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!
Position: Event Coordinator
Reports to: Managing Director of Community Engagement
Type: Full-time, hourly/FLSA non-exempt
Location: On-site at Retreat Farm, Brattleboro, VT
Start Date: Immediately
Overview:
Retreat Farm seeks a highly-organized, outgoing, and customer-focused Event Coordinator for its premier event space, the North Barn. The Event Coordinator is an important member of the Retreat Farm team, focused on the development, growth, and impact of this exciting enterprise.
The North Barn serves as a venue for a mix of private, nonprofit, and community-focused events run by both regional partners and Retreat Farm itself. This impressive building can hold up to 250 seated for dining, and 600 standing for events. It is the largest venue of its kind in Southern Vermont, and is quickly becoming a destination for weddings and private events of all kinds, as well as a hub for Retreat Farm’s own public and educational programming.
The Event Coordinator will be responsible for selling, guiding, and overseeing the execution of private events in the North Barn—including weddings, nonprofit meetings and galas, high school proms, business conferences, celebrations of life, and much more. They will work closely with the North Barn Manager, part-time Event Crew Members, and Bartenders to ensure exceptional customer service.
Additionally, the Event Coordinator will be a highly visible Retreat Farm ambassador responsible for wedding and other private event outreach and follow-through, ensuring a safe and welcoming guest experience, and providing logistical support to vendors, clients, and fellow Retreat Farm team members alike.
Responsibilities:
Respond to event inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
Book and lead site visits, walking prospective clients through event spaces and possibilities.
Lead clients through the process of booking an event at Retreat Farm.
Generate event contracts, working with the Managing Director of Community Engagement and North Barn Manager when considering any deviations from standard contracts, and abide by contract stipulations.
Work with clients to determine event details, and oversee logistics for private events, including pre- and post-event communication.
Work in collaboration with a variety of Retreat Farm staff to coordinate Retreat Farm resources and determine schedule needs for each event (set-up and execution).
Act as a Retreat Farm ambassador, communicating Retreat Farm’s mission, values, history, and impact to clients as appropriate–including promotion of local, preferred vendors.
Work with the Managing Director of Community Engagement to create and hit sales targets for North Barn events, ensuring a balance of revenue-generating activity (private events) and nonprofit and community support (community-focused events).
Research event trends, recommend strategic initiatives and ideas to the Managing Director of Community Engagement, and recommend ideas and event plans to clients as appropriate.
Work with the Communications Coordinator to develop appropriate marketing materials, and keep these up to date and stocked as appropriate.
Communicate necessary events information to Lands staff and other staff as needed, and work with the same to ensure appropriate event set-up and break-down.
Skills and Qualifications
At least one year of event and/or wedding management or related customer service experience
Possesses excellent and welcoming verbal and written communication skills
Enjoys working with people in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Demonstrates a commitment to Retreat Farm’s mission and values
Is detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to multitask in a busy environment
Is proficient in MS Office and Google Suite, and willing to learn new software
Ability to work occasional weekday evenings and weekends (up to four weekend days per month during peak wedding season in spring and fall, less during the offseasons)
Work Environment:
Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Candidates 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.
Physical Demands:
Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and lift and move up to 30 pounds
Ability to safely (co-)lift and move tables and chairs to various sites on the property
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions
Ability to perform repetitive motions (bending, twisting)
Reporting:
The Event Coordinator will report directly to the Managing Director of Community Engagement and work closely with the North Barn Manager. The Event Coordinator will also work closely with Event Crew Members, Bartenders, and Lands staff.
Compensation:
$26-29/hour based on experience and qualifications
Optional health, vision, and dental insurance with employer contribution
A generous holiday and paid time off package
Eligibility for enrollment in Retreat Farm’s SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer matching
25% discount at the Retreat Farm Market
TO APPLY:
To be considered, please email a resume AND cover letter expressing your interest in Retreat Farm to jobs@retreatfarm.org with the subject line “[Last name]: Event Coordinator.” Application review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Position: Bartender at Retreat Farm’s Thirsty Goat
Type: Part-time, FLSA non-exempt
Location: Fully on-site at Retreat Farm
Overview:
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:
To be considered, please email a resume and cover letter or email expressing your interest in the position to jobs@retreatfarm.org. Multiple Bartender positions are open, and will remain open until filled.
Position: Barista
Type: Part-time; FLSA non-exempt
Location: On-site at the Retreat Farm Market
Overview
The Retreat Farm Market is Retreat Farm's farm-to-counter home for local cheese, craft beverages, and prepared foods, and this summer we're adding to the offerings with a new coffee counter and café!
Join our team by helping build a new coffee business from the grounds up. We're creating a warm, fast, reliably excellent coffee and café counter that Retreat Farm visitors, Market shoppers, and neighborhood regulars all come back to time and time again.
About the Role
Baristas are the heart of our new café - friendly, capable hands behind every espresso shot, pastry, and "good morning." You'll make drinks and serve to a consistent standard, keep the counter and seating area spotless, and help every guest feel like a regular, whether it's their first visit or their 50th. Baristas work closely with the Café Manager and Retreat Farm Market team to keep the counter humming through the morning rush and the quiet stretches alike, and you'll have a hand in shaping the feel of a brand-new space from its earliest days.
Because the café lives inside an established farm and food campus, you'll get to know, and talk with guests about, the local farms and food producers whose products show up in our case and on our menu.
Specific Responsibilities
Prepare espresso drinks, coffee, and other beverages to Retreat Farm Market standards. As the café develops, the Barista may also prepare and serve sandwiches, and take on additional café-related duties as required.
Stock, plate, and serve pastries and prepared café items.
Greet and welcome every guest, and get to know our regulars.
Operate the point-of-sale system accurately, including handling cash and card payments.
Keep the café, counter, and seating area clean and well-stocked throughout your shift.
Follow all food safety practices, and be able to answer guest questions about ingredients and allergens.
Assist with opening and closing duties as scheduled.
Assist with ringing customers at the Retreat Farm Market counter as needed.
Communicate clearly with the Café Manager and teammates about stock levels, equipment issues, and guest concerns.
What We're Looking For
Prior experience in coffee, food service, or retail is a plus, but not required; we're happy to train the right person
High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required
Willingness to obtain a Vermont food handler certification, if not already active
Comfort with basic math
Availability to work weekends and select holidays
A genuine love of hospitality, reliability, and a team-first attitude
Work Environment
The Retreat Farm Market is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Baristas must be able to switch focus as needed to address changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail in an environment with occasional high noise levels and interruptions.
Physical Demands
Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain.
Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds.
Ability to perform repetitive motions (bending, twisting, reaching) while holding weight.
Reporting
Baristas report to the Café Manager and are members of the Retreat Farm Market team.
Compensation
$22-24 per hour
Earned paid time off
Eligibility for enrollment in Retreat Farm's SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer
25% discount at the Retreat Farm Market
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to the Director of the Retreat Farm Market, Sherry DiBernardo, at sdibernardo@retreatfarm.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Position: Event Crew Member
Type: Part-time, FLSA non-exempt
Location: Fully on-site at Retreat Farm
Overview:
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
TO APPLY:
Submit your resume to jobs@retreatfarm.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Multiple Event Crew 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.
