Flower and Vegetable Farmer & Instructor

Sandy Loam is a unique organization that leads farm, nature, cultural and community wellbeing programs that connect people with agriculture, nature and one another.

We operate at Veronda-Falletti Ranch in Cotati in partnership with the City of Cotati. This lovely urban demonstration farm is protected as public open space through a partnership with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Visit sandyloam.org to learn more about us.

We are seeking an experienced, creative and responsible Flower and Vegetable Farmer & Instructor to manage Sandy Loam’s greenhouse, culinary gardens and cut-flower production. A major responsibility will be planning and growing vegetables, herbs and fruit for our farm-to-table programs. This person will also grow cut flowers, create bouquets, produce plant starts, and help develop retail and wholesale sales.

The Farmer & Instructor will serve as Sandy Loam’s growing expert and will be integrated throughout our programs. This person will lead and support hands‑on planting, harvesting, cooking, gardening and floral activities for summer camps, enrichment programs, field trips, farm‑to‑table programs, workforce training, community workshops and public events.

• 1. Farm-to-Table Food Production:
  Plan and grow a consistent supply of vegetables, herbs and fruit for Sandy Loam’s farm-to-table programs. Develop seasonal and succession crop plans based on program schedules and culinary needs. Manage planting, irrigation, soil health, fertility, pest and weed management, harvesting and post-harvest care.
• 2. Greenhouse and Plant Production:
  Manage Sandy Loam’s greenhouse and propagate vegetables, herbs, flowers and plant starts for the Ranch’s gardens, educational programs and sales.
• 3. Flower Production and Sales:
  Grow and harvest cut flowers, design and prepare bouquets, and develop retail, preorder, farmers market and wholesale sales. Manage flower inventory, pricing, order fulfillment and customer relationships.
• 4. Ranch Gardens and Permanent Plantings:
  Maintain productive and beautiful growing areas throughout the Ranch, including the culinary garden, cut-flower garden, perennial plantings and pollinator hedgerow. Select and care for California native plants, particularly plants appropriate to Sonoma County.
• 5. Plant and Nursery Sales:
  Grow healthy, marketable vegetable, herb, flower and native plant starts. Help develop the plant list, production schedule, pricing, labeling and sales plan for Sandy Loam’s nursery program.
• 6. Program Integration and Instruction:
  Serve as Sandy Loam’s food‑growing and floriculture expert across all programs. Collaborate with program leads to provide engaging planting, harvesting, cooking, floral design and garden-based experiences for summer camps, enrichment programs, field trips, farm‑to‑table programs, Livelihoods training, workshops and community events.
• 7. Workshops and Community Events:
  Lead or support workshops and events involving gardening, food production, plant propagation, flower arranging, natural dyes and other seasonal activities. Contribute to Flower Power, Blossom Tea Social, Sparks and Seeds Festival, the Holiday Craft Party and other Sandy Loam events.
• 8. Farm Stewardship:
  Keep the greenhouse, gardens, harvesting areas, flower-processing areas and sales spaces clean, safe, organized and beautiful. Maintain tools and supplies and coordinate volunteers or program participants assisting with growing and harvesting.

• This is an in-person position at Veronda-Falletti Ranch in Cotati, California.
• The regular schedule will generally be Tuesday through Saturday to accommodate Saturday workshops, flower pickups, farmers markets and community events.
• Hours may shift…