Join Our Team
Below is a list of open positions at NCF
Open Positions:
2025 Assistant Grower
The Needham Community Farm is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to deepen our community's connection to nature, our food system, and each other. We focus on three intertwined program areas:
● Providing farm-based educational opportunities for learning about sustainable growing and
nutrition.
● Increasing access to healthy produce for those in our community who experience food insecurity.
● Building community through volunteerism
Job Description
Needham Community Farm Assistant grower(s) will work closely with farm staff to assist in all
aspects of the farm’s vegetable production and food distribution. Ideal candidates have a strong
interest in sustainable farming and food justice. They are focused and detail-oriented, especially when performing repetitive tasks. Previous farming experience is not required but strong listening skills and preparedness to learn new skills is required. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a small team. This is a great opportunity for outdoor and/or farming enthusiasts to learn essential agricultural skills and knowledge, and become familiar with all
aspects of food production, all while on a beautiful site.
In order to maintain a safe farm operation, NCF follows all CDC COVID-19 directives and guidelines,
as well as those issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Needham.
HOURS/DATES: This is a 30 hour per week position with relatively flexible dates. Assistant
Growers may start as early as April and run for a minimum of 10 weeks, with the potential to extend
through October for the right candidate. Schedule is usually Tuesday through Friday, 8 to 3:30, with
some room for flexibility. Staff may be asked to start and end early on very hot days.
COMPENSATION: This is a paid position at $17-$18 DOE per hour for up to 30 hours per week.
Assistant Growers will have the opportunity for paid professional development time and will be able
to bring home a vegetable share each week as well.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Assist with food production including bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, weeding, pest
management, and more
● Assist with harvesting and CSA food distribution including harvesting, washing, and packing
vegetables in CSA boxes
● Assist farm staff at Mobile Market including set-up, assisting customers, and clean-up
● Other tasks as assigned and dependent on interest and farm needs include supporting on-farm
events, educational programming, and marketing and outreach efforts
● Assistant growers may lead interns and volunteers in farm tasks
● Assistant growers may develop leadership in a particular area of the farm where they show
interest and commitment throughout the season
● Assistant growers will have many learning and leadership opportunities, including access to
farm planning documents and farm records
● Assistant growers may operate machinery including lawn mower, weed whacker, and walk-
behind tractor
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
● Ability and willingness to perform strenuous physical labor in variable outdoor
conditions
● Ability to bend, twist and walk over uneven ground repeatedly
● Experience working in a fast-paced environment
● Strong interest in sustainable food production and food justice
● Reliable personal transportation to Pine St in Needham
● Must pass CORI/SORI background check
● Proof that applicant is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with CDC guidelines
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Farm Manager Avery Westa, (they/them) at
awesta@needhamfarm.org.
2025 Intern
The Needham Community Farm is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to deepen our community's connection to nature, our food system, and each other. We focus on three intertwined program areas:
● Providing farm-based educational opportunities for learning about sustainable growing and
nutrition.
● Increasing access to healthy produce for those in our community who experience food insecurity.
● Building community through volunteerism
Job Description
Needham Community Farm Interns will work closely with farm staff to assist in the farm’s vegetable production and food distribution. Ideal candidates have a strong interest in sustainable farming and food justice. They are able to focus, learn new skills, and work independently or with a small team. The farm can be responsive to the intern’s specific learning goals, and asks that the intern is responsive to our needs as well. This is a great opportunity for outdoor and/or farming enthusiasts to learn essential agricultural skills and knowledge, and become familiar with all aspects of food production, all while on a beautiful site. In order to maintain a safe farm operation,
NCF follows all CDC COVID-19 directives and guidelines, as well as those issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Needham.
HOURS/DATES: This is a 15 to 30 hour per week position with relatively flexible dates. Internships may run for a minimum of 8 weeks between April and October.
COMPENSATION: This is an unpaid opportunity for up to 30 hours per week. If you are applying
through a higher education institution, we encourage these applicants to seek funding from their
educational institutions or apply to earn credit. This opportunity is designed for college students who may have internship funding or can earn credit through their college or high school students looking for an unpaid opportunity for learning. Interns will be able to bring home vegetables to enjoy.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Assist with food production including bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, weeding, pest
management, and more
● Assist with harvesting and food distribution including washing and packing vegetables in CSA
boxes
● Assist farm staff at Mobile Market including set-up, assisting customers, and clean-up
● Other tasks as assigned and dependent on intern interest and farm needs:
- Support on-farm events and/or volunteer sessions
- Marketing and Outreach (e.g. develop and/or distribute communications materials
about NCF programs)
- Educational Responsibilities (e.g. develop and/or support educational programming)
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
● Interns will learn by doing in each of the areas listed above, and may have a focus area if they
have a particular interest
● Interns are encouraged to ask questions and learn from experienced staff while we work
● Interns may complete a self-driven project with support from farm staff in an area of the farm
where they are particularly interested
● Interns will learn about farm planning documents and farm records
● Interns may also join farm staff in attending farmer training workshops and visiting other
farms
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Must be at least 16 years of age to apply.
● Ability and willingness to perform physical labor in variable outdoor conditions
● Ability to bend, twist and walk over uneven ground repeatedly
● Strong interest in sustainable food production and food justice
● Reliable personal transportation to Pine St in Needham
● Must pass CORI/SORI background check
● Proof that applicant is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with CDC guidelines
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Farm Manager Avery Westa, (they/them) at
awesta@needhamfarm.org.