Garden Assistant

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: May 11  Compensation: $16.50/hour

Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, a renowned retreat center in Rhinebeck, NY is hiring Garden Assistants for the 2026 growing season, employment May 11-end of October. Omega’s seasonal staff experience offers the unique opportunity for individuals to contribute professional skills and compassionate customer service while thriving in a vibrant learning-oriented environment.    

This is a non exempt, full time hourly position, at 35 hours a week, $16.50/hour. 

Central tasks for this OCSL position include work with Omega’s gardens, landscaping and lagoon greenhouse area, as well as Eco-Machine care, and permaculture project preparation and maintenance. May also help lead staff and participant OCSL educational offerings during the season and be available to support OCSL participants around campus.

Responsibilities/Duties

Essential Functions

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • General Care of the garden, flower beds and potted plants including: bed prep, weeding, planting, transplanting, harvesting, watering, etc.
  • General landscaping and care of the 250-acre campus including: raking, mulching, sheet mulching, digging, pruning, compost care, etc.
  • Upkeep of OCSL permaculture projects such as maintaining and harvesting from the mushroom yard, perennial plant holding bed, rain gardens, small food forest, and various other projects. 
  • Ensuring a safe landscape for participants including: path and trail maintenance, poison ivy removal, etc.
  • Coordinate with Omega's OCSL Garden Manager and other departments on tasks that need assistance.
  • Help with student groups that come to visit and volunteer in the garden at Omega
  • Lead monthly, educational tours of the OCSL; engaging guests in a fun and dynamic manner.
  • Assisting with end of season shutdown including: clearing beds, raking, storing equipment, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned by OCSL Garden Manager.

Work Details

  • This position functions outdoors on the Omega campus.
  • This is a full-time position, 35 hours a week. Occasional watering on days off (paid time). Weekend availability is required.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to constantly work in outdoor weather conditions.
  • Ability to frequently move items that weigh 50 pounds for various needs.
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for 50% of work time.
  • Ability to traverse a hilly campus in diverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to position self to perform diverse job tasks as necessary.
  • Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
  • Ability to work in a constant sate of alertness and safe manner. 
  • Ability to observe details at close range.
  • Ability to exercise appropriate awareness and self-care in outdoor work settings (wearing appropriate gear and clothing for the work and weather) and awareness of poisonous plants, etc.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • At least 1 year of farming, gardening and/or landscaping experience.
  • Proven ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for up to 8 hours per day.
  • Knowledge of chemical-free plant care, plant identification, seeding, transplanting, bed preparation.
  • Knowledge of or interest in permaculture principles as applied to a growing environment.
  • Excitement toward working in Omega's gardens, education, and creating a beautifully aesthetic and healing space for workshop participants.
  • Ability to be responsible, on time, and demonstrate strong communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Ability to work independently without supervision, and as a member of a team completing tasks together. 
  • Interested in their own personal and professional growth and supporting the growth and safety of other members of the team and campus.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Valid driver's license. 
  • Alignment with Omega’s mission, goals and core values.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Preferred Experience/Qualities  

  • Supervisory experience preferred.
  • Experience working in an integrated, live/work environment.
  • Availability and interest in working the shoulder seasons, assisting with bed prep in early spring and leaf cleanup in the fall.
  • Desire and ability to be the point person and lead one or two projects on campus, independently. 

Additional Information

Please use the above link provided to apply to this specific position. 

Organization website: eomega.org

General site for seasonal applications: https://www.eomega.org/jobs-service/seasonal-staff-volunteer-opportunities

Contact Information

Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Website: Apply Online