Part-Time | Seasonal | 6–10 Hours per Week | Starts ASAP through November | Based in Newtown, CT
ABOUT REAL FOOD CT Real Food CT is a Connecticut nonprofit, now in its eighth season, working to strengthen the local food system and get fresh, nutritious food to communities in need. We grow food on our own community farms in Newtown, recover surplus and gleaned produce from regional farm partners, and deliver it fresh to food pantries across the region at no cost. In 2025 that work moved nearly 160,000 pounds of local food to more than 35 pantries, and our community farms are where much of it begins.
THE ROLE We are hiring a part-time Farmer and Volunteer Coordinator to support the operation of our two community farm sites in Newtown (Sticks and Stones Farm and CVH Animal Sanctuary), starting ASAP through November. This role is ideal for experienced gardeners, farmers, or horticulture professionals who enjoy working independently, value consistency, and are comfortable managing day-to-day farm tasks with weekly guidance and support from our team. In addition to hands-on farm work, this role also coordinates small groups of volunteers on-site, making it a great fit for someone who enjoys both growing food and working with people.
The Farmer/Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for the core activities that keep our community farms productive, healthy, and well-organized, while also welcoming and guiding volunteers during their shifts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Farm Work
- Planting and transplanting crops
- Weeding, mulching, and general field maintenance
- Watering and irrigation oversight
- Harvesting and post-harvest handling
- Fertilizing and basic soil health practices
- Pest and disease monitoring and management
- Following weekly crop plans and task lists
- Maintaining clean, organized farm spaces
Volunteer Coordination
- Welcoming and orienting small groups of volunteers at our two Newtown farm sites
- Assigning and demonstrating tasks to volunteers, and supervising their work
- Ensuring volunteers have a safe, positive, and productive experience
- Communicating with our team on volunteer scheduling and turnout
QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience with vegetable production, farming, gardening, or horticulture
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Comfortable following crop plans, instructions, and seasonal priorities
- Comfortable leading, instructing, or supervising small groups of volunteers
- Physically able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Reliable, detail-oriented, and consistent week to week
- Flexible availability is a plus; willingness to work an occasional Saturday morning is a bonus but not required
COMPENSATION AND SCHEDULE
- Approximately 6–10 hours per week
- Position starts ASAP and runs through November (occasional offseason tasks if interested)
- Morning hours preferred, with flexibility for the right candidate
- Occasional Saturday morning availability is a bonus but not required
- Preference given to candidates able to commit consistently through the end of the season
- Pay: $18.00–$22.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
TO APPLY Interested candidates should email a resume to Communications Director Jessi Ruotolo at jessi@realfoodct.org to apply.
Job Type: Part-time Work Location: In person (Newtown, CT)
