FILLED – FARM JOB: Richmond, BC – The Sharing Farm, Farm Manager

Posted by JoHana Harcourt on October 05, 2023

This position has been filled.

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The Sharing Farm in Richmond, BC is seeking a Farm Manager!

ABOUT The Sharing Farm

The Sharing Farm (TSF) is a 4-acre not-for-profit community farm located on unceded, asserted Musqueam territory, within the city of Richmond’s Terra Nova Park. For over 20 years, we have been providing sustainably-grown high-quality produce for donation to those facing food insecurity, and for sale to our local community via a CSA, Farm Stand, and Farmers Markets. We are in the process of seeking our organic certification, and are poised to expand our growing area over the next couple of years.

TSF is deeply committed to food security and food justice, as well as to agriculture which supports biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem, from the soil to the pollinators. TSF serves as a community hub and as a daily up-close demonstration of local farming. We host hundreds of volunteers annually; hold workshops, community events, and an annual Garlic Fest; and provide tours and education to students, corporate groups, and political leaders from all levels of government.

DESIRED QUALITIES

Who We’re Looking For

You have at least 2 years of experience growing at a small-scale farm/ market garden, and also have some experience as a supervisor. You love farming and your enthusiasm spreads to others. You’re good at teaching skills and delegating, and allowing staff to take on responsibilities and grow. You enjoy being part of a team and communicate well with other staff, volunteers, and the community at large. You like a fast-paced work site and can maintain a sense of humour and respect for others even when things get hectic. You have a great work ethic but you also value a work/life balance, and know how to keep yourself from burning out. You’re good at the details of day to day, while also keeping the big picture in mind. You would flourish as an integral member of a values-driven community farm, interacting with folks from a wide range of backgrounds. You are passionate about sustainable agriculture and also want to help lead the Sharing Farm as we move toward more regenerative agricultural practices. Ideally, you would wish to make a multi-year commitment.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 2 years of agricultural production experience, with preferably at least one year in a leadership/ supervisory role.
  • Experience with tractors and walk-behind tractors.
  • Demonstrated understanding of sustainable agriculture production methods; organic experience preferred.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • Experience growing for CSA and Farmers Markets.
  • Adaptable and collaborative, and enjoys working with others.
  • Ability to commit to a flexible work schedule with extended hours during the height of the growing season.
  • Physically fit, able to lift 20 kg, bend and kneel for extended periods, do repetitive tasks.
  • Excellent record keeping skills.
  • Enjoys a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and can maintain calm and a sense of humour under pressure.
  • Strong organizational skills including: multi-tasking, prioritizing, planning, delegating, attention to detail, and effective time management.
  • Socially engaged and excited about working at a not-for-profit community farm, with diverse groups of people in an urban environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Open-minded, inclusive, and respectful.
  • Ability to give and take constructive feedback.
  • Class 5 Driver’s License.
  • Fluent in English.

JOB TASKS

  • Overall day-to-day operational management of vegetable production including planning, seeding, weeding, irrigation, pest control, maintaining soil health, harvesting, and post-harvest processing.
  • Create the 2024 crop plan, including rotations, planting map, greenhouse seeding, seed inventory, and plant and seed orders.
  • Train and lead the Field Team and help plan work for volunteers.
  • Play an active role in creating a positive, respectful, and energetic team environment.
  • Maintain high-quality produce standards and food and farm safety standards.
  • Maintenance of all farm equipment and facilities.
  • Maintain accurate records of all field activities.
  • Ensure our production targets are met (approximately 20,000 pounds for donation, and $100,000 for sale via social enterprise).
  • Communicate regularly with the Executive Director about farm operations.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director about the large-scale vision for the Farm, and how to achieve our strategic goals.
  • Continue the process of obtaining organic certification (begun by the outgoing Farm Manager).

JOB DETAILS

Term:  This is a full-time permanent position, with a start date between Feb 1-March 1, 2024. (Some planning work can be done remotely.)

Hours per week: 25 to 50 hours/week depending on the season.

Wage:  Depending on experience and qualifications, $50,000 to $57,000.

Other perks:

  • Health Stipend of $1500 after 3 months of employment
  • Opportunities for professional development, via coursework, conferences and workshops.
  • 2 weeks of annual vacation, plus two additional unpaid weeks late December/ early January.
  • Opportunity for matching RRSP worth 3.5% of annual salary, after 3 months of employment.
  • 5 paid sick days plus 3 Personal/Mental Health Days per year, after 3 months of employment.
  • Access to farm produce and flowers.

TO APPLY

Please send resume and cover letter to admin@sharingfarm.ca

NOTE: TSF will consider applications from two applicants wishing to job-share the position.

Deadline to apply: Open until filled

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT The Sharing Farm

Website: http://www.sharingfarm.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharingfarm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharingfarm/?hl=en

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