Colorado Nonprofit Association

CSA Grower, Seasonal

About Denver Botanic Gardens: Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs. 

For more information, visit us online at www.botanicgardens.org.

Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Seasonal CSA Grower at our Chatfield Farms location! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:

Position Summary

Under general direction of the Associate Director of Farm Programs and direct supervision from the CSA Manager and Assistant Manager, this position will assist in growing various mixed vegetable crops with organic management methods. 

Chatfield Farms CSA is a 7-acre vegetable farm located at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton, Colorado. During the growing season, the farm crew harvests approximately 350 vegetable shares and 60 flower shares each week and distributes the produce to members. Chatfield Farms uses only organic methods for pest and weed control. Seasonal staff will assist in all aspects of day-to-day farm activities.

The Chatfield Farms CSA Program is hiring a farm crew to assist in the production of organic vegetables and flowers for up to 6 months. Selected crew members will work April-September. The rest of the crew members will work May-October.

This is a full-time (40 hours) seasonal position during peak season (May-October). Normal working hours are 7a.m. to 3:30p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours are subject to decrease during early spring and late fall, or in the case of inclement weather. This is a seasonal hourly position without benefits.

This position is located at Denver Botanic Garden Chatfield Farms in Littleton, CO.

Requirements

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in all aspects of day-to-day farm activities including but not limited to cultivating, transplanting, harvest, and post-harvest packing and processing.
• Assists in weed management and landscaping including but not limited to small machine work, mechanical and hand weeding, mowing, and weed whacking. 
• Must be able to work full time onsite for 6 months during the growing season. 
• Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, volunteers, and the public. 
• Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor when responding to or serving members and visitors.  
• Ensures quality, timeliness, and accuracy in all aspects of farm work. This includes prompt attendance and the ability to transition from one task to the next.
• Assists with staffing seasonal public events such as Lavender Festival, Hops Festival, or Pumpkin Festival as required by leadership. 
• Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
• All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to stand or work on your feet for an 8-hour shift.
• Must be able to perform physical labor tasks including but not limited to standing, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, and generally using one’s body throughout the day.
• Must be comfortable with changing environmental conditions, wildlife and pests, and exposure to the elements throughout the growing season. 
• Must enjoy working outside. Having an interest or passion for farming, community engagement, education, and food systems work is ideal for the position. 
• Must desire to learn new farming techniques with attention to detail and a strong work ethic. 
• Must be adaptable to a fast-paced, schedule driven farm environment. This includes prompt attendance and the ability to transition from one task to the next. 
• Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans, when necessary, throughout the day. 
• Ability to maintain stability and reason under pressure. 
• Must be a team player and able to effectively communicate in real time with a large working crew.
• Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public. 
• Must have proven excellent customer service skills when dealing with CSA customers and the public.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, holidays, and overtime as necessary.
• Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
• Must be committed to working safely at all times.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.  
• Ability to write simple correspondence.

Experience/Education:

• Previous farming experience is not necessary but desired. On-the-job training is provided.
• Knowledge of hand tools, lawn and garden equipment, and small mechanical machines desired.
• Previous experience in hands-on or physical jobs desired.
• Position requires a valid driver’s license.

Travel:

Up to 10% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly.