Seasonal Field Crew Lead

Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Seasonal Field Crew Lead for Rutgers Gardens.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Conducts various aspects of vegetable cultivation and distribution, including seed propagation, field preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting, washing, and packing produce.
• Assists with training students, interns, and volunteers in the completion of farm and garden tasks.
• Assists with and/or lead farm-based projects and activities of students, interns, and volunteers.
• Assists with the distribution of produce to end users (including CSA members, farmers market customers, and local food pantries).
• Conducts preparation, setup, operation, and clean-up of the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm vendor booth at the farmers markets at Rutgers Gardens, College Avenue, Busch Campus, etc.
• Helps ensure a clean, safe working environment through appropriate clean-up and maintaining organization on the farm and at the farmers markets.
• Contributes to recurring work planning meetings and/or field walks.
• Supports the implementation of farm, urban agriculture, and community garden plans.
• Assists in farm and community garden projects as necessary; including, but not limited to, farm infrastructure installation, repair, and expansion.
• Conducts generalized plant care and landscape maintenance tasks to be completed in an outdoor and/or greenhouse setting as needed.
• Assists in the documentation of field production, harvest, pest and soil monitoring for organic certification purposes, and sales records.
• Engages with students, interns, volunteers, community gardeners, market customers, visitors, and others in a positive, welcoming, and professional manner.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Salary Details

$20 – $22/hourly

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours

Up to 40

Daily Work Shift: Rotating

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Temporary Staff Appointment – Hourly

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver’s license would be required for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and on a team, as well as to consistently engage with public and university stakeholders in a positive and professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the following: growing diversified vegetables for commercial food production on a small-scale farm; organic, no-till production systems; pest and weed management, soil preparation, crop cultivation and harvesting; farm equipment, water/irrigation, harvest, storage, and other practical aspects of farming; operating a farmers market stand.

Equipment Utilized

• Utility vehicles (workman), power tools, mowers, string trimmers and similar farm/landscape equipment, hand tools, seeding and harvesting equipment consistent with agricultural operations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 60 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in a broad range of weather conditions.

Special Conditions

• Clean Driving Record.
• Ability to report to work at multiple job locations as assigned throughout the work week.
• Must be available to work weekends and/or hours outside of a traditional workday (including early morning and/or evening hours) as scheduled.
• Must complete Rutgers Defensive Driving Course within 30 days of hire.
• Multiple Vacancies.

Posting Open Date: 02/27/2026

Posting Close Date: 03/08/2026

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Rutgers University – New Brunswick

City

New Brunswick

State

NJ

Tagged as: Employment