Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a CSA Grower at

Both the vegetable or flower role would be perfect for someone wanting to learn the skills of small-scale farming with experienced, educational growers and a supportive environment while still getting paid.  

The Chatfield CSA harvests 350 vegetable/herb shares each week during the season, and distributes the produce in two weekly market-style pickups or delivers to food security partnerships. Seasonal staff will assist in all aspects of day-to-day farm activities. 

April or May Start date -  Mostly 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday. Much of this position is full-time during peak season which is May-October. In October, the position ends for the season. April and October are slower months with the potential of weather disruptions, so these are typically not quite full time.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs assigned tasks including but not limited to weeding, harvesting, washing, and packing of vegetables. 
• Performs weekly tasks including: small machine work, transplanting, mechanical and hand-weeding, harvest and post-harvest packing and processing.
• Assists in all aspects of day-to-day farm activities.
• Daily farm tasks are very physical, and outdoor at all times. Use of small machines and equipment is a regular activity. Work with hand tools, harvest equipment and field materials are a daily activity.
• Maintains freshness and quality of produce at all distributions and help with a pleasant display. 
• Speaks with CSA shareholders and volunteers about growing practices, recipes, methods of farming, etc.  
• Acts as a mutual partner in the learning process of farming and land stewardship. 
• Employs creativity and kindness when working with the veterans, volunteers, and other staff in the fields. 
• Assists in weed management including hand weeding, mowing, and weed whacking. 
• Ensures quality, timeliness, and accuracy in all aspects of farm work specifically arriving on time and managing the schedule of tasks day to day. 
• Assists in the donation of fresh vegetables into the community through our strategic partnerships including restaurants, caterers, and food procurers.  
• Attends regular meetings with CSA crew and other Chatfield teams. 
• Assists with sales and delivery to wholesale or donation customers. 
• Assists with staffing seasonal public events such as Lavender Festival or Pumpkin Festival as required by leadership. 
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, and others. 
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors. 
• The Chatfield Farms is 30 minutes outside Denver located in the foothills at 6,000 feet. 

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must enjoy working outside, using hands and body all day and be physically able to do so. Having an interest or passion for farming, community engagement, education, food systems or growing plants in general is ideal for the position. 
• The desire to learn new farming techniques with attention to detail and a strong work ethic is crucial for the position. 
• Most of the time spent on the farm will be with a group of farmers and being a team player is very helpful to succeed in this role. 
• Independent time does occur but does not make up most of the time spent. 
• Must be adaptable to a fast-paced, schedule driven farm environment.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.  
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
• Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
• Must be committed to working safely at all times.

Experience/Education:

• One season working on a farm is a plus, however, previous farming experience is not needed to be a seasonal beginning farmer. 
• On-the-job training Is provided.
• Position requires a valid drivers license.