Jobs at the Farm
The commitment of our team is essential to making Retreat Farm accessible to the thousands of visitors who find joy and comfort in this space.
We wake up every day excited to connect people to the land and each other.
Free and open to the public 365 days a year, Retreat Farm serves as a vital public common and community resource.
The Farm’s 500+ acres of forest and farmlands, 10+ miles of trails, and historic farmstead are home to a series of integrated programs and events that honor the land, connect visitors to Vermont’s rich agricultural history, and celebrate regional farmers, producers, and artisans.
See our open positions below!
We’re looking for energetic and passionate team members who want to join a growing organization.
Don’t see a role of interest but still want to get involved? Submit your resume and tell us why you want to work here and what you want to do. If we open a role that matches your interests and for which you are qualified, we will reach out!
Assistant Lands Manager, full time
Retreat Farm Ltd., a land-based nonprofit in Brattleboro, VT, seeks an Assistant Lands Manager with the experience, skills, and safe work habits necessary to ensure the preservation, maintenance, security, safety, accessibility, environmental integrity, and beautification of this expansive and vitally important community resource. A qualified candidate is someone who is skilled at operating and maintaining equipment such as mowers, tractors, skid steers, mini excavators, chainsaws, and string trimmers.
In addition to landscaping and maintenance, the Assistant Lands Manager will work closely with the Farm Manager to assist with all aspects of animal care and public programming related to the animals, including feeding, care, and pasture management.
Responsibilities:
The Assistant Lands Manager will be an integral part of the Retreat Farm team and will assist in all aspects of our property maintenance and farm operations.
Specific lands responsibilities include:
Assist with interior roads and parking lot maintenance, including snow removal.
Emergency site management with the willingness and ability to respond quickly to any weather, security, property damage or loss, and safety challenges
Assist with all grounds care as needed: mowing Farmhouse Square in advance of an event, salting sidewalks in winter, brush cutting, installation and maintenance of seasonal plantings, etc.
Assist with maintenance of existing trails, meadows pathways, and new trail construction.
Assist with light carpentry on buildings, gates, fences, etc.
Assist with landscape, hardscape, and irrigation installation, light masonry, and final grading.
Assist with equipment maintenance service: oil changes, small engine repair, cleaning and periodical maintenance.
Assist Events staff as needed.
Provide backup site support for other Retreat Farm personnel.
Take a lead role in team safety and training.
Specific farm animal responsibilities include:
Assist with daily chores and care of our animals (two oxen in training, goats, rabbits)
Assist in programming with the animal program as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
US work authorization (Required)
Equipment operation (3+ yrs required)
Green industry- Landscaping and Arboriculture (1-3 years)
Ability to work with large animals required, and experience with farm animals preferred
Knowledge of tree care, including planting, chainsaw felling, bucking, and pruning.
Familiarity with plant material and forest species (invasive and native)
Ability to work independently and problem solve
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 50 lbs
Ability to perform repeated motions (bending, twisting, etc.) while carrying weight (e.g., repeatedly carrying hay)
Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and navigate around farm animals
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments, in a variety of weather conditions
Work Environment:
Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. The Assistant Lands Manager must be able to switch focus as needed, to address changing priorities while maintaining mental focus in an environment with occasional high noise levels and interruptions. Additionally, the Assistant Lands Manager must feel comfortable interacting with visitors to Retreat Farm, and acting as an ambassador for the Farm while on site, as their work will often take place outdoors, in publicly accessible places.
Schedule
Flexible, with weekend work required
Wages & Benefits:
$24.00-26.00 per hour
Paid time off
Access to Retreat Farm’s retirement plan with employer matching
Employee discount at the Retreat Farm Market
TO APPLY: Please apply via Indeed.com or email twilmott@retreatfarm.org with your resume and a detailed cover letter letting us know why you're a good fit for this position.
Event Crew Member, part time
Event Crew Members are critical to Retreat Farm’s outreach, welcoming 70,000-100,000 annual visitors and executing dozens of community gatherings and events. Event Crew Members execute seamless event set-up and break-down, and support event logistics, working alongside our Event Coordinator and entire Events team.
Event Crew Members help execute on-campus events, including weddings and other celebrations, as well as Retreat Farm public events, such as concerts. Through their efforts, Event Crew Members ensure a safe and welcoming guest experience, and provide logistical support to fellow Retreat Farm team members.
