Filter by Popular Categories
The West Coast Seeds Trial Farm in Ladner, BC is seeking a Farm Assistant!
ABOUT West Coast Seeds trial farm
This is a trial farm for a seed distribution company. We operate on a 20 acre property in Ladner, BC, where we have a 3/4acre plot to manage, as well as many small beds on the property, and a 4000sq foot greenhouse. There are offices and a retail store on the property as well as an apiary and bee supply company.
We grow whatever is needed for a variety of reasons. We need photos of plants at different stages, test for seed quality, research for future products, and keep the property looking good. The farm manages the seedlings for a large seedling sale fundraiser each spring, using the previous seasons returned seeds. No produce is sold from the farm, as it is a trial farm. Any food produced is donated to our staff, and a local food bank. We host garden tours throughout the season. These are mainly conducted by the farm managers, but, the farm hand may contribute if interested. We manage the field and gardens mainly by hand. We use a walk behind roto-tiller for cultivation, and a variety of hand tools. We maintain the property with a riding lawnmower and edge trimmers.
West Coast Seeds believes, first and foremost, in the principles of organic and sustainable agriculture. Namely, we feel that food and all plants can be grown without the use of synthetic chemicals and that the seeds we supply are an important component within the broader approach to organic gardening. We support growers as custodians of the land they grow on — however large or small — and through adopting organic gardening techniques such as composting, companion planting and planting pollinator friendly plants, we help repair the world by nourishing the soil and ourselves.
Founded in 1983, West Coast Seeds’ purpose was to source and supply seeds of a higher quality than had been available to home gardeners, and to this day, we continue to provide top quality seeds backed by strict quality controls. Following the traditions of organic farming and gardening, the focus was on offering untreated seeds suitable for organic growing. Today we offer over 1,000 varieties of untreated, non-GMO, open-pollinated and hybrid vegetable, herb and flower seeds, as well as a wide range of unique bird feeders and quality gardening supplies. Our farm is Certified Organic.
DESIRED QUALITIES
We are looking for an Assistant to our farm coordinator, who manages our trial field and display gardens, as well as generally maintains the property. This position is a wonderful opportunity for a person who has a keen interest in organic gardening and farming practices. You will be working with experienced, knowledgeable colleagues and will be exposed to a wide variety of vegetable, flower and herb trials as well as the packet seed business.
The Farm Assistant will be a positive and confident individual who possesses strong interpersonal skills. Your strengths will lie in your ability to engage genuinely with our team while demonstrating our core values and contributing positively to the organization.
POSITION TASKS
- Assist and support the Farm Coordinator in all aspects of the following.
- Plant, maintain, irrigate, and harvest our trial and display gardens and raised beds using sustainable organic practices in accordance with annual plans.
- Attend to greenhouse planting and maintenance.
- Lawn cutting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance of farm property.
- Strong work ethic and the ability to undertake manual labour outdoors including preparing soil, planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting.
- Ability to work independently as well as take direction from the Farm Coordinator and Product Manager.
- Some experience in gardening or farming-related activities and eagerness to learn.
- Ability to use basic farm equipment & tools.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Highly organized with good time management and attention to detail and tidiness.
- Strong sense of community mindedness.
POSITION DETAILS
Term: There are 2 positions available. A full time farm hand, to start a contract in early spring/ late winter, and end in Late October. We are also looking for a part time farm hand/property maintenance. This position will run from approximately April to September. These are both seasonal positions.
Hours per week: Full time position will work 40 hours per week. Part time position will work 24 hours per week. We will need at least one weekend day covered by either position.
Wage: Wages will be based on experience. $20.00-$21.50 to start
The Perks:
- Each employee has an opportunity to grow their own vegetables, flowers and herbs on-site.
- The opportunity to participate in community & educational events promoting organic growers & supporting gardeners.
- Take home fresh produce harvested on-site from our trial and demonstration gardens in-season.
TO APPLY
Please send a resume to RMorse@westcoastseeds.com
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 West Coast Seeds trial farm
Website: www.westcoastseeds.com