Grounded Acres Organic Farm in Gibsons, BC is seeking a Farm Worker!
ABOUT Grounded Acres Organic Farm
Grounded Acres Organic Farm is a small-scale, mixed produce and livestock farm currently growing on 3 acres in unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory in Gibsons, on the Sunshine Coast of BC. As we enter our fifth season in business, we grow over 60 varieties of berries and mixed vegetables and tend to a flock of 100 laying hens. Our home site is a sunny south-facing slope at the base of Mount Elphinstone, a 20-minute walk from the beach and a 10 minute drive from our lease site (Persephone Brewing) where we grow a small selection of low-maintenance crops. We sell through a weekly farmers’ market, farm stand, box program, and wholesale.
The produce we grow and laying hens we raise are certified organic under the BC Certified Organic Program, using agricultural practices that regenerate and contribute to the health of our ecosystem. We are a queer-run farm established in 2021 with values rooted in food justice and creating safer spaces in agriculture for folks who identify as 2SLGTBQ+. Co-owners Mel and Hannah have 25 years of farming experience between us and are passionate about supporting our team in bringing their whole selves to the farm, setting and meeting goals related to their journey in food systems work, and mentorship.
Our farm culture is centred on open communication; this means we make plenty of time for not just instruction and supervision but also feedback, questions, learning and problem solving to help all team members feel feel understood, included and valued and to work through conflict or miscommunication as a chance for all of us to learn. It’s a big job to grow a lot of food for a lot of people, and in high summer we all feel proud of not just our hard work but also our teamwork, and are looking for folks to join our team who feel the same! We commit to regular check-ins to help you set and meet your goals for the season, discuss any problems that arise, and provide you with constructive feedback while receiving any you have for us.
DESIRED QUALITIES
We are looking to hire two farm workers for the 2025 season, who will work closely within our team of 7 as we expand our capacity to provide food for our community this year. Farm workers are involved in the wide variety of tasks involved in operating a mixed produce and livestock farm. Ideal candidates are comfortable in a fast-paced work environment, are capable of working a physically demanding job at full-time hours, and have good communication skills.
We are looking for someone who has a demonstrated ability to work quickly, efficiently and calmly in fast-paced settings and bring tasks to completion on time, can work repetitive physical tasks that include kneeling, bending and the ability to lift 45 lbs, and have the self-care strategies to manage the physical and mental work involved in outdoor and physical labour.
Skills in the areas of food/horticultural production, soil and landscape management, farm equipment use and maintenance, computer use, and/or animal care in a farm setting are an asset but not required. Valid Class 5 driver’s license is an asset but not required.
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred
POSITION TASKS
- Seeding, transplanting and cover cropping
- Weed management
- Supporting volunteers in harvest tasks, with training and supervision
- Building and maintaining field infrastructure (trellising, tunnels, mulch, row cover)
- Harvesting and processing
- Poultry care, egg collection and washing
- Seed processing
- Record keeping
- Customer service and market sales
- Landscaping and site maintenance
POSITION DETAILS
Term: Two positions are available:
- Long-season: May 5th to Nov 2nd (26 weeks)
- Short-season: June 2nd to Oct 5th (18 weeks)
- Exact dates can be flexible.
- Option to extend end date by up to 4 weeks into the fall.
Hours per week: 35 hours/week, Tuesday-Saturday. Work hours are 8:00AM – 4:00PM with an option for earlier starts on hot days and market days.
Wage: Starting wage $20-$23/hour, dependent on farming experience. Includes free access to all farm produce and a 20% discount on eggs
Vacation: 8 days (long-season position) or 5 days (short-season) paid
Sick days: 5 days paid
TO APPLY
Please send us a letter telling us why you are interested in the work, what relevant experience you have, and which position you are applying for. Email: groundedacresfarm@gmail.com
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
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 Grounded Acres Organic Farm
Website: https://www.groundedacresfarm.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundedacresfarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedacresfarm
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