Seasonal Grower

Seasonal Grower – Costello Urban Farm 2025

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence Massachusetts since 1999. Through community engagement, environmental and open space improvements, healthy food access, youth education, and employment initiatives, GWL creates the building blocks of a healthy community, and empowers residents to improve their quality of life. GWL achieves results by engaging the whole community – residents, youth, nonprofits, government, and businesses – in the planning and realization of projects and programs. With this collaborative approach, GWL ensures that all stakeholders are mutually invested in the outcomes, the key to stable neighborhoods and sustainable change. 

GWL’s mission and operations are premised on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to economic and social health.  As a consequence, GWL is committed to “changing places, changing lives, and changing systems” through on-the-ground projects and community-informed programming that help to transform neighborhoods. We strive towards creating an equitable community where the residents of Greater Lawrence in all stages of life feel they belong, are safe, supported, and empowered; where healthy living is the norm; and everyone’s neighborhood is a resilient environment that thrives with parks, trees, and open space. 

How we work is as important as what we do. We are committed to building race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) into our personnel policies, decision making processes, and organizational strategies. 

About the Position:

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is seeking a Grower for the Urban Farm at Costello Park to develop and maintain our half-acre farm in Lawrence, MA. The Grower is responsible for maintaining the daily operations of the farm, including watering, weeding, recordkeeping, tending to plants and grounds, and tool maintenance. In addition to maintaining the farm, the Grower will work with Green Team Leaders during the summer months to assist in delivering high-quality programming and development opportunities to Green Team youth employees. The Grower will also work with local volunteers and service groups, as well as assist the education team with hosting field trips at the Urban Farm for Lawrence students.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Manage daily farm operations.
• Maintain proper planting and harvest dates for the farm and high tunnel.
• Manage harvests for donations at local soup kitchens and for shares for the youth to take home. 
• Maintain production logs.
• Develop and manage tasks for youth in the farm. Ensure that tasks are completed in an efficient and timely manner. 
• Train youth on proper handling and technique for farm equipment. 
• Lead workshops on growing food.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Required Qualifications: 

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience in diversified produce production.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong Communication Skills.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in all weather conditions. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with season extension, seedling propagation, and succession planting.
• Experience in agricultural education.
• Experience working with youth.  
• Experience working in Lawrence or another urban, low-income community.
• Spanish speaking skills.  

Employment Dates & Compensation:  

April 1, 2025 – October 30, 2025 (20-35 hours/week at $25/hour) - flexible

Compensation: The hourly rate is $25 per hour. This is a seasonal, non-exempt position reporting directly to the Urban Food System Program Director.

Hiring Policy: City of Lawrence residents are strongly encouraged to apply.  GWL is an equal opportunity employer, committed to maintaining and growing a diverse team, and to doing business in keeping with core values of relevance, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

To apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit letter of interest and resume to: Groundwork Lawrence, Attn: Human Resources, 50 Island Street, Suite 101, Lawrence, MA 01840, fax:  (978) 655-1337, or hr@groundworklawrence.org.