CSA Grower, Seasonal

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS INC

29d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Along with the mission of bringing plants to people, our Core Values are a fundamental driver of the Gardens culture. They are: Sustainability. We are devoted to an institutional, environmental and human sustainability. Diversity. We champion inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility for all we encounter, and also support programmatic, ecological and plant diversity. Transformation. We believe ever-evolving public gardens change the world and lead to positive transformation of human spirit and knowledge. 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 supervision of the Community Supported Agriculture Management Team, this position will assist in growing various mixed vegetable crops with small-scale, sustainable methods. Chatfield Farms CSA is a 7-acre vegetable operation located at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms in Littleton, Colorado that uses sustainable growing methods. Chatfield Farms also operates a 5-acre vegetable agrivoltaics donation program. During the growing season, the farm crew harvests approximately 350 vegetable shares each week and directly distributes the produce to CSA members. We also harvest and distribute 50 donation shares in the Solar Garden. Seasonal staff will assist with key farm activities in both the CSA fields and Solar Garden fields. The Chatfield Farms CSA Program is hiring a seasonal farm crew to assist in the production of sustainably grown mixed vegetables. Crew members must commit to the duration of the farm season. This is a full-time (40 hours) seasonal position during the spring, summer and fall season. Typical working hours are 7a.m. to 3:30p.m. Monday through Friday but the schedule is subject to change depending on harvest and weather conditions.

Requirements

Must be able to stand or work on your feet for an 8-hour shift and longer when overtime is required.
Knowledge of hand tools, lawn and garden equipment, and small mechanical machines desired.
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.
Must be able to commit to a complete farm season that runs full season – not able to accommodate school schedules in the fall or other scheduling conflicts.
Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Ability to work overtime as necessary.
Must be a positive representative of the Gardens.
Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
Must be committed to working safely at all times.

Nice To Haves

Previous farming experience is not necessary but desired.
Previous experience in horticulture/farming/landscaping or physical related jobs desired.

Responsibilities

Farm activities include but are not limited to cultivating, transplanting, harvesting, and post-harvest packing and processing.
Assists in weed management including small machine work, mechanical and hand weeding, mowing, and weed whacking.
Maintains satisfactory working relationships with managers, co-workers, volunteers, and the public.
Maintains a positive, helpful, and solution-oriented demeanor.
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.
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.
Regular attendance at the worksite is required. Must be able to arrive on-time to the Littleton, CO location. There is not a remote option for this position.
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.