FARM JOB: Nanaimo, BC – Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op, Farm Production Manager

Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op in Nanaimo, BC is seeking a Farm Production Manager!

ABOUT Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op

Growing Opportunities has two urban farm locations in Nanaimo BC with ~8 acres in production.

We produce mainly field vegetables to sell through a seasonal CSA, community food box programs and at farm markets.

Growing Opportunities focuses on the use of hand tools but does have a BCS for some bed prep activities. The farms are not certified organic but do employ organic practices to improve soil health.

Check out the Five Acres Farm Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drecFKNYoUg&feature=emb_logo

The farm works with multiple community groups learning skills in agriculture and contributing volunteer labor to the farm. The goal of the farm project is to build a sustainable local food system to combat climate change by lowering the carbon footprint of food, build community resilience, alleviate poverty by producing low cost local produce for low income individuals and families, and provide skills training and work experience for people with challenges and barriers to employment.

DESIRED QUALITIES

• Min. 2-3 years farm production/ management experience
• Minimum educational level : Certificate/Diploma from a College or CEGEP
• Direct coordination experience with CSA programs
• Direct small scale agriculture seedling production, growing, harvest
• Non-profit experience
• Excellent computer skills (excel, social media platforms)
• Valid Driver’s License, Class 4 an asset
• Speaks English fluently
• Keen interest in local food production and building community projects
• Passion for working with a diversity of people of all skill-levels and backgrounds
• Reliable and responsible
• Excellent communication Skills
• Excellent organizational Skills
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of vegetable production
• Experience in training or working with volunteers

JOB TASKS

As the Farm Production Manager, you will develop and implement a production plan to support the Farm Gate Crate initiative and other produce markets utilizing the growing spaces at both Five Acres Farm and the Cline Agri-Health Centre, seedling production space in Cassidy and at VIU’s Paine Campus. This will include developing production plans for the season, coordinating the purchase of supplies and working with staff to integrate production activities with various farm groups. This role will be responsible for vegetable production, maintaining equipment and the physical production spaces across the two farms and greenhouse. This role involves heavy field work for growing and harvesting crops over the 2023 season.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of crop production including: seeding, planting, daily watering/water management, weeding, nutrient management, harvesting, storage, and packing of produce
• Provide on-site mentorship and support for various programs using the farm sites, assist with training & orientation of field supervisors and Field Support Mentor-Education Coordinator
• Plan and execute a farm plan for the season including planting calendar, coordination of purchase of supplies, and work with staff to identify additional resources for the farm to support volunteers and program participants, etc.
• Analyzing existing operations, crops, staff, and financial documents and recommend improvements with feedback from the Field Mentor & Marketing Distribution Coordinator
• Prepare plans and schedules for planting and harvesting and ensuring the Field Mentor & Supervisors understand expectations
• Work with Field Supervisors and the Field Support Mentor to execute production plans
• Visit the different locations to inspect and manage crops, and also perform tests on soil and water
• Ensure seeds, fertilizers, and other supplies are regularly restocked
• Ensure growing practices meet organic standards
• Identify equipment in need of repair, maintenance, and replacement and coordinate the best plan of action to address equipment issues, within budget and in consultation with Farm Mentors
•  Work with farm management team to develop the farms as platforms for education and hands-on experiences in a community food system (workshops, rentals, events)
• Work as a part of the farm team to grow a successful harvest
• Help harvest, wash, sort and prepare produce as needed for distribution to the Farm Gate Crate, farmer’s markets and direct sales
• Participate in the events, tours, volunteer days hosted at the community farms
• Become knowledgeable in the farm’s activities and programs and be involved in sharing the work of Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op in our community

JOB DETAILS

Term: Feb 1- Nov 31st with potential to continue for the right person

Hours per week: 15 hrs/week building up to 25 hrs in peak production season

Wage: $21-25/hr depending on experience

You can also take home fresh produce!

TO APPLY

Please send resume & cover letter to: growingopportunities@gmail.com

Deadline to apply: January 30, 2023

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT Growing Opportunities Farm Community Co-op

Website: https://www.growingopportunities.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowingOpportunitiesCoop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingopportunities_/

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