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!
Position: Program Support Staff
Type: Part-time, seasonal, FLSA non-exempt
Location: Fully on-site at Retreat Farm
45 Farmhouse Square, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Overview:
As we gear up for our busy summer season, Retreat Farm is excited to bring on a team of enthusiastic and responsible Program Support Staff. These seasonal staff will help facilitate Open Barn days as barn attendants; support educational programming by watering and weeding educational gardens; and/or support Retreat Farm programming and events by manning info tables, leading activities at periodic public events, and providing logistical support for art classes.
Program Support Staff will be responsible for:
1) creating a welcoming environment for the public at Open Barn days, ensuring the safety of our farm animals and guests, and sharing Retreat Farm history and general information,
2) helping to water and weed our Hope Garden: raised beds with pollinator plants, dye plants, and a tea garden, and
3) assisting with event-based program support such as manning an info table at events, leading crafts and activities at the same, and helping to set up/break down art class spaces.
Program Support positions are seasonal: late spring through early fall 2026. Staff must have at least some availability during Open Barn times: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings and afternoons. Event-based shifts will also be available periodically, taking place primarily on Thursday evenings and weekends.
Specific Responsibilities:
Open Barn Days
● Welcome guests and ensure attendees have purchased tickets/wrist bands at the Retreat Farm Market.
● Ensure guests are interacting appropriately with farm animals.
● Model and teach appropriate animal interaction.
● Observe animals for signs of distress, and report any issues to the Farm Manager.
● Answer questions about Retreat Farm and generally serve as an ambassador for the Farm, reflecting its values and mission.
Hope Garden
● Water and weed gardens as needed prior to or following Open Barn shifts.
Public Events & Classes
● Set up a Retreat Farm info table with provided literature, supplies for activities, stickers to hand out, etc.
● Break down the table at the end of the event, and ensure materials are ready for the next event.
● Work with other staff or volunteers to lead kid-friendly crafts or activities at a Retreat Farm table, at periodic public events such Food Truck Roundups.
● Provide information to the general public on Retreat Farm’s mission, history, and current activities.
● Set up and break down chairs and tables for art classes, and otherwise provide logistical support to educators.
● Help create a warm and welcoming environment at Retreat Farm events.
Additional opportunities may be available depending on staff skills and interests, such as leading goat hikes or history tours.
Requirements:
● Passion for land- or farm-based education
● An outgoing personality and willingness to manage groups of visitors in a public setting
● Desire to work with farm animals
● Ability to find and create joy in visitor-focused settings
● Experience with interpretation or education is preferred but not required
● Experience working with and knowledge of small farm animals (goats, rabbits, ducks, quail, piglets) is preferred but not required
● Availability during Open Barn shifts–Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings and afternoons–and periodic Thursday and Saturday evenings is required
● Availability during all summer months (mid-June through August) strongly preferred
● Availability during fall months preferred
Work Environment:
Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Program Support Staff 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 30 pounds
● Ability to work in confined spaces, including animal enclosures
● 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 farm animals with training
Reporting:
Program Support Staff will report to the Executive Director of the Land & Its People Initiative, with direction from the Farm Manager, and in coordination with additional Lands and Events staff.
Compensation:
$22-23/hour, 8-31 hours per week depending on availability
To apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to ksullivan@retreatfarm.org. Multiple positions are being filled; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
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!
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.
