FARM JOB: Grindrod, BC – Shuswap Organics, Field Hand

Shuswap Organics in Grindrod, BC is seeking a Field Hand!

ABOUT Shuswap Organics

Shuswap Organics grows five acres of certified organic mixed vegetables on a sixteen acre farm on the banks of the Shuswap River in Grindrod, BC. You can find a shady spot by the river to eat your lunch or have a quick dip to cool off at the end of the day. We grow and sell fresh crops (like greens, herbs, beets, carrots, cucumbers, and summer squash) from May to October, and storage crops (potatoes, carrots, cabbage, etc) from October through March. Year round employment is available for the right candidate!

We use a combination of tractors and person powered tools; our goal is to work lightly on the land and reduce tillage, but also reduce the impact on our bodies. For example, we’ll use basket weeders on a tractor to prepare and manage early weeds in the carrots, but we will also be in there with a wheel hoe and hand weeding at least once in the season.

We have a mix of sales channels, but sell most of our produce to chefs and small grocery stores. In 2023 we will not be at any farmers markets (that means we don’t usually work weekends!).

In 2023 we have some exciting projects underway; we will be expanding our acreage using cover crops and no-till practices on 2 acres, we will be installing a new hoop house, and setting up permanent irrigation lines.

We are certified organic, and believe in growing healthy fresh food for our community that also supports the health of our animals and the environment.

We strive to make every work day as efficient as possible. We’d rather work a full and effective 8 hour day with the afternoon/evenings off, versus a scattered day working 10+ hours. We expect our employees to show up on time and ready to go. We foster a work environment that thrives on building leadership – we want our employees to learn, and build confidence and independence in the skills and tasks at hand.

DESIRED QUALITIES

We are looking for a Field Hand to work alongside us, Owen and Emily, to successfully execute the growing plan for the 2023 season (and potentially beyond!). Our ideal candidate is hard working, likes to learn new things, self-motivated, positive, flexible, and solutions oriented. Whether you have agricultural experience or not, show us why you’re passionate about small scale agriculture and how your skills align with what we’re looking for.

• Experience in vegetable farming (and ideally organic methods) an asset, but not required
• Strong observation skills an asset
• Understands the importance of a well-made and consistent kale or carrot bunch.
•  Good time management, record keeping, and organizational skills
•  Hard working
• Strong and clear communicator, and confidence to ask questions when tasks or expectations are unclear
• Be able to work in all weather conditions, and must be able to lift 40lbs repeatedly
•  Detail oriented

JOB TASKS

• Planting preparation in the field, cultivation, seeding, transplanting
• Weeding – by hand, or with experience in a cultivating tractor or PowerOx
• Harvesting – by hand, greens harvester, undercutting, and tractor based root harvester
• Post harvest: washing and packing vegetables, preparing for deliveries

JOB DETAILS

Term: Early to mid May start date, and finish at the end of October.

If you’re interested in year round work, please let us know as we have winter employment available in the pack house. The nature of winter work is less varied, but it is still a vital part of strengthening the small scale food system!

Hours per week: 40 hours per week, 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. There is the option to work additional hours during peak season July-September, but it is not an expectation. Workdays start at 5:30-7AM depending on time of season and weather (ex. early spring and late fall we start later in the morning, during a heat wave we start as early as possible).

Wage: We offer $18/hour to start with no experience (negotiable if you are coming with agricultural experience).

On Farm, accommodation is available in a camper trailer. It has electricity, a cook stove, small fridge, running water, toilet and shower, no leaks, and is in good shape. Or if you like to camp, there are lots of great spots to pitch a tent.

TO APPLY

Please submit a 1 page (MAXIMUM) letter of interest telling us why you’re interested in this role, and what you would bring to our team. Also, include your resume (maximum 2 pages) and at least 2 professional references. Email to emily.jubenvill@gmail.com by March 15, 2023.

While we thank all those who apply, only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. ONLY applications from Canadian residents (or people with a valid work visa will be considered).

Deadline to apply: May 15, 2023.

When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT Shuswap Organics

Website: https://www.shuswaporganics.ca/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/emily.shuswaporganics

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