Job Title: Seasonal Farm Hand
Supervisor: Farm Director
Classification: Full-Time, Temporary
Compensation: $16/hour

Season: April 20 – November 20

• April–May: Monday–Friday

• June–September: Tuesday–Saturday

• October–November: Monday–Friday

Seasonal Farm Hand

DeLano Farm at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized as one of the top nature centers in the country, KNC is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside with more than 15 miles of trails through some of Michigan’s most beautiful habitats.

At KNC, we believe the strength of our organization comes from the diversity of our team. We are committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a workforce that reflects the community in which we live and work.

About DeLano Farm

The DeLano Farm is an educational, interactive example of ecologically sound, regenerative agriculture on a historic Michigan farm dating back to the 1850s. Our ~3-acre farm operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program focused on both high-quality produce and experiential learning.

We are part of the growing movement of no-till vegetable farming, exploring its potential to build soil health and sequester carbon as a response to climate change. On our farm, everyone learns — staff, volunteers, shareholders, and visitors alike.

By the end of the season, our crew isn’t just a group of coworkers — we’re a team that has planted, weeded, harvested, and grown together.

Position Summary

The Seasonal Farm Hand will work closely with farm staff to learn and support all aspects of small-scale regenerative vegetable production. This is a physically demanding, hands-on role that also includes education and customer interaction.

You’ll help grow food, guide CSA shareholders in harvesting, support volunteers and interns, and represent KNC in a welcoming, engaging way.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Guide CSA shareholders in tending and harvesting crops

• Assist in supervising volunteers and interns in the field

• Interact with farm visitors in a friendly, fun, and educational manner

• Transplant, seed, water, weed, mulch, and harvest crops

• Participate in harvest days (Tuesdays & Fridays)

• Maintain organized tools, spaces, and workflow

• Operate small equipment such as mowers and weed whips (training provided)

• Drive tractors and pull wagons (training provided)

• Cover crop and compost beds in preparation for winter

• Participate in idea-sharing to improve farm systems and techniques

• Serve as a welcoming, engaged role model within the KNC community

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• At least one season of related farming or gardening experience

• Confidence leading small groups through tasks from start to finish

• Strong environmental ethic and commitment to restorative agriculture

• Interest in biology, ecology, agriculture, or environmental education

• Ability to communicate clearly with people of all ages and experience levels

• Strong work ethic and commitment to the full seasonal schedule

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

• Willingness to work a varied schedule, including some weekends

Working Conditions

• Primarily outdoors in all weather conditions

• Physically demanding work requiring bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting

• Comfort working around insects and animals common to garden environments

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.

If you’re passionate about regenerative agriculture, enjoy working hard outdoors, and want to be part of a supportive and mission-driven team, we encourage you to apply and grow with us this season.