EXPERIENCED FARM LEAD – Benevolence Orchard

Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2024 at 08:09AM MST

Contact information
Farm Address:
6712 Jay Road
Boulder, Colorado, 80301

Primary Contact: Wesley Swartz
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 720-938-7708
    Email: benevolenceorchard@gmail.com

Website: https://www.benevolenceorchard.com/

Internship information
General Farm Description: Benevolence Orchard & Gardens is a regenerative permaculture project in Boulder County, Colorado. Situated on a secured, private piece of land, we steward heritage fruit trees, mushrooms, herbs, perennials, vegetables, a flock of chickens, bees, and various wild critters. Our activities include hosting a roadside stand, workshops, a small CSA, and offering handcrafted pantry goods and herbals year-round. We prioritize building a strong team, where all members share a commitment and passion for delivering the highest quality food and products. We work collaboratively throughout the season to achieve our goals.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: ASAP
Internship Ends: November 2024
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: ASAP
Minimum Length of Stay: Must stay through November 2024

Internship Details:

The Experienced Farm Lead will be responsible for planning and managing a market garden, overseeing a small plot either independently or with a small team. Key responsibilities include mapping and planning yields, ensuring succession and harvesting, and utilizing knowledge to stagger produce effectively. Qualified candidates should have a minimum of four seasons of recent farming experience in the local climate of the Colorado Foothills.

This position involves leading and overseeing the daily schedule of the Orchard & Gardens, working with a farm crew, managing post-harvest care, field work, farm stand and CSA distribution, and performing various tasks related to sustainable agriculture. Due to exposure to the elements, being intuitive and practicing self-care are crucial. Repetitive tasks include sowing seeds, transplanting, planting, weeding, cleaning beds, compost fertilizing, deadheading, and harvesting.

Tasks include preparing soil, irrigation, planting, caring for plant material, and various weekly record-keeping responsibilities. The successful candidate must have the physical ability to engage daily in a rigorous, fast-paced agricultural setting, demonstrating a positive attitude and attention to detail. Commitment to the full growing season is essential.

TASKS INCLUDE

  • Preparing soil, irrigation, planting, watering, and caring for plant material.
  • Weekly record-keeping on crop availability and harvest yields.
  • Managing farm crew, setting the pace, and overseeing workers.
  • Leading and assisting in managing volunteers in the field.
  • Assisting in irrigation setup and use in fields, greenhouses, and hardening-off areas.
  • Assisting in the distribution of produce, including CSA distribution, farm store, and wholesale account deliveries.
  • Overseeing and maintaining greenhouse production, including seeding, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, and record-keeping.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to analyze and solve problems efficiently.
  • Awareness of surroundings and completion of tasks.
  • Flexibility and constructive, positive collaboration.
  • Emotional intelligence.
  • Excellent organization, multitasking, and record-keeping skills.
  • Excellent communication with co-workers and the larger community.
  • Ability to efficiently lead a diverse group to accomplish daily goals.
  • Strong initiative, ability to work independently and in a group setting.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

  • Proficient leadership in managing co-workers effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Positive personality and sense of humor.
  • Solution-oriented approach in challenging situations.
  • Ability to fill in for shifts in case of crew illness or emergencies.
  • Ensuring the team maintains clean and organized facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum four seasons of full-time farm experience.
  • Local to the area or familiarity with the local climate.
  • Physical strength, problem-solving abilities, good health, and a positive “can-do” attitude.
  • Physical and emotional maturity to meet uncertain job demands.
  • Willingness to learn and work within existing systems infrastructures.
  • In-person interview and farm visit required.

TO APPLY

Email benevolenceorchard@gmail.com with the following information:

  • Cover letter explaining your excitement about agriculture and your qualifications for this position.
  • Resume listing agricultural experience and past employment.

COMPENSATION

This position is hourly, ranging from $20-25/hr.


Educational Opportunities: On-site.

Skills Desired: Yes, see job description above!

Meals: No, but surplus of harvest is usually divided among staff

Stipend: Yes - $20-25 per hour depending on experience

Housing: No, but could be negotiated.

Preferred method of Contact: Email

FarmhandNine Acre Farm