Our busy farm stand and nursery is seeking a retail attendant. 

Key responsibilities involve greeting customers, answering questions about veggies and plants, and processing payments using Square. Attendant also will prepare and package produce, arrange displays, assist with nursery sales, and maintain an inviting shopping environment. 

Qualifications:

Previous retail experience preferred, but willing to train the right person. 

Willingness to be part of a team, work independently, be flexible and have fun. 

Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs.

Please email resume to Holly and Angus at [email protected].

Location: Meach Cove Farms, Shelburne, Vermont
Status: Part-time (15-25 hr/wk), Seasonal (mid-April – early October)

Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt 
Pay Range: $20-$26/hr

Reports to: Meach Cove Farms Associate Manager

Position Overview

The Seasonal Gardener cares for the multiple garden spaces throughout Meach Cove Farms, a privately owned farm and estate. This role focuses on hands-on horticultural maintenance, seasonal planting, and landscape stewardship to ensure all areas — from the front entrance and private home(s) to the office and community event spaces — remain healthy and welcoming throughout the growing season.

This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated gardener who enjoys physical outdoor work, takes pride in detail, and values contributing to a collaborative Farm team.

Key Responsibilities

Garden Maintenance

• Maintain multiple garden spaces across the property, including ornamental beds at the front entrance, around private homes, the office, and the community event space
• Perform seasonal planting of annuals, perennials, and bulbs
• Prune trees, shrubs, roses, and perennials according to horticultural best practices
• Monitor plant health; identify pests, diseases, and nutrient issues and report or address appropriately
• Conduct soil preparation, composting, mulching, fertilization, and irrigation adjustments
• Maintain a clean and organized shared work space

Equipment Use & Maintenance

• String trimmers

• Hedge trimmers

• Golf cart

• Pickup trucks and 1-ton trucks

• Hand tools

• Ladders/lifts 

• Skid-steer/tractor operation (optional)

• Monitor equipment condition and report repair needs

Seasonal Grounds Support

May assist the grounds crew with seasonal work such as:

• Seasonal property transitions (spring opening, fall cutbacks, winter prep)

• Storm cleanup

• Tree pruning and brush cutting

• Leaf cleanup

• Other duties as assigned

Team Collaboration & Safety

• Communicate observations or needs regarding plant health, irrigation, or site conditions
• Adhere to safety practices and proper equipment use
• Respect privacy and confidentiality of the estate and its residents

Qualifications

• 2+ seasons of professional gardening, landscaping, or horticulture experience preferred
• Working knowledge of plant care, pruning, and garden maintenance practices
• Experience with standard landscape tools and equipment
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license with no major violations in the past three years

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting (up to 50 lbs), bending, kneeling, and repetitive motion
• Ability to perform sustained physical outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Move safely across uneven terrain

Benefits

Part-time seasonal employees are eligible for:

• Work shoe allowance

• Rain gear and all required personal protective equipment

How to Apply

If you enjoy hands-on work, take pride in maintaining garden spaces and are interested in contributing to the care of a unique farm and estate property, we encourage you to apply. Please email the following materials to [email protected]

• A resume outlining relevant work experience

• A brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and the skills you would bring to this role

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For questions about the position, please contact Meach Cove Farms at 802-985-9218

Belonging Together: A Facilitation & Communication Professional Development Training Course for Space Holders begins on Thursday, March 26 and runs for six consecutive Thursdays from 1:00-3:30 pm on Zoom. 

This is an immersive unlearning and relearning course to evolve facilitation skills for trauma informed equitable communication, inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices, and building cultural conditions for belonging. Embody and integrate circle facilitation practices for dialogue where power is shared, whole selves are valued, and listening is centered in the heart.

A past participant said:  “I recommend this course for anyone engaged in facilitation, space holding, community building, and change making. There is such a need for each of us to truly evaluate and be accountable for how facilitation practices can and do perpetuate the systems we are actively trying to change. Belonging Together provided me with tools, prompts, and opportunities to step deeper into my own facilitation by experimenting with conscious, intentional, heart-led facilitation techniques in a safe space where I was able to confront my own shadows so that I may show up more authentically and fully in this work.”

Details & Register: https://empowr-transformation.com/events/facilitation-training-course/

Hiring a short-term farm manager to assume a lead role in caring for and managing a herd of 51 goats while the current farmer/owner is on maternity leave. Responsibilities include morning and evening barn chores 6 days a week (longer stretches of time off negotiable with ample advanced notice), barn mucking and basic health maintenance (hoof trimming and vaccinations) and medical care (recognizing early signs of illness or injury, comfort with taking rectal temperatures and administering pain meds/antibiotics in consultation with farm owner and/or vet as needed). Several members of the herd are of advanced age and require vigilant monitoring to discern changes in health that might need more intensive medical interventions. 

