Garden Manager

The Garden Manager 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.

LCCA is located in Marshall, NC, approximately 30-min north of Asheville. Within the 489-acre property, the center is comprised of approximately 125 structures (existing + planned), over 44 acres. The center features five teaching spaces, an 8000+ sq ft spa, fitness center, auditorium, event hall, dining hall, reception building, administrative building, horticultural complex and 76 guest cabins.

Currently, there are 12 LightEn US team members, and we are forecasted to grow to 50-60 team members by late-2025. The Garden Manager will report directly to the Horticultural Director. In addition to the core competencies outlined below, the right candidate will have resonance with LightEn’s vision, be flexible, have a desire to learn, maintain a willingness to contribute when needed, and an ability to lead from a place of inclusiveness, kindness and service.

JOB PURPOSE:

We are seeking a dedicated and well-rounded Garden Manager to join our team and help oversee farm and greenhouse production. Working closely with the Horticultural Director, this role focuses on cultivating high-yield crops in a small footprint while upholding regenerative, no-till farming principles. By stewarding the land with care and integrity, the Garden Manager plays a key role in creating an abundant and nourishing experience for both guests and the ecosystem. The Garden Manager will also support the Director with on-site programmatic activities and will engage with guests and visitors. The ideal candidate is passionate about growing food, heirloom vegetables, flowers, and native plants and has experience managing field, nursery, and greenhouse operations.

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:

• Collaborate with the Horticultural Director to manage garden (vegetable and flower farm) and greenhouse operations, including soil health, planting schedules, irrigation, and pest control.
• Assist in overseeing greenhouse propagation, transplanting, seasonal crop rotations, and harvesting.
• Assist in training and leading team members, seasonal workers, and volunteers.
• Manage the team in the absence of the Horticultural Director.
• Foster and maintain connections with local farmers and herbalists.
• Implement regenerative soil and no-till practices to maximize productivity while prioritizing soil health and sustainability.
• Engage with guests and visitors and lead programmatic or information sessions in the Director’s absence.
• Maintain records, manage inventory, and assist with budgeting and scheduling.
• Support locally sourced food initiatives, guest experiences, and educational programs.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience and/or education in agriculture.
• Previous experience in farm management, leading a team, flower farming, gardening, herbalism and/or greenhouse production.
• 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.
• Knowledge of no till growing practices and regenerative agriculture.
• Experience and comfort with group facilitation, training and/or public speaking.
• Experienced using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• 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 active listening and contributing value.
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, ability to lift up 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.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work longer days during the growing season with a more flexible schedule in the winter months

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Experience and/or education in all aspects involved in growing vegetables and flowers
• Previous experience in farm management, leading a team, flower farming, gardening, herbalism and/or greenhouse production.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in the field working with a team.

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.

SALARY + BENEFITS: $52,725 starting salary with full medical benefits, paid time off, 403(b), and additional benefits.