Garden Assistant

Job Posting: 2026 Garden Assistant for the Colorado Rocky Mountain School
To apply: contact hmcdermott@crms.org Application deadline: March 15th, 2026 or until
position is filled
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountain School, an independent day and boarding high school,
has an organic garden program with vegetable gardens, a young orchard, a small
nursery, and a large-scale composting system. CRMS is located on a 350 acre ranch in
Carbondale in western Colorado between Glenwood Springs and Aspen at an elevation of 6200
feet.
Job Responsibilities: The Garden Assistant participates in all non-administrative activities of
the garden as needed. This includes soil preparation, planting, mulching, protecting crops with
covers, watering, weeding, fertilizing, planning, harvesting, cleaning produce, preparing produce
for storage, preserving produce, arranging flowers, maintaining tools, minor repairs on buildings
and equipment and cleaning of the buildings and work areas. The Assistant plays a large role in
the yearly springtime plant sale, that will impart a different skill set; knowledge of perennials and
annuals, marketing, sales, and customer relations. There is also the opportunity for the
Assistant to gain skills pertaining to operating a skid-steer, tractor and various construction and
landscaping projects. The Assistant will help with the compost program multiple times per week.
The Assistant works with the Garden Manager to plan, lead and/or supervise student work
crews in the Spring. If the Assistant has sole responsibility for supervising a work crew, the
assistant will take attendance, write reports and submit them by the appropriate deadline. At
times, the Assistant may be called upon to work in/on the campus landscape outside the
garden. The assistant will take an active role in supervising and training Garden Interns, as well
as creating a schedule and plan for local farm tours throughout the region.
Time Commitment: The Assistantship runs for approximately 24-30 weeks; from April 1st
through October 15, 2026. The exact time frame is flexible and can be adjusted for the right
candidate. The assistant will be required to work some weekends (on a rotating schedule with
interns) Due to the nature of agricultural work, typical holidays (such as Memorial Day,
Independence Day, and Labor Day) will be regularly scheduled workdays. Expect a heavy
workload (35-40 hours/week) most weeks.
Compensation: $400/week paid every two weeks plus housing, meals and vegetables
Housing: You will live in a yurt on campus with a composting toilet, a water tank, and a full
kitchen. This housing is somewhat primitive. The yurt, while it does have propane heat, can be
on the cool to cold side during spring and during the summer months certain times of day in the
yurt can be very hot. The assistant has access to shower facilities in campus facilities, which are
a short walk from the yurt. Water hauling may be necessary some weeks of the year. The Yurt
is simply furnished and is a beautiful space.
Meals: Three meals daily provided when the school kitchen is open. The kitchen will be open
for most of the term of the assistantship apart from a few intermittent weeks when the kitchen is
closed. The assistant will also have access to produce from the school garden, some dry goods
from the kitchen and to a small plot to plant his/her own garden if desired.

Qualifications:
• The Garden Assistant should have practical and relevant work experience
and a basic knowledge of organic production and gardening and a genuine curiosity about
learning more, an interest in the educational side of agriculture
• the ability to thrive under challenging and conditions with a heavy workload
• the ability to work alone and take on a leadership role with gusto
• an ability to be flexible and respond to changes and challenges that arise because of the
school calendar, the weather and other logistics
• Must be 21 years of age
• Experience working with teenagers is a plus
• A strong interest in organic and sustainable agriculture and our food system
• Strong organization skills and tidiness
• A well-developed and energetic work ethic
• Due to the presence of students on campus, all employees are required to pass
a background check. This requirement poses a barrier for international
applicants.
• Must provide own transportation to CRMS
• Ability to work in an efficient and thorough manner
• Due to the housing available to interns/ assistant, no pets are allowed.
To apply: contact hmcdermott@crms.org Application deadline: March 15th, 2026 or until
position is filled