As the time period of this job will coincide with breeding season (though no breeding will be occurring), the ideal candidate will feel comfortable handling full-sized bucks in active rut. 

This is a job that carries a lot of responsibility as our animals are managed with a high standard of care. It also requires a high level of skill. However, active labor hours are fairly minimal – as the animals will not be milking, barn chores and basic herd health maintenance will not likely exceed 20-25 hours per week. As such, pay will be somewhere on the order of $500 per week or $20/hr. Housing is included: a thoughtfully appointed, fully furnished studio apartment with WiFi, a washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, linens and other amenities. Window unit AC and heat/hot water/garbage and recycling disposal all included. Must have a road worthy car and be comfortable driving in snowy/icy conditions.

The job will commence August 1 of 2026  with two weeks of training/orientation and will run until March 1 of 2027. The farm owner will be able to resume assistance with basic operations on or around December 1, and weekly labor hours and compensation will adapt as needed. Assistance with barn mucking will be provided, as it is more than a one-person job! 

Two professional and one personal reference required. 

Please submit resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject heading VVF Interim Farm Manager.

We’re looking to place Annie in a new home that will be a better fit for her. 

Annie is a very sweet, 2 year old, 35 lb, purebred, registered border collie from excellent herding lines. We just recently got Annie from a handler in Washington State. Unfortunately, she’s not the right dog for us as relatively inexperienced trainers/handlers. She was started to herd sheep and cattle by her previous owner. She is also exceedingly cute. 

We’re hoping to find a good home for Annie – she’d make a wonderful pet, sport dog, or farm dog. She is great with kids, really loving, and knows how to “turn off” and chill when she’s not working/active.

She is up to date on her vaccinations and recently vet checked. She is intact, not spayed. 

We are asking $2,500 for her. We, and Annie, are located in Corinth, VT 

 

The EPR Farmers Market is run by the Town of Essex Parks and Recreation Department with the support of the Town of Essex and NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont).  

The goal of the EPR Farmers Market is to provide our community with the opportunity to purchase fresh, high quality, locally sourced goods while supporting our local agricultural community, craftspeople, and specialty food producers.  Our market is intended to draw interest and support for agriculturally oriented and locally owned Vermont small businesses and their products.

In addition to our local vendors, the market will feature a variety of music performed by local musicians. Lawn games, the playground, and the Sand Hill pool offer entertainment for the whole family. 

Vendor registration for the 2026 season is available online at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=KNX47CP5l0STQmVEEI0GN0tFvYgXLIFHiEw01ISYPTtUMjIyN0JOT1VBV0hKUkhZNTdDTFU4NjVEMi4u&route=shorturl 

Space is limited, so please let us know your availability as soon as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us—we're happy to help! Email us at [email protected]

About Us

Founded in 2018, Hillside Botanicals is a small diversified certified organic herb farm and artisan apothecary rooted in West Brookfield, VT, the unceded ancestral lands of the Abenaki peoples. Our farm currently stewards 7 acres, with approximately 2 acres in active production of herbs. We cultivate over 20 varieties of medicinal herbs for apothecaries, clinical and home herbalists, herbal supplement companies, and our own herbalist-formulated wellness products. Every herb grown here on the farm is one we’ve tended by hand from seed to sale with an intense focus on quality and conscious relationship.  We also operate a seasonal plant nursery that offers over 200 varieties of certified organic veggie, herb, and flower starts, as well as a growing collection of perennial fruits and pollinator species that we grow from seed our own planting stock.  

Our herbs are at the heart of our growing herbal product line, which includes certified organic teas, tinctures, Fire Cider, herbal body care, and other culinary provisions.  Each product is formulated in house and handmade in small batches in our on-farm apothecary. Our product line has an intense bioregional focus, with over 80% of ingredients sourced directly from our farm.  

Additionally, we seasonally host workshops and classes on the farm for our local community and visiting groups.  

About the Role: Part Time Field Assistant

The Field Assistant role provides an immersive experience in working on a small-scale organic herb farm. We work hard together, in all weather conditions, but we also learn from each other and seek to infuse joy into even the smallest and most repetitive of tasks.  

The Field Assistant will work closely with us throughout the growing season, engaging in tasks including: 

• Greenhouse tasks (seeding, watering, up-potting etc.)
• Transplanting 
• Weeding
• Harvesting
• Drying and post-harvest processing of herbs
• Support with documentation of farm activities for organic certification record-keeping
• Support with general farm organization and upkeep
• Support with our seasonal plant nursery, which may include potting up starts, watering, and some aspects of retail customer service

For those interested, there may be opportunities to support the value-add side of our business including assisting in making and packaging herbal products in our on-farm apothecary or participating in occasional farmers markets in the summer (Saturdays). 

