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 and routes 15% of produce grown to the local food pantry system. We are also 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.
Job description
Job Description
Working in close cooperation with the Farm Manager & Youth Program Coordinator, this position facilitates crew worker experiences while also supporting farm operations. Outside of the Summer Youth Program, this position will support community events and outreach as needed.
Daily farm tasks include: seeding; cultivation and bed prep; transplanting; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing, and marketing crops. Youth program support includes assigning crew members field tasks and explaining/ demonstrating farm work; working alongside crew members to ensure that the group is organized and moving efficiently; and co-facilitating educational workshops in the afternoon.
Responsibilities:
60% - Farm Support
- Participate in and be accountable for growing high quality organic produce, including seeding; cultivation and bed prep; transplanting; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing, and marketing crops; and animal chores including feeding/watering chickens, and rotating chickens every week
- Perform research on various agricultural methods as directed by the Farm Manager
- Regularly work with drip and overhead irrigation systems
- Assist with produce processing, distribution, and delivery including CSA, and various wholesale accounts
- Saturday and Sunday greenhouse/irrigation chores shared among staff on a rotating basis
40% - Youth Program Support
- Work with the Youth Program Coordinator to plan and facilitate team-building, reflection, service, and educational activities
- Uphold, train and mentor youth (ages 14-17) in work standards, feedback and basic agricultural work practices
- Lead select workshops, games and activities focused on building introductory knowledge of social justice and food justice issues; communication skills; and relationship building across social barriers
- Model fieldwork by working alongside crew workers to accomplish field tasks
Qualifications:
- Minimum 1 season working in vegetable production or similar outdoor work
- Supervisory or leadership experience recommended
- Demonstrated 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
- Strong commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices
- Ability to lead seasonal staff, youth, and volunteers in the field
- Able to lift 50+lbs
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation/vehicle to use for farm tasks
- Access to a cell phone, personal computer recommended but not required
- Ability to safely operate vans and other farm equipment preferred, but not required
Hours & Schedule:
This position is seasonal from April 15- October 15 and hours vary. Peak season (July - September) 40 hours/week
Saturday and Sunday greenhouse, irrigation and livestock chores shared among staff on a rotating basis
Compensation:
- Compensation is hourly at $20/hour with a one-month review and will be paid out every 2 weeks
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel in personal vehicles is included
- Also includes a full CSA share, storage crops, and eggs totaling a $1,000 value over the course of the season
Compensation
this position is: hourly, $20/hr +
Application instructions
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Deadline
February 28, 2025