Individual Volunteering at Red Wiggler
Learn more about individual volunteer opportunities at Red Wiggler. From fieldwork to special projects, there is an opportunity for everyone to help support our work.
Volunteer Roles
Farm Production Support
Volunteer tasks vary depending on the season, but you might find yourself weeding, planting, harvesting, watering, or preparing soil. Each day brings something new, and we’ll give you all the instructions and demonstrations you need to get started. Plus, we always work as a team, so you’ll never be on your own.
Fieldwork volunteers are generally needed Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm and some afternoons from 1-3 pm.
We’re looking for field volunteers who can:
- Maintain a positive attitude and get along with others
- Lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
- Bend, stoop, and kneel comfortably
- Follow safety protocols
- Work outdoors in all types of weather (cold, wind, rain, and heat) and around insects
- Follow directions and stay focused (with the help of a job coach or direct support professional if needed)
- Complete tasks with limited supervision
- Walk on slippery, rough, or uneven ground
- Work for up to three hours outdoors, with breaks
We attempt to provide accommodations for people who may not meet all of the above criteria.
Community Engagement Program Support
We regularly host groups from local schools and agencies serving adults and children with disabilities in our education garden spaces for sensory tours, field trips, and more. Volunteers assist with supporting educational visitors to the farm, prepping and leading activities, and maintaining our Discovery and Pollinator gardens. Volunteers may also help out with events and other community engagement opportunities.
Most volunteers are needed Monday-Friday from 9am/10am-12pm with occasional opportunities during the afternoons and on weekends.
Distribution Program Support
Volunteers assist with washing, weighing, sorting, and packing food for our CSA and for our Harvest Share programs. This work typically takes place in our barn, at the wash station, or in the shade of our big oak tree.
We typically need volunteers on Monday mornings, Wednesday mornings and afternoons, Friday mornings, and Saturday mornings.
Special Skill Projects
We have a small number of opportunities to help with things like events, cooking, woodworking, sewing, administrative work, facility maintenance, and more.
Have a special skill you’d like to contribute? Let us know in your volunteer application!
How to Sign Up for Volunteering at Red Wiggler
Step one:
Fill out our volunteer application and review our volunteer policies.
Step two:
Register and join us for a one-hour, in-person orientation event at the farm.
Step three:
Complete a federal background check application if 18 or older.
Step four:
Find available volunteer shifts and register. (You must receive explicit approval before registering for a volunteer shift.)
Red Wiggler Care Farm is an Montgomery County Public Schools Approved SSL Site. One hour of volunteering is equivalent to one SSL hour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
Do I need any experience to volunteer?
Not at all! Whether it’s your first time on a farm or you’re a seasoned gardener, we’re happy to have you. Our team leaders will guide you through what you need to do and make sure you’re comfortable with the tasks. Volunteering at Red Wiggler is all about learning, growing, and working together.
Who can volunteer?
We’re looking for field volunteers who can:
- Maintain a positive attitude and get along with others
- Lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
- Bend, stoop, and kneel comfortably
- Follow safety protocols
- Work outdoors in all types of weather (cold, wind, rain, and heat) and around insects
- Follow directions and stay focused (with the help of a job coach or direct support professional if needed)
- Complete tasks with limited supervision
- Walk on slippery, rough, or uneven ground
- Work for up to three hours outdoors, with breaks
We attempt to provide accommodations for people who may not meet all of the above criteria. We also offer a limited number of special skill volunteer positions.
Read our volunteer policies document for more information, including how to stay safe on the farm.
When can I volunteer?
Volunteers are generally needed from April through November.
We host volunteers Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., although the schedule fluctuates a bit each season.
The ideal volunteer can commit to a regular schedule of 20 hours or more throughout the growing season, though those interested in volunteering for less than 20 hours may still apply.
What will I be doing?
Volunteer tasks vary depending on the season, but you might find yourself planting, weeding, harvesting, or preparing beds. Each day brings something new, and we’ll give you all the instructions and demonstrations you need to get started. Plus, we always work as a team, so you’ll never be on your own.
Read our volunteer policies document for more information, including how to stay safe on the farm.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, sun protection (like a hat and sunscreen), and a snack if you think you’ll need one. Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long, durable pants (these are required)—farm work can be messy, but that’s part of the fun! We’ll provide all the tools, gloves, and safety gear you’ll need. Learn more about what to expect during your visit here.
Can I bring a group to volunteer?
Absolutely! We love hosting volunteer groups from schools, businesses, or community organizations. Groups can range from 5 to 20 people, and we can tailor the tasks based on the size of your group. Please fill out this group visit interest form, and we’ll help organize a meaningful and fun experience for everyone.
Is there an age requirement?
Volunteers of all ages are welcome! For safety reasons, volunteers under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re bringing a group of youth volunteers, we ask that you provide one adult chaperone for every five children.
Read our volunteer policies document for more information, including how to stay safe on the farm.
What if it rains?
Farm work is rain or shine! We recommend bringing rain gear if the forecast calls for it. In cases of severe weather, we’ll reach out to you in advance to reschedule or adjust plans. Read our volunteer policies document for all safety information.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Sign up for and attend a volunteer orientation session and complete an application and background check. Once you’ve completed those steps, sign up for available shifts on GivePulse and wait for our team to send you an approval email.
If you’d like to volunteer as a group, please fill out this group visit interest form. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that works for your group.
Are there opportunities other than farming?
Most of our opportunities are in the fields, but we’re often looking for skilled volunteers to help with events, administrative work, educational programming, cooking, CSA pick-up, machine and facility repair, and more.
If your skills and experience fit any of these areas, let us know in your volunteer application, or by emailing volunteer@redwiggler.org.