Farm Apprentice – Highwater Farm

Last Updated On: October 31st, 2024 at 09:37AM MST

Contact information

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

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

Website: https://highwaterfarm.org/

Internship information

General Farm Description: 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 that routes 15% of produce grown to the local food pantry system and is 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.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: April or May 2025
Internship Ends: October 15th, 2025
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: rolling until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

Highwater Farm is seeking a Farm Apprentice to support all aspects of farm management. Positions are seasonal with a 6-month contract starting in April or May. Full or part-time work is available. 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 have a 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. 

Responsibilities:

• Participate in vegetable production throughout the season (seeding; greenhouse management; cultivation and bed prep; transplanting; irrigation; weed and pest management; harvesting, washing, and marketing crops; and animal chores including feeding/watering chickens, and rotating chickens every week)
• Prepare for and manage on-farm CSA distribution and wholesale orders
• Manage volunteers on the farm
• Train and lead youth program participants in fieldwork and farm tasks
• Saturday and Sunday greenhouse/irrigation chores shared among staff on a rotating basis
• Weekly check-ins with the Executive Director

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 the 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 practice
• Able to lift 50+lbs
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to safely operate tractors and other farm equipment preferred, but not required.

Educational Opportunities: Educational Opportunities: 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 Monthly feedback sessions among staff build communication skills

Skills Desired: 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 have a positive attitude and enthusiasm for sustainable food production.

Meals: No, but access to a full CSA share, eggs and storage crops is available.

Stipend: Compensation: Compensation will be hourly at $18/ hour and will be paid out every two weeks Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel in personal vehicles is included. Your compensation includes a CSA share, storage crops, and eggs totaling a $1,200 value throughout the season.

Housing: No, but our team can help connect apprentices with housing connections.

Preferred method of Contact: Email