The ideal field crew member:

• Is a hard worker who is comfortable with (perhaps even loves!) manual labor, regardless of weather conditions 
• Has previous commercial farming experience, ideally at least 2 seasons
• Is able to lift 50 pounds
• Is flexible and patient, able to adapt to changing priorities or objectives as needed
• Is detail-oriented and can remain focused on repetitive tasks
• Is comfortable working alone, as well as in a group
• Values and participates in clear communication 
• Is willing to ask questions or seek support to ensure a task/project gets done correctly 
• Has a dedicated interest in organic and regenerative agriculture and/or herbs
• Has reliable transportation (we are in a rural area with limited access to public transportation) and a commitment to arriving on time to work

The Details

● Wages start at $16-$17, based on experience

● Position is for 3 days per week on the farm (Weekdays, occasional weekend hours may be discussed)

● Workdays usually begin at 8 am, lasting 8 hours (Estimated 24 hours/week)

● Position will be approximately mid-May through late-October (Start/End Dates to be determined with candidate)

● Candidates are expected to commit to the full farming season. Long trips during the farming season are discouraged, as they can significantly disrupt our season and increase the workload for our tiny team. However, we always work to maintain open communication with our staff and do our best to accommodate their needs while working to minimize the impact of any time off.

● Benefits of this position include:

• Access to organic plant starts, fresh and dried herbs from our farm (when available)
• Discounted products from our apothecary
• Free admission to any workshops and yoga classes taught on the farm
• First-hand instruction on growing, tending, and processing herbs, and the opportunity to expand your farming knowledge and experience. 

To Apply: 

Please send a resume, brief cover letter, and 2-3 references to [email protected].  Candidates will be invited to participate in a live interview after initial application materials are reviewed. 

Hiring a short-term farm manager to assume a lead role in caring for and managing a herd of 51 goats while the current farmer/owner is on maternity leave. Responsibilities include morning and evening barn chores 6 days a week (longer stretches of time off negotiable with ample advanced notice), barn mucking and basic health maintenance (hoof trimming and vaccinations) and medical care (recognizing early signs of illness or injury, comfort with taking rectal temperatures and administering pain meds/antibiotics in consultation with farm owner and/or vet as needed). Several members of the herd are of advanced age and require vigilant monitoring to discern changes in health that might need more intensive medical interventions. 

As the time period of this job will coincide with breeding season (though no breeding will be occurring), the ideal candidate will feel comfortable handling full-sized bucks in active rut. 

This is a job that carries a lot of responsibility as our animals are cared for with a high standard of quality. It also requires a high level of skill. However, active labor hours are fairly minimal – as the animals will not be milking, barn chores and basic herd health maintenance will not likely exceed 20-25 hours per week. As such, pay will be somewhere on the order of $500 per week or $20/hr. Housing is included: a thoughtfully appointed, fully furnished studio apartment with WiFi, a washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, linens and other amenities. Window unit AC and heat/hot water/garbage and recycling disposal all included. Must have a road worthy car and be comfortable driving in snowy/icy conditions.

The job will commence August 1 of 2026  with two weeks of training/orientation and will run until March 1 of 2027. The farm owner will be able to resume assistance with basic operations on or around December 1, and weekly labor hours and compensation will adapt as needed. Assistance with barn mucking will be provided, as it is more than a one-person job! 

Two professional and one personal reference required. 

Please submit resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject heading VVF Interim Farm Manager.

ROOTS FARM MARKET TEAM MEMBER (CLOSING SHIFTS) 

The Roots Farm Market, Middlesex, VT

Job Overview

The Roots Farm Market is looking for a part-time Store Team Member to help with our weekday closing and weekend shifts! We are a small team, united by a passion for local products and organic, locally-grown produce. We work hard to provide a pleasant, relaxed, and intimate retail experience for our customers, vendors, and the community. Store Team Members engage with customers at the register during most of a shift, while also completing vital daily store tasks such as grocery stocking, handling and packaging vegetables, watering plants and vegetables outside, merchandising, and cleaning/organizing the store space. Ideal candidates will bring energy and positivity to the role while maintaining a high level of customer service. 

