The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is currently seeking applicants for the position of Livestock Manager and Field Assistant at KPU Farm Schools – Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School (TFNFS).
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Livestock Manager and Field Assistant at the Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School the 2021 growing season. This position will manage all livestock operations including laying hens and hog production operations. TFNFS manages a flock of 99 certified organic laying hens. Hens are rotated on pasture weekly and eggs are sold through our CSA program, online subscriptions and Farmers Markets. Management activities include: weekly pasture rotations, daily egg collection, daily feeding and watering, washing and packing eggs, and training farm school students on production activities. TFNFS raises 20 hogs annually for meat production. Hogs are rotated on pasture and sold through our CSA program and online sales platform. Management activities include: weekly pasture rotations, daily feeding and watering, and training students on production activities. This position will also assist in seasonal field work related to annual and perennial crop production. Activities include: harvesting, weeding, crop maintenance, amongst other field tasks. As an education 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 http://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, 5-7 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: Livestock Manager & Field Staff at KPU Farm Schools – Tsawwassen First Nation
Wage: $16-18/ hour (based on experience)
Hours: 40 hours per week; Sunday-Thursday, 8am-4pm (work hours may vary depending on seasonal demands)
Contract: Casual Service Contract, May 2021 to November 2021
Supervisor: Dr. Kent Mullinix (ISFS Director); Sarah Clements (Farm School Program Manager); Katherine Hastie (Vegetable Production Manager)
Eligibility:
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Valid Social Insurance Number and legally entitled to work in Canada
Qualifications:
- Class 5 driver’s license
- Minimum 1 year of farming experience
- Small-scale livestock production an asset
- Mixed vegetable experience 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:
- Manage livestock operations (includes chickens and hogs)
- Daily chores (feeding, watering and welfare)
- Weekly pasture rotations for both chickens and hogs
- Train and teach students in livestock operations
- Record keeping for organic certification purposes
- Assist with all aspects of vegetable crop operations
- Participate in general farm field work including seeding, transplanting, weeding, pruning, and fall clean up activities
- 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)
- Assist with perennial crop management
- Berry crops
- Perennial herbs
- Fruit trees
- Assist with field/practicum teaching and supervising 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 Katherine Hastie (Vegetable Production Manager) at katherine.hastie@kpu.ca and Sarah Clements (Farm School Program Manager) at sarah.clements1@kpu.ca
Application will remain open until the position is filled.
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org