Highwater Farm Overview
Highwater Farm is growing food, empowering youth, and fueling community on 5 acres in Silt, Colorado. Using sustainable agricultural practices, we steward public land, increase access to healthy local food and engage teens in meaningful work.
Service Description
The Assistant Grower will report directly to the Farm Manager to assist in all areas of field production and help ensure the farm is operating efficiently. 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 field work and farm tasks. This position requires participation and leadership in all aspects of vegetable production and land management on 5 acres. Daily tasks include but are not limited to: seeding; greenhouse management; cultivation and bed prep; transplanting; irrigation; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing and marketing crops.
AmeriCorps Member Duties
- Stay informed of crop production schedules, log data and capture field notes
- Assist Farm Manager in preparation and management of CSA and wholesale accounts
- Ensure youth crew workers, and volunteers are trained and motivated to accomplish scheduled work
- Work alongside crew members to achieve efficient and successful crop production
- Share animal chores, including feeding and watering laying hens, collecting and cleaning eggs, and rotating chicken pasture
- Assist with pest and disease scouting; implement Integrated Pest Management tactics
- Regularly work with drip and overhead irrigation systems
- Manage produce processing, distribution and delivery
- Lead select workshops focused on building introductory knowledge of agriculture and food systems
- Share social media management and provide community with storytelling about the farm and produce sales
Location and Service Conditions:
This position is based at Highwater Farm, 7001 Co Rd 346, Silt, CO 81652. Position will involve frequent days of service outdoors and/or in a school or community building.
Qualifications:
- One season of farming experience or equivalent outdoor exposure.
- Demonstrated flexibility to work with shifting timelines and schedules.
- Ability 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
- 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.
- Able to lift 50+lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to safely operate tractors and other farm equipment preferred, but not required.
