Senior Gardener / Farm Hand
Sanborn Mills Farm — Loudon, New Hampshire
Status: Full-time, seasonal (March–November), non-exempt
Reports to: Head Gardener
Works closely with: Gardeners, Summer Farm Assistants, Kitchen, Farm Leadership Team
About Sanborn Mills Farm
Sanborn Mills Farm (SMF) is a nonprofit working farm and craft school dedicated to the preservation and advancement of traditional skills through active practice. Set on a historic campus with water-powered mills, working agricultural systems, and studios, SMF operates at the intersection of land, material, and making.
We are not a museum. We are a place where work is the archive and use is preservation. Materials are grown, harvested, milled, and transformed into objects—connecting land to hand in a living, evolving system of education and production.
Through workshops, partnerships, public programs, and events, SMF is building a national reputation as a leader in craft, agriculture, and place-based learning.
Position Summary
The Senior Gardener/Farm Hand supports vegetable production at Sanborn Mills Farm and contributes to the ornamental, dye, and willow gardens as needed. This role focuses on hands-on work including soil preparation, seed starting, planting, cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and produce distribution. The position plays a key role in supporting the Kitchen by coordinating produce needs, taking and packing orders, and delivering fresh vegetables for meals and programs. As an experienced member of the Farm Team, the Senior Gardener/Farm Hand models best practices, provides informal mentoring to less experienced staff, and contributes to broader farm operations such as animal chores, hay production, and grounds maintenance. The work blends traditional land-based skills with efficient, practical vegetable-growing methods suited to the farm’s scale and historic character.
Core Responsibilities
- Leads seed starts for vegetable production, including tray preparation, sowing, labeling, watering, and greenhouse care
- Prepare vegetable beds through soil amendments and compost application
- Seed, transplant, weed, water, mulch, trellis, and cultivate vegetable crops throughout the season
- Harvest vegetables at peak quality following farm standards
- Wash, weigh, label, and properly store harvested vegetables in designated areas
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of wash/pack spaces and storage areas
- Monitor crop health, identify pests and diseases, and implement appropriate management strategies
- Assist with succession planting, crop rotation, and seasonal planning tasks
- Participate in record-keeping for plantings, harvests, inputs, and observations
- Support work in perennial, dye, ornamental, and willow garden areas as assigned
- Operate hand tools and small equipment safely and effectively
- Collaborate with the Head Gardener to implement weekly and seasonal work plans
- Coordinate with the Kitchen to meet produce needs, including harvest timing, crop selection, and delivery
- Communicate regularly with Kitchen staff about availability, quality, and storage of produce
- Take, pack, and deliver kitchen produce orders according to established procedures and timelines
- Provide informal mentoring to Gardeners and Summer Farm Assistants by demonstrating proper techniques, sharing knowledge, and supporting skill development during daily work
- Maintain the appearance, orderliness, and historical integrity of garden spaces
- Assist with educational programs, workshops, or tours when requested
- Support Farm Team with animal chores, hay production, and grounds maintenance
- Participate in rotational weekend work as scheduled
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience in vegetable gardening, market gardening, CSA production, or small-scale agriculture
- Knowledge of plant care, soil health, and seasonal vegetable production cycles
- Experience with seed starting or greenhouse work preferred
- Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varied weather conditions
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality vegetable handling and presentation
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative “one Farm, one team”
- Willingness to learn traditional skills and adapt to the farm’s historic context
- Valid driver’s license preferred
- Experience with perennial care, dye plants, ornamental gardens, or willow gardens is a plus
Physical Demands
- Outdoor, hands-on work across varied terrain
- Regular lifting of 30–50 lbs, including crates of produce
- Repetitive tasks such as bending, kneeling, harvesting, and carrying
- Seasonal schedule variations based on weather and crop needs
- Rotational weekend shifts required
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly wage commensurate with experience
- Opportunities for professional development in horticulture and traditional skills
- Participation in a collaborative, mission-driven farm community
To Apply
Interested candidates should apply to the Farm Manager. A resume and a cover letter should be sent to ray@sanbornmills.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.