Join Our Team!
Position: Foodscaping Crew Member
Company Overview: Columbus Foodscapes is a woman-owned edible and ecological landscaping company with a special focus on raised bed gardens and edible landscapes. Services broadly include on-site consultations, custom raised bed vegetable garden designs and installations, edible landscaping design and installation, and education like classes, garden coaching, and our full-season support program. In short: we help folks here in Central Ohio to transform their ordinary lawns into places of beauty and delicious abundance!
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
Start: Early March 2025 (flexible)
Location: Home-based business in Columbus, Ohio, with residential, commercial, and community garden sites throughout Central Ohio. Location of work will vary day-to-day, week-to-week, depending on installation schedule.
Position overview: Foodscaping Crew Members are an integral part of the installation process of landscaping and vegetable garden build projects from inception to completion, helping transform ordinary spaces into food-filled places of beauty and wonder. Foodscaping crew members work directly under the direction of a crew leader to complete landscape installations at client sites.
Job Type & Schedule: Part-time, seasonal. March - October or November, 2025 (end date depending on schedule and market demand). Estimated 24-28 hours weekly; our crew installs three days a week, Tuesday - Thursday, with additional twice-monthly half-shifts for special events like farmer’s markets, community garden work days, workshop assistance, etc. (these half-shifts typically take place Saturday mornings or Thursday evenings). Option to add additional hours depending on market demand and employee desire & experience. We are typically closed for summer break for 2-3 weeks in July; summer break dates are TBD at this time. We are open to personalized scheduling possibilities, within reason, and can discuss more.
Background Check: Required.
Compensation: $20 - $24/hour, depending on experience. Mileage reimbursement if/when traveling between job sites during workday in personal vehicle.
Job Requirements:
Genuine interest, enthusiasm, and passion for Columbus Foodscapes’ mission and a desire to contribute to it
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites around the greater Central Ohio area
Experienced in using clear and succinct communication to efficiently complete projects
Reliable cell phone in good working condition
Good physical condition, manual dexterity and stamina
Ability to bend, kneel, walk, stand, crouch, and shovel for long period of time during the work day
Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly throughout the workday
Attention to detail in both landscaping and any administrative duties
Open to constructive feedback, learning new things, and prioritizes a “lifelong learner” growth mindset, guided by curiosity and asking questions
Ability to work all day in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, etc. We are a positive crew and highly value keeping a positive vibe going! We do take precautions and make adjustments to work days when there is a dangerous heat or air quality index.
Self-motivated with ability to work independently, in partnership, and in a team environment
Capacity to pivot quickly between tasks or plans and to adapt to unique or unexpected situations (sometimes the plan changes in the middle of the day and we roll with it!)
Compassionate, helpful, and friendly demeanor when interacting with clients and teammates
Ability to work around natural materials, such as soil, plants, wood chips, straw, etc. that may contain mold, fungi, pollen, and other allergens.
Bonus qualifications, but not necessary:
Experience driving vehicles with trailers
Woodworking experience
Native Plant Knowledge
Drip irrigation knowledge/experience
Farming experience
Some of the work you might do:
Sod removal
Edging installation
Hauling and spreading mulch, soil, gravel, and stone
Planting perennial plants, vegetables, shrubs, and trees (primarily edibles & natives)
Vegetable garden tending, including pruning, removing diseased plants, adding soil amendments, seeding, transplanting, staking, and other vegetable garden-related tasks
Some stone pathway installation
Constructing raised beds, garden fences, and other garden structures like trellises alongside experienced crew member and/or crew lead
Picking up supplies like soil, plants, lumber, and other materials in Columbus Foodscapes truck & trailers
Site & tool clean-up and organization
Assembling pre-fabricated metal raised beds
Documenting work, like taking photos on phone or camera, for marketing purposes
Assistance & presence during Columbus Foodscapes evening or weekend events like community garden work days, classes, and workshops (expected 1-2/month maximum)
Equipment care (cleaning, sharpening tools, etc.)
Some optional work might be offered, depending on employee experience and desire, including but not limited to: drafting planting plans, garden design, leading classes, and light administrative duties
Our Ideal Candidate is Someone Who:
Has previous landscaping, farming, or high-intensity gardening experience (highly preferred, compensation based on experience)
Can identify, plant, prune, and tend to most common garden fruit and vegetables, as well as is familiar with common vegetable spacing, pests, diseases, and general information
Has an interest in permaculture, ecological landscaping, and/or foodscaping
Truly likes working hard outside, in the elements, with a upbeat attitude
What you can expect from us:
Honesty, integrity, and exuberance in the work we do with both our clients and crew members
Organic gardening methods only; no requirements for crew members to apply chemicals
Interest and support of YOUR interests- if you are especially excited about a certain part of a project or learning a skill on the job, we’re here to make that happen
Prioritizing Non-violent Communication and respect
Prioritizing a professional work environment where every team member can thrive personally and professionally, while also honoring timely follow-through on our client commitments
To Apply, Submit the following:
Your Resume, including contact & basic information (name, preferred pronouns, address, phone, email)
2-3 professional references
Either a cover letter or a short (less than 8-minute) video (or a combination), detailing your interest and relevant experience, including responses to the questions below.
Please submit all materials to Katie at info@columbusfoodscapes.com, with the email subject reading “Foodscaping Crew Member 2025 Application”
Please keep in mind that we care more about your lived experience and what your strengths are vs. your qualifications on paper. We’re looking forward to genuinely getting to know you, so please share authentically.
Why are you a good fit for this position and how does it fit into your short and long term goals?
What part of this work do you feel you’ll be best at?
What part of this work do you feel will be a challenge or offer growth opportunities?
What is most important to you in a job?
Any scheduling concerns/special considerations, based on the “Position Overview” description above?
What makes you feel valued and appreciated as a team member?
Bonus: Send us some photos of your garden!
We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.