Earthwise Agassiz Farm in Agassiz, British Columbia is seeking a Community Farm and Engagement Coordinator!
ABOUT Earthwise Agassiz Farm
Our beautiful property in Agassiz, BC encompasses 58 acres of diverse ecosystems including the Miami River, restored riparian wetlands, old growth forests, an ecological demonstration garden, and our 1.5 acre certified organic teaching farm. This year, we will be further expanding our farm. The Earthwise Agassiz Farm models small-scale sustainable agriculture in the context of habitat conservation and demonstrates the productivity and environmental values of agricultural land at the urban-rural boundary.
We are working to re-establish the connection between food and where it comes from. We provide employment and learning opportunities to help cultivate a new generation of farmers. Our produce is sold to the local community through farm gate sales and Community Supported Agriculture, and surplus is donated to local food security initiatives. We produce a wide variety of vegetables and small fruits, including some unique heirloom varieties. We use small-scale machinery in keeping with the size of our farm, mainly hand tools and a walk-behind tractor.
Earthwise Society is a charitable, non-profit organization operating in Delta and Agassiz BC. We have been a recognized leader in ecological land use, education, and sustainability initiatives in the Lower Mainland for almost 40 years. Our mandate is to support the creation of sustainable communities by engaging individuals to work together for social, economic, and environmental well-being. Our programs are intergenerational, multicultural and inclusive. Our services reflect our belief that change is possible and that through working together with others we can create healthy and resilient communities.
Earthwise Society operates the Boundary Bay Earthwise Garden and organic Earthwise Farms in Tsawwassen and Agassiz, British Columbia. These beautiful and unique facilities model sustainable practices and provide opportunities for active learning and stewardship. The Earthwise Farms put the community in touch with food, where it comes from, how it grows, and the ecological costs of getting it to our tables, and encourage young farmers to learn about emerging methods to ensure productivity in small-scale farms serving urban markets.
DESIRED QUALITIES
- Post-secondary education in land and food systems, or environmental field,
- At least one years’ related experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
- Proven ability to work effectively with volunteers and/or co-workers
- Familiarity with growing food, farming or organic gardening
- Experience with the delivery of environmental education programs an asset
- Be self-motivated, flexible, and work well independently and as part of a team
- Be physically fit and enjoy working outside in all kinds of weather
JOB TASKS
Food Security:
- Coordinate monthly meetings for the Agassiz Harrison Food Coalition, take minutes, send out agendas
- Liaise with member agencies and network with local community to increase agency participation
- Work with AHFC agencies to set up pilot Harvest Box program
Community Farm:
- Coordinate implementation of ½ acre community growing and sharing farm
- Recruit and engage community gardeners, provide support, ensure safety and organic growing practices are followed
- As part of a team, carry out farming tasks including crop planning, bed prep, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting
- Assist with implementing strategies to extend the growing season through crop selection, storage, and winter farming techniques
- Ensure that the site is maintained as a destination learning resource to be clean, safe, and attractive to visitors
- Be responsible for safe tool and equipment use and maintenance and ensure that storage areas are tidy
Community Engagement:
- Recruit and engage local volunteers, build a strong local volunteer base
- Assist with program promotion, attend networking and community events
- Assist with marketing and sales initiatives including agritourism, CSA, direct sales and farm store; record sales and prepare documentation
- Implement special events on site to raise awareness, build support, and grow participation
- Initiate a field to table workshop series including:
– food growing month by month
– extending the harvest year round
– preparing and preserving food, reducing food costs
-Deliver hands-on programs for children and school groups
-Track and record visits/participation, feedback and deliverables; report to funders
-Other duties as required
JOB DETAILS
Term: This is a full-time position, from April 15 through Nov 30 and may be extended or renewed. Weekend work will be required.
Hours per week: 35 hours/ week
Wage: The wage for this position is $24-$26/ hr. depending on qualifications. Accommodation on site may be available.
TO APPLY
Please send resume and cover letter to info@earthwisesociety.bc.ca
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Earthwise Agassiz Farm
Website: http://www.earthwisesociety.bc.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarthwiseAg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthwiseagassiz/
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