Pip & Barrel Appleworks in Courtenay, BC is offering farm work in their apple orchard!
ABOUT
Pip & Barrel Appleworks is an apple orchard in the Comox Valley focused on producing high-quality apples for fresh eating and cider. We currently have over 3000 trees planted across several acres, with additional plantings underway as we expand. The orchard includes a mix of traditional and modern cider varieties as well as some fresh market apples, all grown using sustainable and low-spray practices. The property is set in a quiet rural area just outside of town, surrounded by forest and farmland, with gently sloping fields and a cooler building for storage and processing. We use a tractor with various implements including a mower and spray unit, and we’re adding more equipment each season. Apples are sold directly from our on-site farm stand and through relationships with local retailers, restaurants, and small-batch cidermakers. We’re building toward opening the orchard to the public for tastings and tours in the near future.
At Pip & Barrel Appleworks, our philosophy is rooted in sustainability, care for the land, and producing exceptional apples with minimal intervention. While we are not certified organic, we follow low-spray and integrated pest management practices, and we’re constantly working to build healthy soil and resilient trees through thoughtful orchard management. We believe in growing apples that reflect the character of our region and the seasons, and in building a farm business that supports our local community, encourages biodiversity, and leaves the land better than we found it. Our long-term vision includes a full apple experience, from growing to processing to enjoying the final product, all done with respect for the land and the people who help tend it.
DESIRED QUALITIES
We’re looking for someone who is dependable, motivated, and willing to work hard in a hands-on, outdoor environment. A positive attitude and a genuine interest in learning are more important to us than prior farm experience. Because much of the work is physical and weather-dependent, we value people who can handle changing conditions, take initiative, and work efficiently both alone and as part of a small team. Attention to detail and a respect for the land and the work we’re doing are also key. This is a great fit for someone who enjoys practical work, cares about food and farming, and wants to be part of something that’s still growing and evolving.
POSITION TASKS
The employee will be involved in a wide range of seasonal farm tasks, depending on the time of year and the needs of the orchard. In the spring and summer, this includes mowing, weeding, pruning, thinning fruit, and helping with irrigation and general orchard maintenance. As the season progresses into late summer and fall, the work shifts toward harvesting apples, operating the tractor and mowers, and assisting with washing, sorting, and processing apples for storage and sale. Other occasional tasks may include helping with infrastructure projects, assisting at the farm stand, and maintaining clean and organized workspaces. We aim to provide a varied and engaging work experience where each day brings something slightly different.
POSITION DETAILS
Term: We’re looking to start as early as late May or early June, with work continuing through the growing season into late October or early November. That said, we need ongoing help and are open to discussing arrangements based on your availability, experience, and what you’re looking for. Whether you’re interested in a full season, part-time steady work, or something that evolves with the orchard’s needs, we’re happy to chat and see what might be a good fit. There’s potential for this role to grow over time as the farm expands.
Hours per week: We have plenty of work available and are open to either part-time or full-time hours, depending on the right candidate’s availability, interests, and capacity. Ideally, we’re looking for someone who can commit to 20 to 40 hours per week, but we’re flexible and willing to shape the role to fit the needs of a good match. The work is consistent throughout the growing season, with the potential for more hours during peak periods like harvest.
Wage: We offer an hourly wage starting at $17.50, with the potential to increase based on experience, skills, and the nature of the work performed. For candidates with relevant experience or those taking on more responsibility (such as tractor operation or processing work), higher rates can be discussed. We aim to create a supportive and respectful work environment, and are open to finding an arrangement that reflects the value of the work and the strengths of the person joining us. Perks may include access to fresh produce, a beautiful and quiet working environment, and the opportunity to be part of a growing farm with room to learn and take on new roles. All positions comply with BC employment standards.
TO APPLY
To apply, please send us a short letter of interest outlining any relevant experience you have and what you’re looking for in a farm position. We’d like to get a sense of your background, your interests, and why this role might be a good fit for you. Please also include a current resume. Formal cover letters aren’t necessary; what matters most is a clear and genuine expression of interest. We’ll follow up with suitable applicants to arrange a conversation and discuss next steps.
Email: shane.landreville@gmail.com
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.