Elkstone Farm


Contact information
Farm Address:
40345 Virtus Way, box 776197
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 80487

Primary Contact: Marco Lam
Primary Phone:
    Type:
Cell
    Number: 3033591161
    Email: marco@elkstonefarm.com

    Email: pranafarmer@gmail.com

Website: https://www.elkstonefarm.com

Internship information
General Farm Description: Elkstone Farm is a permaculture-inspired farm in the mountains of northwest Colorado near Steamboat Springs. Its owners were inspired to start the farm by the agricultural heritage of the valley and the desire to improve the health of the land. The farm embraces organic principles to maximize productivity and support the health of its farmers and its crops. Throughout the year we host culinary and educational events which are open to the community. We also teach cooking lessons and create a line of value-added products from the farm’s produce. Our produce and products can be found at our farm stand during the summer, and at local stores throughout the year. Find us on Instagram @elkstonefarm.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: May 1, 2023
Internship Ends: October 31, 2023
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: May 1, 2023
Minimum Length of Stay: Summer season

Internship Details:

JOB TITLE: Assistant Grower

ABOUT THE FARM: Elkstone Farm is a permaculture-inspired farm in the mountains of northwest Colorado near Steamboat Springs. Its owners were inspired to start the farm by the agricultural heritage of the valley and the desire to improve the health of the land. The farm embraces organic principles to maximize productivity and support the health of its farmers and its crops.  Throughout the year we host culinary and educational events which are open to the community. We also teach cooking lessons and create a line of value-added products from the farm’s produce. Our produce and products can be found at our farm stand during the summer, and at local stores throughout the year. We have an education program that incorporates ecological land management practices, permaculture, natural health and personal development. Find us on Instagram @elkstonefarm.

 

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY:  The assistant growers are the backbone of our farm operation and support us in our annual and perennial production. Assistant growers are involved in seeding, planting, performing fieldwork, and harvesting for our annual vegetable production, as well as maintaining and harvesting orchards, maintaining flower beds, growing mushrooms, helping maintain a four-season permaculture greenhouse, and occasionally keeping bees. They assist the lead grower and farm managers in all areas of vegetable production and permaculture projects on the farm.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: To be an assistant grower, you must have a deep love for the outdoors and growing food, and a willingness to learn and to work hard. Prior farm experience, specifically in organic and market-garden style farming, is ideal but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate. Must be able to comfortably lift 50 pounds, take direction well, work well on a team, and cultivate a positive work environment.

 

PERSONAL TRAITS: We have had an awesome sense of community on our farm while maintaining a strong work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile to produce incredible food. We want someone who shares a sense of both community and a strong work ethic.

Self-direction and ownership of work are crucial.

We are committed to a healthy workplace and this precludes smoking on the farm. This position will involve working full days outdoors, so being comfortable in various weather conditions is important. . Not all jobs are fun in the sun. Weeding and lifting heavy things are part of the job.

 

REPORTS TO: Farm Managers and Principal Grower.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Employment at-will.
  • Season runs May 1 through October 31, with hours subject to reduction at the first and last month of the season.
  • Assistant growers are expected to work 32-40 hours per week, depending on scheduling agreed upon with Farm Managers. Typically assistant growers work Monday-Thursday, with one assistant grower coming in Friday to aid in harvest from mid-July to September. Occasional weekend work, typically about 2 hours across Saturday and/or Sunday, watering or managing the mushroom grow is required, one weekend a month or less. Rotating assistant grower working an extra hour or two on Tuesdays to help run and close our farmstand in the afternoon.
  • Additional paid opportunities with gratuities are available to serve at our farm-to-table dinners.

 

COMPENSATION: $13-18, depending on experience.

Please use the form below to inquire about this position and/or upload your resume.


Educational Opportunities: Yes. Please see website. Employees take all classes for free taught by staff, 50% off classes taught by guest instructors.

Skills Desired: Permaculture, orcharding, market growing, mushroom cultivation, greenhouse, propagation

Meals: Once a week we share a farm-to-table lunch with the crew.

Stipend: Yes. Paid position full time. Option for additional work serving evenings at farm-to-table restaurant at $25+/hr.

Housing: No. Steamboat Springs is a posh mountain town and is incredibly beautiful. Finding housing can be difficult here and it is recommended you look early. We keep an ear out for employees for good housing.

Preferred method of Contact: Email