Event Crew Members must have availability for a minimum of 3 hours per shift, and up to 25 hours per week. All work is event-based; events are typically scheduled out weeks to months in advance.
Responsibilities:
● Facilitate the execution of event layout(s): moving and/or storing tables, chairs, audiovisual equipment, lighting, tents, canopies, etc. to designated areas.
● Clean and maintain all work areas, as required.
● General event preparation tasks, cleaning event equipment and spaces, directing parking, and working with the Farm Team, as well as the events team.
● Serve as an ambassador for Retreat Farm, reflecting its values and mission during community and private events, and sharing relevant information to enhance guests’ experience.
● Maintain familiarity with the Retreat Farm mission and guidelines, as well as its history and upcoming events and endeavors.
● Abide by all State and local regulations to ensure a safe environment for staff and guests. Abide by all Rules and Policies set forth by Retreat Farm
● Event Crew Members may cross-train for Retreat Farm’s Bartender positions, if interested and able.
● Support seasonal facilities tasks such as storage organization and light landscaping with direction
● Other events-based duties as required
Work Environment:
Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Event Crew Members must be able to switch focus as needed, to address frequently changing priorities, while maintaining mental focus in an environment with high noise levels and interruptions.
Physical Demands:
● Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and lift and move up to 50 pounds
● Ability to work in confined spaces, including walk-in cooler and storage spaces ● Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions ● Ability to perform repetitive motions (e.g., bending, twisting) while carrying objects. ● Ability to work with and around various kitchen equipment with training.
Reporting:
Event Crew Members report to the Event Manager and are part of the larger Events team.
Compensation & Benefits
● $20-23/hour
● Eligibility for enrollment in Retreat Farm’s SIMPLE IRA retirement savings plan, with 3% matching
● Accrued sick leave
● 25% off at the Retreat Farm Market
Bartender, part time
Bartenders are critical to Retreat Farm’s business operations and outreach, welcoming 70,000 - 100,000+ annual visitors and helping execute 30+ community gatherings and private events. Bartenders not only pour drinks, but provide exceptional customer service and help execute seamless events.
Bartenders are highly visible Retreat Farm ambassadors responsible for Thirsty Goat bar set-up and breakdown, ensuring a safe and welcoming guest experience, and providing logistical support to fellow Retreat Farm team members as needed. Bartender shifts are event-based (i.e., scheduled as needed and depending on individuals’ availability), with the potential for regular hours in summer months. Shifts are typically known and made available for scheduling weeks to months in advance, and include service at Retreat Farm music events and programs, as well as private events such as weddings, celebrations of life, and business functions.
This position requires both independent and collaborative work during shifts lasting 4-10 hours depending on the event.
Responsibilities:
● Pour and ring up drinks at the Thirsty Goat bar.
● Provide exceptional customer service to visitors and vendors.
● Ensure the bar area remains stocked and clean.
● Serve as an ambassador for Retreat Farm, reflecting its values and mission during Retreat Farm’s and private events, sharing relevant Retreat Farm and local information to enhance guests’ experiences.
● Stay up to date on bar products, events, programming, and partnerships to promote Retreat Farm and educate visitors.
● Abide by all State and Local regulations, as well as Retreat Farm policies, to ensure a safe environment for staff and guests.
● Maintains certification to sell/serve alcohol at events (certification training will be paid for if not already obtained).
Work Environment:
Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Bartenders must be able to switch focus as needed, to address frequently changing priorities, while maintaining mental focus in an environment with high noise levels and interruptions.
Evening and weekend work will be required.
Physical Demands:
● Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and lift and move up to 50 pounds
● Ability to work in confined spaces, including walk-in cooler and storage spaces
● Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions
● Ability to perform repetitive motions (e.g., bending, twisting)
● Ability to work with and around various kitchen equipment
Reporting:
Bartenders report to the Event Manager and are part of the larger programming and events team, which includes the Director of Community Engagement, Venue Manager, and several events staff. Bartenders will also work closely with the lands and farm team and other Retreat Farm staff at times.
Compensation:
● $32/hour, with hours based on shifts available and individuals’ schedules. Please note that tips are not accepted at Retreat Farm.
● Earned sick leave based on hours worked.
● Discount at the Retreat Farm Market
To apply: Submit your resume to jobs@retreatfarm.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Multiple Event Crew & Bartender positions are open, and will remain open until filled.
Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage qualified people of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities to apply.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Retreat Farm is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, and familial status.
