care for the Land - from newly installed gardens to nursery and greenhouse production. Working closely with the Land, the Director of Horticulture and Land Steward Director, this role focuses on caring for and maintaining the health and longevity of newly installed landscaped areas throughout the campus. By stewarding the Land with care and integrity, the Naturescaping Lead plays a key role in creating an abundant and nourishing experience for both our ecosystem and our guests. When needed, the Naturescaping Lead will also aid in supporting on-site Horticulture programmatic activities and will engage with guests and visitors. As a start-up, the needs are ever changing, so the Naturescaping Lead will also be in collaboration with the Land and Garden Teams when needed with various projects. The ideal candidate is passionate about and has experience working with perennial plant and native gardens, is flexible. This is a salaried full-time position.

All team members are expected to model LightEn’s approach and values of reflection, collaboration, and soul-infused action and are encouraged and supported to do so throughout their own practices.

Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Horticulture and Director of Land Stewardship in caring for the Land with a focus on recently installed gardens and greenhouse operations.
• Ability to lead a small crew, staying flexible while also meeting the needs of the gardens throughout campus as efficiently and effectively as seasonally possible.
• Assist in greenhouse seed saving, propagation and installation.
• Implement regenerative soil techniques to care for the Land and its inhabitants in a holistic way, prioritizing soil health and sustainability.
• Engage with guests and visitors and assist with horticulture programmatic sessions.
• Assist in tracking inventory in the gardens and nursery.
• Support guest experiences and educational programs.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep respect for the Land and passion for working collaboratively with a team and sharing your knowledge.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Previous experience in caring for high maintenance gardens
• Knowledge and experience in proper pruning techniques for plants and trees: deadheading, weeding non desirables and invasive plants, ISA training in proper tree pruning techniques a bonus
• Strong perennial plant and native plant identification.
• Strong observation skills in caring for Land – noticing subtle changes in plant health, such as pest infestations or nutrient deficiency.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel a plus
• Ability and willingness to build meaningful relationships.
• Provide warm and welcoming interactions with guests, with humility, kindness, and open heart, delivering an exceptional guest experience.
• Knowledge and interest in our mission, vision, and culture
• Maintain strong communication skills, focused on transparency, leading with curiosity, and active listening.
• Experience or interest in Therapeutic Horticulture is a plus
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, ability to lift to 50 lbs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE:

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to bend over, stand and lift heavy materials.
• Team members must maintain internal service standards, including wearing a company provided uniform and maintaining a neat appearance.
• The team member must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• This is a four season, all weather position and may require working in snow and assisting in snow removal during the winter.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work longer days during the growing season, ability to work in all seasons with more flexible schedule in the winter months
• Ability to stay flexible throughout the seasons - work independently, as part of the horticulture team and the larger LightEn ecosystem when needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years’ experience in best horticultural practices and native plant identification
• Previous experience leading a small team and practicing clear communication
• Previous experience in gardening, herbalism, and/or greenhouse production.

SALARY + BENEFITS: $58,000-$62,000 salary with full health, dental and vision benefits paid 100% by LCCA, paid time off, paid sick time, 403(b) retirement savings and up to 6% company match, fresh vegetarian lunch provided daily, along with uniforms.

APPLY:

To apply for this position, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Naturescaping Lead” Please attach your resume in your email and include a brief intro about yourself, why you’re interested in this role and how LightEn’s mission resonates with you in the body of the email.

AAP/EEO Statement

LightEn NC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, LightEn NC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation. and training.

LightEn NC expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of LightEn NC’s team members to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.