Rootdown Organic Farm in Pemberton, BC is seeking a Tractor/Equipment Lead!
ABOUT Rootdown Organic Farm
Rootdown Organic Farm is located on the traditional territory of the Lil’wat people, in the Pemberton Valley, and has been in operation since 2009. We are a small scale, diverse, mixed vegetable operation, which is woman owned and operated. Using a mix of small tractors/cultivating equipment, and hand tools, we grow, harvest, and sell 30+ different crops on about 5 acres each season. We sell all our produce in the communities of Pemberton and Whistler through sales to local restaurants, grocery stores, and direct to families through a CSA Harvest Box Program. We love doing the work of growing healthy food for folks, and aim to contribute to a better, more resilient world through the work of farming.
The farm is located in a rural farming valley outside of the village of Pemberton, with one farm site being 12 km from town (and any amenities and most housing). Please consider this when applying. A reliable vehicle or bike (and healthy appetite for biking in all weather) is necessary.
SOME OF OUR CORE VALUES:
• We value feeding the community. We really care about feeding local folks healthy, delicious, local food. This includes ourselves and our team! We eat well at Rootdown.
• We value teamwork and fun. We think working hard as part of a team to accomplish common goals is fun (even when working independently on a project). We enjoy sharing good conversation, camaraderie, and laughter along the way.
• We value taking good care of each other. We aim to create a positive, respectful and kind workplace and business, and look for team members who demonstrate respect and understanding for themselves, their coworkers, and the farm as a whole.
• We value taking good care of the land. We are always striving to be better and better stewards of the land we grow on and the ecosystems we are a part of.
• We value being a production focused farm. We fill a need in our local food system! As such, we are serious about producing serious amounts of food efficiently (and having fun while doing it!).
• We value small scale, organic farming! We think this type of farming is part of the solution to some complex, global problems, both environmental and social. We are so honoured to be part of the organic farming community.
DESIRED QUALITIES
We are looking for folks who:
- Are hard working, respecful, kind, and engaged in the world around them
- Are physically fit – able to work in the elements and bend/squat/kneel, and repeatedly lift 30-40 lbs
- Have reliable transportation (car or bike) to get to/from work, and/or into town for supplies
- Are committed to good care of self and others
- Are committed to working through any difficulties that may arise through communication and dialogue
- Have mixed vegetable farming experience (a strong asset but not necessary)
- Have experience in other fast paced industries – such as the restaurant industry (kitchen or front of house), tree planting, landscaping, or house cleaning
- Want to do the work of small scale farming and all it entail
- Want to enjoy being at their job, and who will bring their best selves to the fields!
- Are legally able to work in Canada (or will be by the start of the work term)
POSITION TASKS
- At this time, the Tractor/Equipment Lead position is suitable only for those with a minimum of 1 season farm experience using tractors/heavy equipment, and ideally, walk behind tractors as well.
- Your focus will be on using our two small tractors to complete a variety of field and bed prep tasks such as tilling, harrowing, mowing, and spreading compost with a manure spreader. You will also perform much of the mechanical weeding that we do using our walk behind mechanical cultivating tractor, a Tillmore Power Ox. Training will be provided on the Tilmore if this is not a familiar piece of equipment for you.
- Outside of the tractor/equipment work required, you will help with other tasks associated with a small-medium mixed vegetable farm such as hand harvesting, washing, and packing of vegetables, and other field work such as transplanting, weeding, and more.
- Please note that if you don’t have minimum 1 year tractor experience, you will not currently be considered for this role. However if you are still interested, please see our other Field Crew job posting also on Young Agrarians!
POSITION DETAILS
Term: The exact start and end dates are flexible, but you must be available by the beginning of May at the latest, and be available until a minimum of and of August, although end of September or October is preferred.
Hours per week: This position could be full time or part time. If it is full time, you will perform more of the “other farm tasks” listed above, and if it is part time, much more of your time at work will be doing equipment and tractor work.
Full time hours is approximately 40 hrs/week, and for part time a minimum of 2 days/week would be required.
Wage: Wage for this position is $21-$23/hr, depending on experience.
TO APPLY
We encourage all interested applicants with the relevant experience to apply! To apply send your application to the farm’s manager, Ariella, at admin@rootdownfarm.net. Please include the following:
- A resume highlighting your relevant work/life experience
- A cover letter/email detailing the following:
- Why you want to farm/work at Rootdown
- Your ideal start and end dates
- If you are looking for full or part time work (please note, full time is preferred)
- What your transportation plan for getting to/from work is
- If you are interested in staff housing
- If you are okay to look for your own housing in the area if staff housing is taken or not suitable for your needs
- 2-3 references
Applications will be considered as they are received until all positions are filled with suitable folks.
Deadline to apply: April 15th
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 Rootdown Organic Farm
Website: https://www.rootdownfarm.net/about-us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootdownorganicfarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootdown_organic_farm
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