​

Job Duties 

• Efficiently and accurately complete customer transactions using the POS system
• Interact with customers and community members in a friendly and respectful manner 
• Price, merchandize, organize, or restock inventory as needed
• Bag, clean, sort, date, and manage a variety of seasonal, fresh produce
• Maintain abundant and appealing displays and a clean and welcoming space

​

Physical Aspects 

• Frequent standing up and sitting down, standing for long periods
• Heavy lifting (30-50 lbs) is a regular Store Team Member task 
• Changing temperature environments: working in walk-in cooler, on store floor, outside in summer/fall months

​

Benefits & Compensation 

• $16-$18/hour depending on experience 
• Accrued Paid Time Off for those working 24 hrs/week or more
• 15% employee discount 
• Staff lunch & drink ​and seconds vegetables

​

Schedule

• This position is a part time position and is limited to mostly closing shifts (until approx 6:15 in the evening); we will consider after-school candidates depending on hiring needs

​To apply: please email an updated resume and brief intro statement including your work availability and 3 work-related references to [email protected] 

Overview

Roots Farm Market (founded in 2019) is a farmer-owned, year-round market dedicated to showcasing the highest quality locally grown produce and thoughtfully sourced foods. Our mission is to strengthen Vermont’s regional food system by building lasting partnerships with local farms and offering exceptional seasonal products in a warm, community-centered retail environment

We are seeking a knowledgeable and driven Lead Produce & Meat Buyer to oversee all fresh produce procurement and maintenance. This mid-level leadership role owns the vision, planning, and execution of our produce program, with a strong emphasis on local farm relationships, seasonality, quality standards, and financial performance.

The ideal candidate has direct experience buying fresh vegetables—preferably from local and organic farms in Vermont—and understands how to balance seasonality, margins, merchandising, and customer demand within a small-format retail environment. 

Position Summary

The Produce & Meat Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, forecasting, pricing, and merchandising all produce in the store, while also coordinating ordering and inventory maintenance for the store’s local meat selection.

This role acts as the primary link between Roots Farm Market in Middlesex, VT, and its founding farm, Bear Roots Farm (located in Williamstown and South Barre), as well as other regional producers. This buyer plays a key role in shaping the store’s identity through a vibrant, seasonal vegetable program and strong partnerships with local farms.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role, requiring time in the walk-in, heavy lifting, on the sales floor, and regular communication with growers and producers

Key Responsibilities

     Produce Strategy & Seasonal Planning

• Develop and execute a seasonal produce sourcing plan aligned with regional crop cycles
• Forecast weekly and monthly produce needs based on sales trends and seasonal shifts
• Curate a diverse, high-quality vegetable selection with an emphasis on Bear Roots Farm produce and other local producers
• Monitor market pricing and adjust retail pricing to maintain healthy margins while remaining competitive
• Track shrink and implement strategies to reduce waste and increase sell-through

    Farm & Vendor Relationships

• Serve as primary point of contact for local farm partners 
• Build & maintain strong, transparent relationships with growers 
• Identify and onboard new farm vendors to expand product diversity 
• Stay informed on crop forecasts, weather impacts, and regional agricultural trends 
• Visit farms and attend local food and buying events as needed 

    Meat Program Coordination

• Coordinate weekly ordering of locally raised meats from regional producers and distributors
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and monitor sales trends
• Ensure proper receiving, storage, and rotation in accordance with food safety standards
• Support pricing, merchandising, and product availability within the meat case

    Ordering, Receiving & Inventory Management

• Place weekly and rolling orders according to vendor schedules 
• Create and manage purchase orders in POS/inventory system 
• Oversee produce receiving, ensuring quality, temperature compliance, and accuracy 
• Maintain organized, properly rotated walk-in storage (FIFO) 
• Analyze sales data and adjust ordering quantities accordingly 

Merchandising & Quality Control

• Lead produce display strategy to ensure abundance, freshness, and visual appeal 
• Maintain accurate pricing, farm signage, and product information 
• Establish and uphold quality standards for all produce on the floor 
• Train staff on proper handling, rotation, and storage protocols

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with management team on financial performance and category growth 
• Communicate produce updates, seasonality highlights, and changes to staff 
• Share photos, updates, or promotions with our marketing team 
• Support in-store promotions, tastings, and farm spotlight features 
• Step into customer-facing register role as needed to support store operations 

Qualifications

• 1-2+ years experience with buying or managing fresh produce in retail, farmers market, or food distribution center 
• Strong knowledge of vegetable farming, VT specific food system, and regional growing cycles 
• Must have experience working directly with farms or local food producers 
• Demonstrated ability to manage inventory, margins, and shrink 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills 
• Passion for local agriculture and sustainable food systems 
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs regularly and work in refrigerated storage environment 
• Positive, team oriented attitude 

What this role offers 

• Ownership over a dynamic, seasonal produce program
• Direct relationships with regional farmers
• Opportunity to shape the store’s identity through produce leadership
• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment

Schedule

• Full time 40 hrs/week 
• Mostly closing shifts 10AM-6:15PM with a few opening 8AM-4PM 
• One weekend day 

Compensation 

• $21-22/hour depending on experience
• Accrual based PTO 
• 15% Store Discount 
• Daily Staff Lunch
• Access to 2nd quality produce or store culls