Work With Us

We’re Hiring…

“We are growing food, farmers, and community.”

“When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” - George Washington Carver

Crop Production Coordinator

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Farm Collaborative

45-52k (depending on experience) Full Time 

Application is open until filled; For full details, click this document for Job Details

The Crop Production Coordinator at The Farm Collaborative is primarily responsible for the coordination and implementation of row crop production at our Cozy Point farm. Working in collaboration with our Site Manager and Agricultural Program Specialist, the Coordinator will develop and implement a robust vegetable and fruit crop plan that incorporates regenerative and sustainable practices in all areas of growing. In addition, The Coordinator will have the assistance with production tasks from 4-6 apprentices for the season and will be expected to provide training to apprentices.

The Coordinator will be responsible for all stages of plant growth, including nursery production, transplanting, seeding, weed and pest management, soil fertility, harvest and post harvest, and weekly sales of product at the Aspen Saturday Market, to Lift-Up (food assistance services), and for a small CSA serving staff and other Farm Collaborative community members. The Coordinator will have access to both our current greenhouse facilities, ~ one acre row crop field, and our FarmPark spaces, as well as our brand new Farm Learning Center with 4-season wash/pack and cold storage for year-round crop planning and production.

The applicant will focus on the following:

1) lead crop planning for upcoming year

2) growing nursery starts for transplanting into production beds, 

3) building/maintaining soil fertility for optimal growth of production crops, 

4) propagating/transplanting/seeding annual row crops for market sale, 

5) harvesting and packing annual row crops for market sale

6) train and utilize team of 4-6 apprentices for variety of production tasks

Other activities may include helping farm team with daily chores (including care of livestock), supporting education programming, and helping complete site wide projects. We sell our produce, protein and eggs at the Aspen Saturday Market, and also through Lift-Up and Seniors Matters (food assistance programs).

We ask that only serious applicants apply. Relocating to Aspen can present significant challenges, particularly due to the high cost and limited availability of housing. To make the most of your time—and ours—we strongly encourage you to thoroughly research and consider your housing options before moving forward with the application process.

Apprenticeship

The Farm Collaborative has served Aspen and the greater Roaring Fork Valley with education programs, community events and a Farm Park for 15 years. In 2019, after receiving 14 additional acres from the City of Aspen, we started over an acre of vegetable production beds. With the help of  two greenhouses we are able to push the potential of our harsh climate at 7,400 ft elevation. We rotationally graze sheep and laying hens to increase the fertility and health of our pastures and produce meat and eggs. 

Location: Cozy Point, Aspen, Colorado 

Time Commitment: May/June through late October/early November, 4 days/week 

Compensation: Apprenticeship participants receive a monthly program stipend, on-farm housing including utilities (or an additional stipend for housing if farm provided housing is not required). There is additional compensation through farm produce, protein, and some staple pantry foods. The farm housing is located on the farm at 220 Juniper Hill Rd, Aspen CO 81611.

Application Deadline: Positions are open until filled.  

Requirements:

• No previous farming experience necessary 

• Strong, demonstrable work ethic 

• Curiosity, commitment to treating internship as learning experience

• Flexibility, patience, and a positive attitude 

• Ability to safely and successfully perform manual labor in varying weather conditions at an altitude over 7,000ft 

• Interest in organic agriculture

• Flexibility to do multiple on-farm tasks.

• The apprentice must arrange their own transportation to the apprenticeship if not living in provided housing on-site.

Application Instructions

Please attach a copy of your current resume which includes your education and employment history, as well as two references - one that can vouch for your positive attitude, work ethic, or any prior farming experience (an advisor or prior employer).

Please email completed applications to francesca@thefarmcollaborative.org. After receiving your completed application, if it is determined that you may be a good fit for the position, we will schedule a phone interview.

Application Deadline: Positions are open until filled.  

Testimonials

“I will forever cherish my experience working with the Farm Collaborative. Coming in, I had a minimal background in regenerative agriculture. I had no intention of studying it in school or becoming a farmer. Little did I know that my summer gig would leave me with a foundation of passion, knowledge, and skill to live a more sustainable and conscientious lifestyle. A moment that stands out in particular and resembles the organization's "beyond sustainable" mission is when I took part in building a mobile bunny house. This was a design used to remove the grass (as the rabbit ate) while simultaneously nourishing the soil (as the rabbit pooped) to prepare for the next bed of crops. I was blown away by the land and animals' ability to create a self-sustaining environment. While I expected my job to entail chores like planting and weeding, little did I know that each day would look different and require a diverse number of tasks. Some days involved assisting with the children's camp, while other days involved preparing for and running the Aspen Farmer's Markets or the butchering of a lamb who was born and raised on the farm.

My experience with this organization taught me how to never again take for granted the work of the land, animals, and farmers, that allow me and my community to live and eat more sustainably. I am eternally grateful for my co-workers, who welcomed me with an open heart and showed up every day with enthusiasm and a contagious dedication to give back!” - Lily Kraft, 2020 summer apprentice

Apprentices will support the Agricultural Programs Specialist and Site Manager in all aspects of garden work, including planting, planning, irrigation, trellising, weeding, harvesting, washing, storage, record-keeping, public events, volunteer days, and markets. They are expected to learn quickly and work efficiently, even on long, physically demanding days. Teamwork is essential. Opportunities to learn animal care, participate in butchering, and help with farm maintenance are also available. We can tailor experiences to specific interests like business planning, crop planning, or farm setup.

In the production garden our season will primarily include:

1) growing nursery starts for transplanting into production beds

2) building/maintaining soil fertility for optimal growth of production crops

3) propagating/transplanting/seeding annual row crops for market sale

4) harvesting and packing annual row crops for market sale

Other activities may include helping with daily farm chores (including care of livestock), supporting education programming, and helping complete site wide projects. We will sell our produce and meat at the Aspen Farmers’ Market, and also through programs to Lift-Up food banks and Seniors Matters (for food insecure seniors).