Glenora Farm in Duncan, British Columbia is seeking a Garden Assistant and Farm Hand in work-integrated learning positions for students!
ABOUT Glenora Farm
Glenora Farm is a 97-acre mixed organic and Biodynamic farm on mostly sandy loam soils, consisting of 35 acres of pasture and hay fields, a flock of East Friesen dairy sheep, a small herd of Dexter beef cattle, chickens, turkeys and ducks, a 2 acre intensive mixed annual vegetable and perennial garden, two hoop houses, large compost facility, herb garden and greenhouse, and an onsite day program for adults with special needs.
Glenora Farm is owned and operated by the Ita Wegman Association of British Columbia for Curative Education and Social Therapy and is one of two Camphill Communities in Western Canada, where adults with Special Needs (Companions) live, work and learn together with their caregivers (Coworkers). All Companions develop skills, efficacy, and confidence through empowering day program “workshops” (classes/activities involving farming, life skills, arts, and culture) provided daily Monday – Friday.
The certified organic & biodynamic Farm and Gardens primarily support the food needs of this onsite community of ~50 people. We market our products at the local farmers’ market, through a local online farmers’ marketing cooperative (Cow-op.ca), and to various local grocery stores, restaurants, and food carts.
DESIRED QUALITIES
- Considered an eligible student (see student eligibility below)
- Prior farm, and/ or gardening experience and/or keen interest in farming and medicinal herbs.
- Must be physically fit and enjoy outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Basic trades experience is an asset.
- Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to balance efficiency and thoroughness in all tasks and to maintain a fast work pace.
- Attention to detail, cleanliness, and good aesthetic sense.
- Highly self-motivated, positive attitude, adaptable and organized.
- Ability to work calmly, prioritize tasks, and complete them under deadlines.
- Ability to work well alone and in a team.
- Ability to troubleshoot problems with sometimes limited supervision.
- Willing and able to work respectfully alongside community members, including adults with special needs and families with children.
- Valid Drivers’ license an asset.
- Must submit to and obtain a clear Criminal Record Check.
- Tractor operation skills and experience are an asset but not required.
This Work-Integrated Learning position is partially funded by the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) through the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. To be considered for this position, you must be considered an eligible student. Student eligibility is as follows:
- Registered as a domestic student in a recognized post-secondary institution in a full-time or part-time program.
- Undergraduate, graduate, diploma or certificate programs are eligible.
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
- Undertaking a placement recognized as a Work-Integrated Learning component by the student’s institution in connection with a course, degree, certificate, diploma, or other recognized program offered by the institution.
- International students are NOT eligible
JOB TASKS
You will work alongside the Herb Garden Workshop Leader, Farm Manager, and a crew of 4-8 people of diverse abilities. Main duties include:
- Seeding, transplanting, field prep, amendment application, irrigation set-up, weeding, harvesting and post-harvest processing.
- Small equipment and hand tool operation (including use of a walk-behind tractor).
- Design/build raised beds, sheds and other projects as needed.
- Be part of a large project to transform our medicinal herb garden to be more accessible.
- Processing medicinal and culinary herbs and making herbal products, including teas, salves, and tinctures.
- Help with daily chores with dairy sheep, cattle and poultry and moving rotational electric fencing.
- Compost turning and spreading.
- Helping support Companions, Coworkers and Volunteers in their garden and farm work.
JOB DETAILS
Term: 8 weeks. Start and end dates are flexible. Possibility of part-time for an extended contract.
Hours per week: 7 hours/day plus one-hour unpaid lunch (5 days/week, 35 hours/week) including some “off-hours” work as needed. Early mornings may be required.
Wage: $16.75/hour plus employer-paid contributions (EI, CPP, WorkSafeBC, 4% Vacation pay on each biweekly pay cheque.
TO APPLY
Please send resume and cover letter to ojackson@glenorafarm.org
Deadline to apply: May 28th, 2023
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Glenora Farm
Website: https://www.glenorafarm.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenorafarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenorafarm
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