Company description
About Highwater Farm
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.
Internship description
Highwater Farm is seeking a Farm Apprentice to support all aspects of farm management. Apprentices are anticipated to be onsite 40 hrs per week. 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 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.
Daily tasks include: seeding; greenhouse management; cultivation and bed prep; transplanting; irrigation; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing and marketing crops; animal chores including feeding/watering chickens, and rotating chickens on a weekly basis.
Additional responsibilities include preparation for and management of on-farm CSA distribution and wholesale orders, managing volunteers on the farm, and training/leading youth program participants in fieldwork and farm tasks.
Educational opportunities include 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. Additionally, monthly feedback sessions among staff build communication skills.
This position will require additional responsibilities that are shared among staff (weekend chores, irrigation, etc.)
Location: Highwater Farm, 7001 Co Rd 346, Silt, CO 81652
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 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 practices
• Able to lift 50+lbs.
• Valid driver’s license in order to complete job duties
• Access to a cell phone, personal computer recommended but not required
• 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. 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 $18/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, $15-20/hr
Application instructions
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Deadline
February 28, 2025