Assistant Grower – High Water Farm

Last Updated On: noviembre 16th, 2023 at 09:04AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
7001 Co Rd 346
Silt, Colorado, 81652

Primary Contact: Rebecca Gourlay
Secondary Contact: Sara Tymczyszyn

Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 7162480525
    Email: becca@highwaterfarm.org

Secondary Phone
    Type: -----
    Number: 9098446116
    Email: sara@highwaterfarm.org

    Email: sara@highwaterfarm.org

Website: https://highwaterfarm.org/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Highwater Farm connects the community back to the land through sustainable agricultural practices, stewardship, and youth development. Located between the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys 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. The farm also became a SNAP certified retailer in 2023. This past season, our team grew over 35,000 pounds of diversified vegetables and cover crop on 3 acres using regenerative practices. Production included over 40 different crops and 120 varieties of those crops. 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.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: March 15th, 2024
Internship Ends: October 31st, 2024
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: 8 months

Internship Details:

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 3 acres. 

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.  

This position will require additional responsibilities that are shared among staff (weekend chores, irrigation, etc.) and weekly check-ins with the Executive Director.

Educational Opportunities: The Assistant Grower position is an immersive learning experience where participants are involved in all aspects of vegetable production. Agriculture-focused educational opportunities include sharing/reviewing the crop plan, weekly field walks, and fall workshops on various topics. Professional development opportunities include trainings in group facilitation techniques, and the management of youth and adults on the farm. Additionally, monthly feedback sessions among staff build communication skills.

Skills Desired: One season of farming experience or equivalent outdoor exposure is recommended and a willingness to learn/ be involved in all areas of food production is required. Additionally required is the ability to lift 50+ lbs, work long hours in all types of weather conditions, and a positive attitude and enthusiasm for sustainable food production.

Meals: No, however access to a weekly farm share and eggs is included.

Stipend: The Assistant Grower position is funded through Americorps and a partnership with Mountain Roots. The Assistant Grower position receives a living allowance stipend of $13,552.00 paid out bi-weekly at $797.18 over the course of the term. Additionally, AmeriCorps members receive a $4,826.50 Education Award / Tuition Assistance upon successful completion of service. This can be used to pay back student loans, or to further your education.

Housing: No, but Highwater Farm offers a housing stipend for AmeriCorps positions.

Preferred method of Contact: email