Job Description: The Farm Support is an on-call position, who will support the ongoing function of the farming production operations at the Rio Grande Farm Park as needed, generally in the absence of the Farm manager. They must be knowledgeable, reliable, and able to work independently during the manager’s absence.

Hours: 6 hours per week and on call up to 24 hours throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.

Wage: $17/hour

Requirements: Spanish-speaking, full professional ability. Previous experience in landscaping, gardening, or groundskeeping is preferred. Ability to operate landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor for extended periods, including lifting heavy objects. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a pristine park environment. Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. Valid driver's license is preferred but not required. Weekly availability to support irrigation operations on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays

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To apply, bring a cover letter and resume to the SLVLFC office at 412 State Ave, or send materials by email to meg.slvlocalfoods@gmail.com by March 21st, 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Farm Maintenance: Assist with routine maintenance tasks such as fence repairs, clearing pathways, and general upkeep of the property. Ensure tools and machinery are properly cleaned and stored after use. Help with basic repairs or servicing of farm equipment when necessary.

Irrigation System Management: Operate, monitor, and manage the farm’s irrigation system to ensure adequate and timely watering of crops. Support flood irrigation via ditches and a pond-fed drip irrigation system. Clear irrigation ditches, maintain clean drainage, and perform routine checks for leaks, blockages, or malfunctions. Report any issues with the irrigation system to the Land Manager and make minor repairs or adjustments as needed.

Crop Production Support: Follow the RGFP crop plan to assist with planting, cultivation, harvesting, washing, and packaging of produce for sale. Maintain open communication with the farm manager, groundskeeper, and program director to provide updates on the condition of crops and irrigation systems. Tend and water cover cropped areas as needed.

Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of irrigation schedules, equipment usage, and any encountered issues. Document maintenance or repair work completed on tools and equipment. Support record keeping for produce harvest, tracking poundage of items harvested, sold, and income gained from sales.

Safety and Compliance: Follow all safety procedures for operating farm equipment. Ensure the farm remains compliant with health and safety regulations during operations. Report any accidents, safety concerns, or equipment malfunctions immediately.

Opportunities for Development: Based on demonstrated skill set, preferences, and interests, support additional areas of farm operations with guidance from RGFP leadership.

Hours: 32 hours/week, internship to begin the week of May 19th and end the week of August 29th.

Pay: $17/hour

Requirements:

Qualifications & Skills

• High school or university student (or equivalent) with an interest in agriculture, environmental science, sustainability, or hands-on work.

• Strong work ethic, ability to take initiative and follow through on assigned tasks.

• Willingness to learn about irrigation systems, farm equipment, and general maintenance.

• Basic problem-solving skills and attention to detail, especially for record-keeping and monitoring irrigation systems.

• Ability to follow safety guidelines and work responsibly with tools and equipment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as digging, bending, and using farm tools.

• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, or flexible hours as needed, especially during irrigation cycles.

Preferred (but not required) Experience

• Previous experience with farming, gardening, or manual labor is helpful but not required.

• Familiarity with irrigation systems, basic repairs, or record-keeping is a plus.

• Interest in regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management.

• Spanish speaking is a plus.

To apply: send a resume and cover letter to meg.slvlocalfoods@gmail.com by April 25th, 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

Farmer’s Market Support: Operate the Market Info booth on market days, setting up the tent, exchanging customers’ SNAP benefits for tokens, calculating DUFB, and operating the ATM service. Assist with vendor recruitment, orientation, fee collection, and record-keeping. Solicit sponsorships Recruit musicians and other performers as entertainment.

Farm & Land Support: Assist RGFP Land Manager with crop and production planning, seed purchasing, inventory management, sales, and other data collection. Perform farming tasks like planting, cultivating, harvesting, and washing produce for sale by the RGFP. Perform groundskeeping tasks as necessary; operating weed whackers, lawn mowers, pruners, and other heavily physical tasks. Practice restorative agricultural techniques. Tend and water cover cropped areas as needed.

Education & Workshop Support: Promote restorative agricultural techniques that rebuild the soil and ecosystem of the San Luis Valley while learning the interplay of ecology and farming. Help develop and deliver regenerative agricultural education curriculum for youth and community members; incorporate regenerative agriculture and soil health into education curriculum. Develop, plan, and help deliver farmer education workshops with help from experts and partners.

Administrative Support: Assist in managing RGFP volunteers, including monthly volunteer workdays, visiting groups, and ongoing volunteer projects. Assist with program evaluation and data collection, primarily with irrigation, land and farmer data. Develop data collection tools for farmers. 

Safety and Compliance: Follow all safety procedures for operating farm equipment. Ensure the farm remains compliant with health and safety regulations during operations. Report any accidents, safety concerns, or equipment malfunctions immediately.

Opportunities for Development: Based on demonstrated skill set, preferences, and interests, support additional areas of farm operations with guidance from RGFP leadership.

Hours: 32 hours/week, internship to begin the week of May 19th and end the week of August 29th.

Pay: $17/hour

Requirements:

Qualifications & Skills

• High school or University student (or equivalent) with an interest in agriculture, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.

• Strong communication skills and ability to interact with diverse community members, farmers, and customers.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Willingness to learn about food assistance programs like SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB).

• Comfortable handling money, keeping records, and assisting with administrative tasks.

• Basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets, and data entry) or willingness to learn.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Comfortable with physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and using basic farm tools.

• Ability to operate landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers.

• Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor for extended periods, including lifting heavy objects.

• Availability to work some weekends and evenings for the farmer’s market and workshops.

Preferred (but not required) Experience

• Interest or experience in gardening, farming, or food systems.

• Experience with event planning, customer service, or community outreach.

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about regenerative agriculture and soil health.

• Spanish speaking is a plus.

To apply: send a resume and cover letter to meg.slvlocalfoods@gmail.com by April 25th, 2025