Gaining Ground’s Mission and Vision

Gaining Ground, a nonprofit organic farm in Concord, Massachusetts, grows vegetables and fruit with the help of several thousand community volunteers and donates all of this fresh food to area meal programs and food pantries.

We envision a future where everyone has equitable access to healthy, sustainably grown produce.

About the farm

Gaining Ground is a non-profit, no-till, organic farm. At our flagship farm and satellite fields we actively cultivate 6.5 acres of land to grow over 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in fields interspersed with perennial hedgerows. We produce for 15 hunger relief organizations with the help of a community of volunteers and donate 100% of the food we grow. In the 2024 growing season we grew over 130,000 pounds of produce, supplying more than 2,100 food-insecure households each week in the Greater Boston region. We welcomed over 3,500 volunteers of all ages and abilities to the farm this past season.

Gaining Ground uses farming practices centered around ecosystem health.  We strive to farm alongside nature and to encourage biological diversity below and above the soil. We use practices like broadforking, heavy composting, organic mulching, cover cropping, and intercropping to care for the land. We believe that an equitable food system can only be built from sustainable and environmentally just growing practices.

Our grassroots organization thrives because of hard-working, committed, friendly individuals who support our mission with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. Our field crew, assistant growers, and farm managers work together in the field every day while teaching, learning with, and learning from our volunteers. All of our farmers strive collaboratively alongside our invaluable office staff in support of our hunger-relief mission and vision of an equitable food system.

Gaining Ground is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment of belonging for all employees. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status.

We are now hiring field crew members for the 2025 season! 

Positions and Timelines:
We have 2 field crew positions available:

• 2 positions from April – October

Schedule: 
Average 40 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday, with up to one Sunday per month for greenhouse watering duties. A Monday through Friday schedule may be available on a case by case basis. Start times will fluctuate accordingly:

April: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
May: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
June – August: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
September: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
October: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Involvement in all aspects of the farm, including: greenhouse seeding, transplanting, high tunnel work, field preparation, composting, mulching, cultivation, harvest, pest management, barn and kitchen cleaning
• Lead 1-2 volunteer groups each week. This includes corporate groups, school groups, faith-based organizations, and individuals from the community. Farmers will educate volunteers about our growing practices, mission, and food security initiatives while working alongside them in the field
• Greenhouse and irrigation duties up to one Sunday per month
• Willingness to give and receive feedback in the field and during scheduled check ins
• We encourage all crew members to pursue their own areas of interest on the farm and will work with individuals on a one-on-one basis to set goals

Qualifications:

• One year or more of farming experience
• Enthusiasm and ability to work with volunteer groups of all ages and abilities on a regular basis
• Positive and compassionate attitude towards colleagues, volunteers, donors, partners, GG Board, and all farm visitors 
• Willingness to meet all farm visitors where they’re at on their understanding of farming and issues of food justice
• Desire to learn and be curious
• Exceptional work ethic, reliability, and punctuality
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
• Interest in and/or experience with no-till farming practices
• Willingness to work cooperatively with Gaining Ground’s office team
• Ability to work with a team and independently
• Comfortable interacting with an engaged board of directors and our 15 partner organizations 
• Ability to lift 30-40 pounds and perform repetitive physically taxing tasks
• Satisfactory background and reference checks
• A valid driver’s license
• Cell phone communication
• Reliable transportation

Please note that we are unable to provide housing as part of this position. Having your own means of transportation (car or bike) is strongly encouraged, as we are unfortunately not located close to public transport.

Compensation:

• April – October crew positions
  • $20/hour with paid lunch hour
  • $250/month health stipend
  • 6 days paid vacation and 5 federal holidays
  • Up to 5 paid sick days
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Fresh farm veggies

To Apply:

Please email a letter of interest, resume and 2-3 references to hiring@gainingground.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and we will begin interviewing in January. We look forward to hearing from you!