Who can volunteer?
Our past volunteers have consisted of students earning service learning hours, teachers off during the summer holiday, retired adults, individuals with disabilities or injuries and many others.
We’re looking for field volunteers who can do the following:
– maintain a positive attitude & get along with others
– lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
– bend/stoop/kneel comfortably
– follow safety protocols
– work outdoors in all different weather (cold, wind, rain, and heat) 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 3 hours outdoors, with breaks
We attempt to provide accommodations for individuals who may not meet all of the above criteria. In addition, a limited number of non-field volunteer positions are available on our specialized volunteer page.
All ages are welcome; however, volunteers 13 years old and under must be under the supervision of an adult or legal guardian. Volunteers 18 and older must complete a federal background check.
The ideal volunteer can commit to a regular schedule of 20 hours or more over the course of a growing season; however, those interested in volunteering for less than 20 hours may still apply.
When can I volunteer?
Volunteers are generally needed April-November, Monday – Friday, from 9 am – 12 pm, as well as Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 1 – 3 pm. This schedule fluctuates each season, however!
What will I be doing?
Our volunteers are involved in nearly every aspect of farming and growing food! The tasks change with the seasons, and include but are not limited to: weeding (handweeding and using standing weeding tools) and general field maintenance, harvesting, washing/packing/sorting/weighing produce, transplanting, sowing seeds and prepping soil in the greenhouse, watering/irrigating. Be prepared to work hard in small, inclusive teams and learn a lot!
What should I wear/bring?
Volunteers should come prepared to get dirty and work hard! For safety, we require all volunteers to wear close-toed shoes and long, sturdy pants. We recommend a refillable water bottle, snacks if you need them, your own garden gloves, and any kind of sun protection you need.
We work rain or shine, so we also recommend a rain jacket!
For more specifics, check out our Prepare for Your Visit information.
Are there volunteer opportunities other than farming?
Most of our opportunities are in the fields, but we’re often looking for specialized volunteers to help with events, administrative work, educational programming, helping with cooking, our Saturday/Wednesday CSA pick-up, machine/facility repair, and more. If your skills and experience might fit any of these areas, please contact volunteer@redwiggler.org for further information or take a look at our specialized volunteer page.