FARM JOB: Armstrong , BC - Fresh Valley Farms, Regenerative Livestock Farmhand

Fresh Valley Farms in Armstrong, BC, is seeking a Regenerative Livestock Farmhand!

ABOUT Fresh Valley Farms

Fresh Valley Farms is a fourth generation regenerative organic farm in Armstrong, BC stewarding over 360 acres of pasture and forest while rotationally grazing cattle, pigs, chickens, and layers. The farm is Certified Organic through the North Okanagan Organic Association (Cert#04-346), and has been a land steward with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society since 2023, prioritizing biodiversity in everything that is done on the farm. We prioritize animal welfare, ensuring that livestock are able to exhibit their natural behaviour; rooting, scratching, pecking, and grazing. Currently the farm operates an on-farm licensed poultry abattoir. All of the meat produced on the farm is for direct sales to over 4000 customers across the Okanagan Valley and beyond. Sales are nearly exclusively through the webstore, and distribution happens through a combination of pick up locations and delivery routes, with one small farmers’ market. Farmers Steve and Annelise are actively involved in improving agricultural and environmental and food policy in order to create a more resilient food system throughout our region and province. To this end the farm frequently hosts educational workshops for other farmers, and prioritizes innovation, new beneficial management practices, and constant learning. Steve and Annelise both volunteer in a variety of capacities locally and provincially.

Our farm has been constantly evolving and improving since it the business opened its farmgate in 2012. We have been fully Certified Organic since 2019, with an emphasis on regenerative practices that support high animal welfare, and result in nutrient dense food for our community. On our farm we value the environment and the natural world we farm in. We also value the amazing team that enables us to farm the way we do, and the customers who have continued to support us throughout the years. We are lucky to have the support of our farming family, and many engaged peers whom we can learn from, and collaborate with.

DESIRED QUALITIES

Our ideal candidate has a good work ethic, has some farm experience, has basic knowledge of mechanics (small motors, has run a chainsaw etc), has a valid BC driver’s license, enjoys working outdoors in all weather, is adaptable and can move easily from one task to another, and has the physical ability to lift 50 to 60 lbs.

Additionally we would love to work with someone who:

is inspired by regenerative agriculture,
wants to provide excellent food and/or work towards resilient local food systems
is a self-starter who can work well on their own, and who takes pride in their work
follows processes systematically and is well organized
is an excellent communicator – both verbal and written
has some proficiency tech and enjoys learning new tech as we often employ new technology on the farm
If you are interested and feel you could do the job well then please apply as we can provide onsite training in places where you feel less comfortable

POSITION TASKS

Farm chores: feeding pigs, chickens, collecting eggs, washing eggs (with an egg washer)
Mending fences
Doing regular mowing and mechanical weed removal
Run machinery including a tractor and skid steer
Assist with farm sales and distribution
Fencing set up and movement of electric fence and chicken tractor
Mowing and doing mechanical weed control around the farm as well as additional landscaping
Helping with poultry slaughter and processing
Thinning and chipping brush, cutting firewood
Helping maintain and run the short term rental property on the farm
And variety of other general farm tasks

Work Space and on the Farm:

Organizing and maintaining cleanliness in farm workspaces: in the workshop, in working vehicles, and out of doors where tools are stored
On-farm event help: farm sales and tour days

POSITION DETAILS

Term: This position is available immediately with the potential for permanent year-round employment.

Hours per week: 25 to 35 hours per week with the option of more work if the employee is motivated and shows they are capable of expanded responsibilities.

Wage: $21. Wage will be reflective of existing experience and the skills the employee brings to the job. Fresh Valley Farms regularly reviews wages and offers increases commensurate with performance.

TO APPLY

Please send either an email or cover letter describing why you would like to work on our farm, as well as a resume including at least two references to info@freshvalleyfarms.ca

When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org

Please note that Young Agrarians does not have the capacity to pre-screen job opportunities. Please screen your potential employer to ensure that you are entering into a fair exchange that meets your needs and expectations. Try asking the farm for references of past workers, or ask people in the community if you are unsure.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Fresh Valley Farms

Website: https://freshvalleyfarms.ca/about/farming-practices/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshvalleyfarms/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshvalleyfarms/

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