Company description

Nestled into a 100 acres of Boulder OSMP-owned land in the Boulder Valley, Esoterra Culinary Garden is an oasis of diversity and soil health. On just under 4 acres of permanent, no-till, biointensive vegetable beds devoted to perpetual successions of annual plants of culinary interest and a surrounding 3 acres of perennials, we grow over 300 different species of edible leaves, shoots, roots and fruits. Our unwavering commitment to soil and ecosystem health produces a synergy of benefits that translates to produce of the highest quality and conveys the vitality of the land directly to the eater. We have developed relationships with the best chefs in the region, providing them with year-round access to the full spectrum of flavors and textures available in the garden. With a whole-plant aesthetic, we are exploring the opportunity to heal the relationship with the land and rebuild our food culture through connection with the plants throughout their growth process. We grow unique varieties from a broad range of cultural origins and feature the work of breeders and seed keepers who have focused on preserving flavor and nutrient density in produce. The special varieties are brought into production to provide our chefs with consistent availability throughout their ideal season. We work with about 50 restaurants and are committed to an abundant future for the Colorado food scene. We are future focused and exploring opportunities to include new plants in the culinary garden each year.

Internship description

This position provides the opportunity to gain experience in a wide variety of farm tasks. This will include assisting the harvest team, the production team, and the garnish team, as well as working directly with the farm owner in the ongoing establishment and expansion of the forest garden.

Forest Garden Care & Development:

Pruning & Training: Assist with seasonal maintenance of fruit and nut trees, berries, and perennial herbs.

Soil Management: Apply compost, mulch, and bio-fertilizers to support fungal-dominated soil food webs.

Propagation: Collect cuttings, save seeds, and manage nursery stock for garden expansion.

Weed & Pest Management: Monitor ecosystem health and manage competing vegetation using organic, non-chemical methods.


General Farm Operations:

Annual Crops: Help with bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, and weeding of market vegetables.

Infrastructure: Assist with minor carpentry, irrigation setup, fence repairs, and tool maintenance.

Harvest & Packing: Gather, wash, and pack farm products for chef customers.

Learning Objectives & Training Provided:

Principles of permaculture design and multi-strata agroforestry systems.

Identification and uses of temperate perennial crops, dynamic accumulators, and nitrogen fixers.

Practical skills in rotational grazing, compost making, and low-till soil management.

Basic farm business operation, tool safety, and resource efficiency.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Physical Stamina: Ability to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, heat, cold).

Attitude: Strong desire to learn, ask questions, and accept constructive feedback.

Reliability: Punctual, self-motivated, and capable of working independently after initial training.

Experience: Prior gardening or manual labor experience is a plus, but a passion for ecological farming is most important.

Position Details:

Duration: July - November with potential for extension

Hours: 30-40/week flexible schedule

Compensation: $18/h with nice on-farm housing and abundant garden produce included.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!

Deadline

July 15, 2026