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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 an urban farm 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.
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 of field vegetable production/ management experience
- Direct coordination experience with CSA programs
- Direct small-scale agriculture seedling production, growing, and harvest
- Non-profit experience an asset
- Excellent computer skills (excel, social media platforms)
- Valid Driver’s License and own vehicle, Class 4 an asset
- Language: English
- 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, able to problem solve
- Adaptable and flexible
- Excellent Communication Skill
JOB TASKS
As Farm Production Manager, you will implement a production plan to support the various avenues farm produce is sold i.e. Farm Gate Crates (CSA), restaurants and farmer’s market etc. You will coordinate with two other team leaders for the work that needs to be done at the Cline Agri-Health Centre, the seedling production space in Cassidy and at VIU’s Paine Horticultural Campus. As part of the leadership team you will integrate production activities with diverse farm crews and volunteers. You will ensure the equipment is organized, maintained, and ready to use by the various groups. You will identify growing supplies that need to be purchased and work with the board of directors to fill the needs. You will assess crops ready to be sold and create a fresh vegetable list available for sale on a weekly basis. You will lead the harvest across the Cline Agri-health Center and greenhouse. You will ensure the produce is washed, stored, and packaged appropriately.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Grower, responsible for all aspects of crop production including: seeding, planting, daily watering/water management*, weeding, nutrient management, fresh produce availability lists, harvesting, storage, and packing of produce.
- Provide on-site mentorship and support for various programs using the farm sites. training & orientation of field supervisors, Field Support Mentor-Education Coordinator.
- Execute the farm plan for the season from a planting calendar, production plan for the 12 weeks July-Sept, 40 share CSA
- Work with administrators to coordinate the purchase of supplies as needed, work with staff to identify additional resources for the farm to support volunteers and program participants, etc
- Visit the different locations to inspect and manage crops, and also perform tests on soil and water
- Ensuring 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 with consultation with Farm Mentors.
- Work with farm management team to develop the farm as a platform for education and hands-on experiences in a community food system (workshops, rentals, events) specifically designed to support folks facing barriers and challenges and from the diversabilities community
- Participate in the events, tours, and 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: April-December
Hours per week: 25-30 hours/ week
Wage: $21/hour – $25/hr depending on experience
You can also take home fresh produce!
TO APPLY
Please send resume & cover letter to: info@growingopportunities.org
Deadline to apply: April 28, 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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