CITY SPROUTS FARM

Farm Assistant

Center for Community Learning

Western Washington University

 

The Farm Assistant position provides students with a leadership role at City Sprouts Farm, an off-campus urban farm run by the WWU Center for Community Learning. This position is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of community food systems while developing practical farm management skills. Preference is given to students who have completed an internship or apprenticeship at City Sprouts Farm or another vegetable farm.

 

Our Farm’s Mission:

City Sprouts Farm builds community resilience by stewarding a productive farm space where people can come together to learn, increase food access, and demonstrate how community vitality can grow through our food system.  Our programming is embedded within Western Washington University’s Center for Community Learning and offers multiple entry points for students to engage with the local food system. We grow diversified vegetables using ecological practices, with primary goals of producing nutritious food for food-insecure community members, cultivating soil health, and creating opportunities for student learning, leadership, and belonging.

 

Position Description: 

Farm Assistants will work at City Sprouts Farm alongside a team of student apprentices, interns, volunteers, and farm mentors. As key liaisons for the farm, they are responsible for welcoming visitors, guiding student volunteers, interns, and employees, and working independently as needed. Farm Assistants report to and collaborate with Ellie Duncan, the Farm Manager.

 

Position Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor student apprentices, interns, and volunteers in farm tasks, including greenhouse work, weeding, preparing vegetable beds, seeding and transplanting crops, harvesting and packing produce, site maintenance, and building projects.

• Complete farm tasks independently, including greenhouse care, harvesting, packing and delivering produce, and running CSA pickup. 

• Lead morning check-ins and assign daily tasks to farm apprentices/interns.

• Facilitate lessons on topics such as community building, composting, plant health, crop planning, and other relevant subjects.

• Welcome, host, and orient visitors to the farm.

• Lead work parties and ensure volunteers remain engaged and on task.

• Complete off-farm tasks and projects such as event tabling or attending community food systems events and meetings. 

• Educate apprentices, interns and volunteers on small-scale farming and share the farm’s mission and story.
   

Required Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of small-scale farming systems

• Organized, responsible, and punctual

• Strong communication and leadership skills

• Excellent work ethic and positive attitude

• Conscientious, curious, and able to work effectively with diverse groups of people

• Ability to give and receive feedback with compassion

• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 25 pounds

• Ability to navigate rough and uneven terrain

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

• Access to reliable transportation

• Enrollment at Western Washington University for the duration of employment
   

Additional Information

Farm Assistants may remain in the position for multiple years, contingent upon meeting position expectations and completing an annual performance review with the Farm Manager.

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Hours/Week: 

April 1st-June 12th: 8-19 hours/week. 

June 15th-September: 24 hours/week. 

October: 8-19 hours/week

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Pay Rate: $20.79/hour

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To Apply:

Please email Ellie Duncan at ellie.duncan@wwu.edu with a resume a cover letter responding to the following questions in 500 words or less:

• Share an example of a time you led, mentored, or supported others in a work or learning environment. How do you help create a welcoming and productive space for people with diverse backgrounds and experience levels?

•  Describe your previous farming, gardening, or related hands-on experience. What skills or experiences have prepared you to take on a leadership role at City Sprouts Farm?

•  What do you hope to gain from this position, and how does this leadership opportunity support your academic or career goals?

 

Applications due March 6th, 2026

Interviews and hiring will be conducted in March, farm assistants will begin work the week of March 30th.