Company description

Newton Community Farm is a 2.25 acre intensive market garden, including two moveable high tunnels, one smaller high tunnel, and two propagation greenhouses. We utilize both tillage and no-till practices. We are incorporated as a non-profit and offer educational programming and public events.

Our markets include a Summer CSA, Late Fall CSA, Fruit Share, Flower Share, farm stand, weekly farmers’ market, and weekly food donations. In the spring we hold a seedling sale during which approximately 30,000 seedlings are grown and sold to the public.

Our goal is to farm in a way that is sustainable not only for the land but also for our workers.

Job description

We are seeking an Assistant Grower to join our team for the 2026 season starting as soon as possible or as late as April 1st. For the right candidate, there could also be an opportunity join our team as an Assistant Farm Manager.

Job Summary

The Assistant Grower works closely with the Farm Manager in all aspects of farm operations. The Assistant Grower position requires excellent people skills and attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment. You should be able to work independently and with limited supervision, but also be comfortable leading crews of both paid and volunteer workers. Openness to learning new skills and techniques is essential and works both ways: we encourage our crew to share their skills and past experiences here at NCF. This is a physically demanding job requiring the ability to lift, bend, squat, kneel, etc., and do so in all weather conditions.

This position is part-time (32 hours/week) through mid-April, then full-time (40 hours/week) through the summer until late October, then switches back to part-time through early December.

Compensation

$17-22/hr depending on experience. Staff can take home vegetables from the farm and have the option to purchase bought produce or fruit at cost. Staff receive a paid lunch hour and can request time off as desired to attend EMass CRAFT meetings. Registration fees for a winter farming conference. Other benefits include registration fees for a winter farming conference; 5 days of paid time off (PTO) which can be used for otherwise unpaid time, such as vacation, holiday, medical appointments, or sick time. If used for vacation, PTO must be scheduled in advance with the Farm Manager.

Newton Community Farm is an equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

Report to the Farm Manager or Assistant Farm Manager at the start of every shift. Assist with the days work which may include:

• harvesting, washing, sorting and packing produce
• transplanting by hand or using paperpot transplanter
• cultivation/weeding either by hand or using hand tools/hoes
• moving mulch or compost with wheelbarrows
• tarping or removing tarps
• seeding, watering, moving plants, or other work in the propagation houses
• assisting farm stand worker with set up, restocking, and closing during shifts
• help with setting up and restocking CSA distributions
• cleaning spaces (e.g., propagation house or CSA distribution area)
• trellising and pruning field and/or tunnel crops
• other tasks as required to operate the farm
• provide coverage for other workers out sick or on vacation. This may include covering for the farm stand worker which would require a shift in starting and ending hours for that day(s)

The Assistant Grower shares leadership responsibilities for leading crews of volunteers and/or high school interns in regular farm tasks like harvesting, transplanting and weeding. They will work with the Farm Stand worker to set up the farm stand, keep the stand stocked, and assist with closing up (during their shifts). The Assistant Grower shares leadership responsibility for educational programming on the farm.

The Assistant Grower participates in regular work meetings and should seek to ask clarifying questions so that tasks can be accomplished to farm standards. All farm staff should seek to promote a welcoming and open environment for visitors and volunteers and should strive to maintain farm cleanliness and organization.

What we’re looking for

Some farming experience required. Must be 18 or older and have a valid drivers’ license.

• Able to work quickly while doing high quality, detailed work like bunching, picking, seeding, weeding
• Able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs repeatedly
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Foundational knowledge of vegetable production
• Good communication skills
• Able to receive and incorporate constructive feedback
• Ability to provide constructive feedback
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to take on leadership role with small groups
• Interest in teaching the public about small-scale organic agriculture

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $17.00 - $22.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline