Company description

Highwater Farm connects the community back to the land through sustainable agriculture, stewardship, and youth development. Located in the Colorado River valley on the western slope of Colorado, the farm provides weekly vegetables for a 120-member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that routes 15% of produce grown to the local food pantry system and is a certified SNAP retailer. In 2024 our team grew over 30,000 pounds of diversified vegetables on 3 acres using regenerative practices. A flock of laying hens with a mobile chicken coop helps manage and fertilize surrounding pastures and provides eggs for CSA members. 

The farm is located in Silt, Colorado - a small town with a deep farming and ranching history. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area including an extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails, river access for rafting and fly fishing, and camping.

Internship description

Highwater Farm is seeking an apprentice with a demonstrated interest in agriculture for the 2025 season. As an apprentice at Highwater Farm, you’ll learn the ins and outs of running a diversified vegetable farm through personalized instruction, hands-on experience, and active education on 3 acres of land. The ideal candidate has an interest in vegetable production, will be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, a sense of humor, excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management and communication skills. No prior farming experience is required.

Farm Apprentice Description

The Farm Apprentice supports all aspects of farm management. Positions are seasonal with a 6-month contract starting in April or May. Full or part-time work is available. No prior farm experience is needed, but a willingness to learn is required. Additionally required is the ability to lift 50+ lbs, work long hours in all types of weather conditions, and have a positive attitude and enthusiasm for sustainable food production.    

The Farm Apprentice position is an immersive learning experience where participants are involved in all aspects of vegetable production and agriculture-focused educational opportunities. The Farm Apprentice reports directly to the Farm Manager to assist in all areas of field production and help ensure the farm is operating efficiently. 

Responsibilities:

• Participate in vegetable production throughout the season (seeding; greenhouse management; cultivation and bed prep; transplanting; irrigation; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing, and marketing crops; and animal chores including feeding/watering chickens, and rotating chickens every week)
• Prepare for and manage on-farm CSA distribution and wholesale orders
• Manage volunteers on the farm
• Train and lead youth program participants in fieldwork and farm tasks
• Saturday and Sunday greenhouse/irrigation chores shared among staff on a rotating basis
• Weekly check-ins with the Executive Director

Educational Opportunities:

• Sharing/reviewing the crop plan, weekly field walks, and fall workshops on various topics
• Professional development opportunities include training in group facilitation techniques and the management of youth and adults on the farm
• Monthly feedback sessions among staff build communication skills

Qualifications:

• Flexibility to work with shifting timelines and schedules
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions and maintain a positive attitude
• Capacity to uphold high standards set by the organization, and the ability to motivate a group of young people while fostering their potential
• Excellent organizational skills, dependability, flexibility, and capacity to manage time effectively both independently and on group projects
• Strong commitment to sustainable farming practice
• Able to lift 50+lbs
• Valid driver’s license
  Ability to safely operate tractors and other farm equipment preferred, but not required.

Hours & Schedule:

This position is seasonal from April 15-October 15 and hours vary
Full or part-time work is available. Saturday and Sunday greenhouse/irrigation chores shared among staff on a rotating basis

Compensation:

• Compensation will be hourly at $18/ hour and will be paid out every two weeks
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel in personal vehicles is included.
• Compensation also includes a CSA share, storage crops, and eggs 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline