Job Posting Title:
UT Farm Stand Garden Student Assistant
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Hiring Department:
University Housing and Dining
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
15
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FLSA Status:
To Be Determined at Offer
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Earliest Start Date:
Ongoing
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Purpose
The mission of UT Farm Stand is to promote a local and sustainable food system to the UT Austin community. With two sustainable food gardens, a biweekly farmer’s market, and a strong zero waste focus, UT Farm Stand is supported by three pillars: Farm, Table and Waste. Rooted in experiential education, UT Farm Stand provides students with diverse opportunities to develop their professional skills while advancing sustainability on campus.
This position focuses specifically on campus garden management and offers hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, food production, and volunteer coordination. Garden Assistants are responsible for managing and maintaining UT Farm Stand’s two garden spaces at Jester and Kinsolving, ensuring their productivity and health. Responsibilities include planting, watering, weeding, composting, and harvesting produce for the biweekly UT Farm Stand market. Garden Assistants also help operate aquaponic systems, coordinate with student and community volunteers, and support garden-related outreach and education initiatives.
By working with the Garden team, students gain practical experience in urban gardening, food systems, and environmental stewardship. This role is ideal for students passionate about sustainable agriculture, hands-on learning, and building community through food.
Responsibilities
UT Farm Stand Garden Assistants will have a primary focus in garden programming, though there will be opportunities available in the markets and zero waste.
Improve the efficiency and productivity of UT Farm Stand’s garden spaces at Jester and Kinsolving
Maintain garden beds through planting, watering, weeding, composting, and pest management
Attend weekly meetings related to garden planning and UT Farm Stand programs
Assist in other UT Farm Stand activities as needed, including market and outreach support
Coordinate with university departments and campus partners regarding sustainable food initiatives
Maintain and expand UT Farm Stand’s campus and social media presence with garden-related updates
Support the operation and maintenance of aquaponic systems
Help manage and grow the garden volunteer program, including scheduling and training volunteers
Must be enrolled as a student at the University of Texas at Austin.
Must be available to work a full semester in the position.
There is no prior experience required; only a willingness to work hard and a passion for sustainability.
Compensation
$13.00 per hour
Career Competencies Gained
Working on a team and communicating within subgroups, whole team, and external collaborators
Knowledge of composting, sustainability, food systems, waste management, etc.
Leading and educating volunteers through garden activities
Opportunities available for leading work efforts and starting initiatives
This position is in-person, primarily at outdoor UT Farm Stand markets and related events in the on-campus gardens. Some office work in the Sustainability Student Office will also be required.
Garden and market work is typically performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, including sun, heat, wind, light rain, and seasonal temperature changes.
Position may require frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials such as tables, tents, crates of produce, and boxes of supplies (generally up to 25–40 lbs. with or without accommodation).
Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm with some weekend work as requested. Positions are for up to 15 hours per week
Required Materials
Resume/CV
Letter of interest
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Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
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Retirement Plan Eligibility:
Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.
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Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
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Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
