Assistant Farmer - Regenerative

Company Description Blackwood Educational Land Institute is a teaching and regenerative farm dedicated to fostering sustainable farming practices and educating the community on natural food systems. By focusing on co-creating innovative and sustainable ways to grow and source food, Blackwood serves as a model for transforming agricultural methods. Based in Hempstead, TX, our farming mission emphasizes the connection between healthy ecosystems and nourishing communities. Blackwood's mission is to inspire and empower individuals to contribute to a resilient food system. Role Overview Blackwood Educational Land Institute is seeking a Farmer to support and steward daily operations of our regenerative farm and educational landscape. This is a paid, hands-on position for someone with experience in regenerative agriculture, soil health, perennial systems, and ecological land management, and a strong commitment to Regenified-aligned practices. The Farmer will hold primary responsibility for the culinary and medicinal garden, worm composting systems, compost tea brewing, and fruit trees in the East Orchard, while contributing to broader farm operations and long-term land health goals. The ideal candidate is expected to understand how daily actions impact long-term soil and ecosystem health and to carry out work with care, intention, and accountability. Farmer will be observant, reliable, and detail-oriented with effective communication and collaboration skills to support farm operations Regenerative & Regenified Expectations All work at Blackwood must align with regenerative agriculture principles and remain in compliance with Regenified standards, including: Building soil health and biological life Minimizing disturbance and compaction Maintaining continuous soil cover and living roots Supporting plant diversity and perennial systems Using observation-based, non-chemical decision making Primary Responsibilities Culinary & Medicinal Garden Manage planting, maintenance, harvesting, and seasonal planning Apply regenerative weed and soil management practices Monitor plant health and soil conditions and respond appropriately Soil, Compost & Compost Tea Systems Manage worm bins and vermiculture systems Brew and apply compost tea according to Blackwood protocols Support compost management and soil fertility strategies East Orchard Fruit Trees Maintain fruit trees using regenerative orchard practices Support pruning, mulching, irrigation, and long-term tree health Monitor pest and disease pressure through ecological assessment General Farm Operations Assist with planting, harvesting, cover cropping, and bed preparation Use low-disturbance techniques (minimal tillage, broadforking, avoiding compaction) Maintain tools, beds, paths, and irrigation systems Support seasonal projects, workdays, and educational programming as needed Uphold Blackwood's no synthetic pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide practices Qualifications Hands-on experience in sustainable farming, market gardening, or regenerative land management, including crop management and soil health conservation Strong understanding of regenerative agriculture principles Observant, reliable, and detail-oriented Ability to work independently and prioritize competing responsibilities Experience with composting, vermiculture, or orchard systems preferred Knowledge of cultivation techniques and ability to apply them independently Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage recurring responsibilities Comfortable with physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions Familiarity with climate-adaptive farming techniques is an advantage A passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship Relevant experience or education in agriculture, horticulture, ecology, or related fields is preferred

Pay:

$15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person