Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School, in Delta, BC, is seeking a Field and Market Staff at KPU Farm Schools!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Field & Market Assistant at the Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School the 2022 growing season. This position will assist in seasonal field work including harvesting, weeding, animal husbandry, crop maintenance, amongst other field tasks. As an educational farm dedicated to regenerative farming practices and local food systems, we are looking for someone who is passionate about regenerative agriculture, building local food systems and food systems education.
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is a research and extension institute based at KPU’s Richmond campus. Through an integrated program of applied research, extension programming, and community engagement, ISFS investigates and supports regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities. ISFS focuses its work predominantly within British Columbia but also extends to other regions. More information is available at www.kpu.ca/isfs
Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School
Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School is a collaboration between the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) and the ISFS. First of its kind, the school fuses regenerative agriculture and traditional indigenous food systems as tools to build community and create dialogue around land stewardship for the future. The school program is open to all with curiosity on how to feed a growing population while restoring the land. The program takes place on traditional TFN lands on a 20-acre, Certified Organic farm that boasts a 2-acre mixed fruit orchard, 5 acres in vegetable production, livestock (hogs and laying hens), and incubator plots for program graduates. The Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School is a gathering place to raise awareness around human scaled alternative food production systems. More information is available at http://www.kpu.ca/tfnfarm
Position Description: Field Staff at KPU Farm Schools – Tsawwassen First Nation
Wage: $19/ hour
Hours: 35 hours per week; Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30am-3pm (hours may vary slightly on market day – Saturday)
Contract: Casual Service Contract – Tuesday, July 5, 2022 to Saturday, August 27, 2022 *this is an 8-week contract position in alignment with Canada Summer Jobs Funding
Supervisor: Dr. Kent Mullinix (ISFS Director), Sarah Clements (TFN Farm School Coordinator)
Eligibility:
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Eligible for Canada Summer Job funding (under 30 years of age)
- Valid Social Insurance Number and legally entitled to work in Canada
Qualifications:
- Class 5 driver’s license
- Minimum 1 year of farming experience
- Mixed vegetable production experience an asset
- Farmers market experience an asset
- Comfort driving large vehicles an asset
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work outside in all weather
- Willingness to work some over time depending on farm needs
- A keen interest in small-scale, regenerative agriculture
- A willingness to learn and become an integral part of the farm team
- Interest in working with a diversity of people including the Tsawwassen First Nation community
- Valid First Aid Certificate an asset
- Owning a vehicle for commuting to and from the farm is an asset
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead Saturday farmer’s markets at Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market
- Pack and load van with all farm products going to market
- Drive, unload and park cargo van at market
- Manage POS software and sales
- Engage in customer service and education around farm products
- Supervise and train students and volunteers
- Lead set-up and take-down of market stand
- Ensure smooth and professional operation of all aspects of market operations
- Follow cash management protocols (till management, POS input, cash counting, safe transport, etc.)
- Assist with all aspects of vegetable crop operations
- Participate in general farm field work including seeding, transplanting, weeding, pruning
- Harvest and process farm products for distribution & sale at farmers markets, CSA program and wholesale outlets (we harvest two full days per week on Tuesdays and Fridays)
- Various other tasks under the direction of TFN farm coordinator and vegetable crop coordinator
- Assist with livestock operations
- Daily chores
- Pasture rotations
- Other tasks under direction of livestock lead
- Assist with perennial crop management
- Berry crops
- Perennial herbs
- Fruit trees
- Assist with field/practicum teaching and supervising farm school students
- Follow the farm’s certified organic growing practices
- Be knowledgeable about the farm school programs and farm products to help with promotion and answer customer inquiries
To apply for this position, please submit your resume to
Sarah Clements (TFN Farm School Coordinator) at sarah.clements1@kpu.ca
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org