Celeste  Farms is a 4.3 acre regenerative vegetable farm situated just 10 minutes away from downtown Richmond in Varina, VA. We grow produce on fixed 30” raised beds, pulling inspiration from farmers such as Conor Crickmore of Never Sink Farms and Curtis Stone. We are establishing perennial wildflower meadows on the property to create not only habitats for butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife but also a beautiful landscape. Additionally, we have developed a sizable compost program, utilizing weekly food scrap drop-offs from a local compost service, N.O.P.E RVA, and wood chips from local arborists, True Timber. This year, we plan to grow mushrooms, raise broiler and layer hens, and establish beehives as well as expand our vermiculture operation.
 

We currently produce vegetables for Leafy Lanes - a Richmond-based small farm food aggregator, grow greens for Goatocado - a fast-casual restaurant in Richmond, and sell wholesale to our local health food grocer - Ellwood Thompson’s. We donate extra produce to our friends at RVA Community Fridge, a nonprofit working towards food sovereignty.
 

In the spring of 2023, we are launching a farm-to-table dinner series with Chef and farmer, Ashton Carter. Dinners will take place within the wildflower meadow, and we hope to provide a unique and meaningful dining experience that highlights specialty produce and celebrates our community. 

Celeste Farms is hiring several part and full time farmhands to join our small but mighty team! Positions are for the upcoming growing season–March through November– with the option to become year-round. We are seeking hard-working, diligent individuals interested in working alongside our Vegetable Production Manager in the field to assist with all aspects of growing and harvesting diversified organic produce for our farm-to-table dinner series and wholesale accounts. While farm labor will be prioritized, we would like to offer a true farm-to-table experience for both our employees and dinner guests. With that in mind, ideally farmhands will also assist our Event Production Manager with setting up and providing support during our dinners this season. 

Responsibilities and expectations: 

• With direction from the Vegetable Production Manager, complete daily and weekly tasks, including: seed starting/greenhouse maintenance, monitoring plant and soil health, harvesting, washing and packing produce, maintaining irrigation systems & other farm equipment, and operating the tractor
• Assist with other stations on the farm as needed: raising broiler and layer hens, composting and vermiculture operations, mushroom growing operations, beekeeping. We  are a tight-knit crew in search of folks  who are enthusiastic about pitching in as needed
• Work part-time under the supervision of Property & Event Manager to set up and assist during our  farm-to-table dinner series Thursday through Saturday evenings May through October. Duties will include: afternoon set up of tables, chairs, place settings, and decor, being present for dinners from 5-9pm to offer farm tours, provide casual dinner service and assist with clean up afterwards. 
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Must be able to walk, stand, squat, and kneel for extended periods.

Desired qualifications: 

• 1+ years regenerative farming experience
• Familiarity with market garden farming
• Arrive to work on time with a good attitude. Sometimes farming is hot, sweaty, smelly, mucky–we’re looking for motivated individuals who are able to stay engaged even during long, hot, humid summer days. 
• Tractor experience or a willingness to learn
• Experience maintaining greenhouses or a willingness to learn
• Ability to identify and manage pests and diseases or a willingness to learn
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; a team player who is able to follow instructions well, is open to receiving feedback, and who works well independently and with others. 
• Passionate interest in farming as a means to encourage soil, individual and community health
• Desire to learn the ins and outs of diversified, small-scale naturally grown vegetable production
• Enthusiasm to expand knowledge of farming on a broad spectrum; possesses an interest in one or more of the following in addition to vegetable production: composting, animal husbandry, beekeeping, fungiculture, and vermiculture