Wild Flight Farm in Mara, BC is seeking a Farm Market Sales Lead!
ABOUT Wild Flight Farm
Wild Flight Farm is a 24-acre certified organic mixed vegetable farm in Mara, BC that has grown into a successful business over the past 30 years. This firmly-established family farm has a strong following at year-round farmer’s markets in the communities of Salmon Arm and Revelstoke. Produce is also shipped weekly to organic home delivery services in Kelowna and Vernon.
Over the years the farm has developed to include 13 high tunnels and a large heated house for seedling production. We grow all our own transplants and the tunnels allow for significant season extension, allowing us to reach early spring markets with fresh greens and root crops. Later in spring, the high tunnels are home to heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. We have also developed a large packing/storage facility which allows our employees to work comfortably and efficiently while enabling appropriate storage conditions for a wide diversity of crops.
The rural location in the North Okanagan/Shuswap is within a 30-minute drive of the communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby and Sicamous. The farm borders the Shuswap River in a region known for diverse outdoor recreation opportunities from paddling, mtn. biking, hiking, climbing, and much more.
There are two main seasons at Wild Flight, with some overlap. We generally employ a crew of 12 full-time employees through the growing season (May to October) and 5 full-time employees to carry the farm through the winter market season. Our mission is to efficiently produce high-quality, organic vegetables and culinary herbs for local markets while providing living wages and career advancement opportunities for 12 employees.
DESIRED QUALITIES
Almost 2/3 of the produce grown at Wild Flight Farm is sold at 2 farmers markets:
All Organic Farmers’ Market in Salmon Arm on Wednesday afternoons (2-5pm), and Revelstoke Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings (8am-1pm)
This is a full-time year-round position for an enthusiastic, farmers’ market sales person.
We are looking for someone with demonstrated farmer’s marketing experience to take on the role of attending these 2 weekly markets and monitoring the packing process and quality of produce heading to market. The position will also include coordinating farm e-newsletter and social media communication in consultation with the Farm Manager. Additional tasks would include assisting with vegetable planting, weeding, and harvest as required.
Since market days tend to be long and one market is on Saturday, the work schedule would be 4 days/week from Wednesday to Saturday. The position is year-round with the winter hours shifting somewhat to match different market schedules.
This position is suited to someone with experience in organic vegetable growing, with great customer service skills, and an appreciation for the farmers’ market atmosphere.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor produce quality as it is being packed
- Drive large delivery truck to and from markets
- Set-up, operate, and take-down a large produce market stand in all weather
- Supervise and work together with additional market staff
- Keep accurate records of produce sales and returns
- Make notes and prepare a weekly farmers’ market report
- Oversee farm newsletter, website, and social media communication
- Assist with vegetable planting, weeding, harvesting and packing where needed
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- At least one full season of experience on an organic vegetable farm
- Demonstrated customer service experience and competence
- Good mental math abilities for adding customer purchases quickly
- Must be able to lift heavy tables and 50 lb produce boxes
- Practical problem-solving abilities when faced with unforeseen events
- Proficiency with website and social media platforms
- Knowledge of and experience with vegetable production methods and organic standards
- A positive, can-do attitude and a drive to work quickly and efficiently
JOB DETAILS
Term: April 1st, 2024. Full-time year-round.
Hours per week: position is full-time, year-round with more flexible hours/time off in winter months.
Wage: Wage range is $21 – $25/hour depending on experience with yearly compensation reviews.
Other perks: An extended health benefits package, including medical, dental and visual coverage, and access to discounted and free farm produce for personal/family use.
TO APPLY
Please send resume & cover letter to produce@wildflightfarm.ca
Deadline to apply: March 31st, 2024
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Wild Flight Farm
Website: http://www.wildflightfarm.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildFlightFarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflightfarm/
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