FARM JOB: PRINCE GEORGE, BC – Farm Manager, Northern Lights Estate Winery

Posted by Michalina Hunter on April 11, 2019

northern lights estate winery store front, farm job, prince george

Northern Lights Estate Winery in Prince George, BC is hiring a Farm Manager to expand their orchards!

ABOUT Northern Lights Estate Winery

We are BC’s largest and northernmost winery located in Prince George. There are 3  orchards located in town and 2 orchard leased that are located out of town for a total 23 acres in production and over a dozen type of fruit such as haskap, rhubarb, saskatoon, raspberries. All the berries produced are transformed at our facility into fruit wine sold through out the province. At the moment, the winery is producing 11,000 cases and is in the process to expend to 20,000 cases in the next couple years. This is an exciting time to be part of NLEW team! Prince George is not that far North. Have a look at all what the area has to offer. https://moveupprincegeorge.ca/about/choose-prince-george/

The winery promotes the sustainable health and productivity of the ecosystem – soil, water, plants and people. We focus on developing an enterprise that is sustainable and harmonious with the environment. Soil regeneration, biodiversity and water conservation are important for us.

The berries are produce in a conventional way. Which means synthetic fertilizers are used. However, we made the decision to favour only pesticides approved for organic farming in case of pest and disease control. The use of chemical pesticides is very limited for the sake of the workers, consumers and pollinators health.

We maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil. To accomplish this, we use compost, mulch and cover crops between the rows to maintain a rich soil. Plants grown in healthy soil are better able to feed and protect themselves from pests and disease, which means they won’t require heavy applications of fertilizers and pesticides. Farm manager’s Noemie likes to say the common refrain: “Feed the soil, not the plant”.

We maintain biological diversity within the system by growing a variety of crops. We preserve and enrich natural areas for nesting habitat and native pollinator food.

We limit our water consumption by irrigating our crop with drip tape irrigation controlled by an electronic panel. This system reduces runoff and evaporation encountered with sprinkler system. Been located along the beautiful Nechako River, it is our mandate to help prevent stream bank erosion. An exhaustive riparian restoration plan has been implemented with the help of local professional biologist.

northern lights estate winery, farm job, prince george

Desired Qualities

  • At least 3 years of professional plant growing environment (field crop, greenhouse, nursery) or 2 years of education in agriculture.
  • Experience supervising a crew.
  • Extensive plant knowledge.
  • Leadership, efficiency, organization and communicative personality is a must.
  • Ability to gather data accurately.
  • Own transportation

Job Tasks

We are looking for a farm manager to help develop and expand the existing orchards (23 ac on five sites). Tasks will include but not be limited to:

  • supervise farm crew (4-30 people)
  • manage all fruit growing aspects including irrigation, fertilization, pest control, harvest, and pruning for 2 orchards
  • maintain and fix irrigation system (Hunter control panels, solenoids, sprinkler heads)
  • maintain landscape around the winery
  • assist with event setup
  • any miscellaneous tasks around the winery as needed

northern lights estate winery, farm job, prince george

Job Details

Term: May until the end of October with the possibility for work during winter season in an other department of the winery.

Hours: 40hr/week

Wage: $18.00/hr or negotiable according to experience

How to Apply

Please apply with a resume and cover letter to noemie@northernlightswinery.ca.

When applying, please indicate that you saw this posting at Youngagrarians.org. 

Learn More About Northern Lights Estate Winery

Websitehttps://northernlightswinery.ca

Facebook: @northernlightswinery.ca

Instagram@northernlightswinery

View the Young Agrarians jobs blog for more job listings.