Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society in Kelowna, BC is seeking a Seasonal Farm Coordinator!
ABOUT Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society
We are a registered charity that owns a 36-acre working farm in East Kelowna. Most of the land is rented to tenant farmers; however, we will be cultivating a small vegetable plot at the front of the property that will be stewarded by our seasonal farm coordinator. We will grow a range of crops this year, including cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, beans, melons and zucchini. The farm coordinator will use mostly hand tools throughout the season, though they may occasionally use our small John Deere tractor as needed. This is a non-profit farm plot, where all produce grown gets donated to volunteers or food programs around the city. Our coordinator is also welcome to take some produce home for themselves.
It is very important to us to use ecologically sound farming practices every step of the way. Although we do not have organic certification, we do not use any pesticides or herbicides on our crops. We use integrated weed management (tarps, cover cropping, mulching) and are striving towards a low/no-till system as our soil quality improves over time. We grow a diversity of crops and practice crop rotation while adding nutrition to our soil through the addition of various kinds of composts.
DESIRED QUALITIES
We are seeking a community-minded person looking for meaningful and dynamic work that offers tons of skill-building opportunities. Our ideal candidate is someone who likes being part of an awesome team of dedicated and kind people, cares about their local food system and the environment, and wants to build a community that is more inclusive and equitable. They are an energetic and positive initiative-taker, a problem-solver, and someone who is personable and comfortable in a leadership role.
JOB TASKS
The Farm Coordinator will work as part of a team to help support programming at the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project. They will be primarily supporting our Community Farming Program but will lend a hand with our Produce Rescue program as needed. This position includes some desk/computer work (entering data, emails, setting up harvests) and lots of fieldwork (harvesting, weeding, organizing the farm plot area, delivering produce etc). The job includes aspects of volunteer coordination, farm planning, troubleshooting, communications, farm labour, and lots of miscellaneous tasks. The farm coordinator may work alone some days and as part of a team other days. This job also involves lots of driving, so owning a car is a must. The Farm Coordinator will be trained and supported by OFTP senior staff in a collaborative way that also supports their personal career or educational goals.
JOB DETAILS
Term: This is a 9-week position and we are looking for the candidate to start as soon as possible.
Hours per week: 30
Wage: $20/hr (no room and board provided)
TO APPLY
Please send resume, cover letter, and 2 references to info@fruittreeproject.com
Deadline to apply: June 30th, 2023
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society
Website: https://fruittreeproject.com/farm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkanaganFruitTreeProject
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okfruittreeproject/