Grow With Us

Garden Manager & Land Steward – Wagging Tail Gardens

Part Time/Full Time Flexible Hours

About Us

Wagging Tail Gardens is a passion‑driven project on a five‑acre family property in Cary, NC. We grow southern cultivated, nutrient‑dense vegetables using organic, soil‑first methods that honor the land and support personal and community health. What began as a home garden has grown into a meaningful space where nourishment, stewardship, and purpose come together. As we continue to expand, our long‑term vision includes developing a small market‑garden model that allows us to sell and donate fresh produce to the community.

Position Overview

We’re seeking a skilled, self‑directed Garden Manager & Land Steward to take the lead on day‑to‑day garden operations and help bring our next chapter to life. This position can be part-time or full-time, with part-time growing into full-time as production increases.  You’ll work side‑by‑side with the property owner and, you will own the physical execution, daily operations, and ongoing care of the land. Together, we’ll plan each growing season, and you’ll bring that plan to life through hands‑on stewardship, sustainable practices, and thoughtful land management.

For the right person, this role can evolve into a full farm‑management position — leading expansion, developing new systems, hiring staff, and helping build a small, community‑focused farm operation from the ground up.

🌱 Responsibilities

Vegetable Gardening & Land Stewardship

• Lead all day‑to‑day garden operations across ~1/4 acre, plus additional growing areas

• Start seeds, transplant, and manage seasonal plantings

• Weed, mulch, prune, trellis, and maintain healthy beds

• Manage soil health, compost systems, and amendments

• Monitor and treat pests and diseases using organic methods

• Oversee irrigation systems and water management

• Harvest and prepare produce for household use, sharing, or future sales

• Maintain tools, equipment, and garden structures

• Support expansion projects such as new beds, improved systems, or trial crops

• Perform light property projects (10–15%), including fence repair, walkways, pond care, and small infrastructure tasks

Chicken‑Keeping Initiative

• Plan and build a functional, safe chicken coop and run

• Establish and care for a small flock

• Manage feeding, watering, cleaning, and flock health

• Collect and store eggs

Collaboration & Planning

• Collaborate on seasonal crop planning, garden visioning, and long‑term direction

• Communicate needs, challenges, and ideas proactively

• Prepare an annual and seasonal budget of supply needs and anticipated expenses; purchasing decisions will be discussed collaboratively

• Provide updates, photos, and observations to support decision‑making

• Bring forward recommendations for improvements, expansions, or new systems

📎 Qualifications

• Strong experience with small‑scale or organic vegetable production, soil care, and seasonal planting (zone 7b/8a preferred)

• Independent work is essential — this role requires someone who can self‑direct, prioritize, and keep the daily garden tasks moving

• Familiarity with chicken husbandry and coop design

• Carpentry or DIY skills for small projects

• Experience with small machinery or tractors is a plus

• Comfortable with physical work in all weather

• Reliable, detail‑oriented, and aligned with organic, ecological values

• A collaborative spirit and genuine respect for the land

🧾 Position Details

• Type: Part‑time or Full Time

• Hours: ~25 - 40 hours/week, Flexible

• Location: On‑site at Wagging Tail Gardens, Cary, NC

• Compensation: $16–$22/hr based on experience

• Growth: Potential for expanded hours, increased responsibility, and involvement in future staffing as production scales

This is a well-funded initiative.  If you’re passionate about growing food, caring for the land, and helping build a meaningful community‑oriented garden from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.  To apply, please send a brief introduction, your experience, and availability to: lea@waggingtailgardens.com.