Rootdown Farm in Pemberton, BC is hiring an Assistant Farm Manager for the 2020 season!
About Rootdown Farm
Established in 2009, we grow over 25 varieties of field and hoop-house vegetables and are committed to providing the finest local produce to the communities of Pemberton and Whistler through a weekly CSA Harvest Box program, restaurants, and grocery retailers. Our farm team is responsible for seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, harvesting and processing over 25 varieties of vegetables. Staff should display a fine balance of task efficiency with detail-oriented product quality in farm operation and customer service.
We are a certified organic farm located in the beautiful Pemberton Valley.The farm is a fast-paced environment with objectives and deadlines requiring work to be done efficiently. We enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, and celebrate that many of our prior staff have gone on to start their own successful farming endeavours.
Desired Qualities
We are seeking a self-motivated, hard working individual who aspires to advance their career in small-scale organic vegetable farming. This person will assist the farm manager in organizing, and performing workday logistics while training and supervising the field crew.
- We expect honesty in communication, acceptance of diversity, tolerance for adversity and uncertainty, and prudence in judgement.-Minimum of 2 years growing experience on a commercial mixed vegetable farm, of large or small scale, organic farm experience preferred
- The ability to manage a field crew of 4-5 individuals
- The ability to motivate and train novice staff
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Strong organization and record keeping skills
- Familiarity with overhead and drip irrigation systems
- Effective and efficient skills with small-scale field tools, (bed prep rakes, various hoes, wheel hoe, flame weeders, backpack sprayers, Jang seeder)
- Familiarity with basic farming infrastructure; hoop-houses, trellising, row cover (with and without hoops), tarps, landscape fabrics and mulches.
- Familiarity with basic disease and pest management (identification and mitigation practices) for common organic mixed-vegetable challenges
- Efficient systems for harvesting and washing crops and the ability to train and coach novice staff. A deep understanding of the importance of well-made, consistent kale and carrot bunches!
- Strong field observation skills for transplant readiness, harvest timing, product quantity and quality, etc.
- Valid Class 5 Drivers License; truck and trailer driving experience is desired, but not necessary.
- Tractor experience is desired, but not necessary
Job Tasks
FARM CREW DUTIES
- Seeding, transplanting and weeding vegetable crops
- Harvesting, cleaning and packing vegetables (must be able to lift 20kg).
- Following farm Operation Handbook for tasks instructions and quality consistency.
- Being accountable for harvest orders and packing details
- Displaying a task-focused and detail-oriented approach to daily duties.
- Providing instruction and coaching to a crew of volunteers on basic farm tasks.
- Able to problem solve and improvise in uncertain conditions
- Maintaining a strong work ethic, always seeking ways to improve on tasks. (If last week it took 30 minutes to do a task, how can you do it in 27 minutes this week?)
- Effectively communicating, being open and honest and displaying a commitment to resolving conflict in a productive and mature way.
- Arriving punctual and prepared to work and displaying good self-care and a positive attitude.
- Contribute to ownership of a clean and tidy work place
Additional ASSISTANT MANAGER DUTIES:
- Assist Farm Manager with creating weekly work schedule (including field chores and harvest plan); providing observations and suggestions during staff meetings.
- Act as a role model, trainer, and pace-setter for other staff for field work, harvesting and processing of vegetables, and maintaining the balance of timeliness and quality of tasks and product.
- Provide training for basic farm tasks (seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, pruning). This training would include details for safety, efficiency and quality, as well as ongoing feedback throughout the season.
- Ensure farm spaces and equipment are left in a clean and tidy manner at the end of each workday.
- Assist in establishing and improving efficient operation systems; coordinate resources (tools and people) to strive for smoothly orchestrated workdays
- Assist in managing irrigation/fertigation.
- Accurately maintain detailed records relating to seeding, transplanting, spraying, harvesting; note any observations that may be pertinent of disease and/or pest
**ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER is responsible for all general FARM CREW DUTIES as well as ASSISTANT MANAGER DUTIES.
Job Details
Term: APRIL 1st – OCTOBER 20th, 2020
Hours: Start times in the morning vary from 6:00-8:00 depending on the available daylight and anticipated temperatures. Weekly work requirements fulfill 30-50 hours/week depending on the demands of the season.
Wage: The initial wage for this position is $17/hour. Wage increases during the season are possible with demonstration of prior experience, or improved skill performance.
Staff will also have access to free vegetables for their own consumption. Basic seasonal housing may be available to rent on the farm.
To Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter and a reference letter from previous farm employer to Simone at simone@rootdownfarm.net.
Qualified candidates will be contacted beginning in mid-January to schedule an interview.
Deadline: February 1st, 2020
When applying, please indicate that you saw this posting at Youngagrarians.org.
Learn More About Rootdown Farm
Website: www.rootdownfarm.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rootdown-Organic-Farm
Instagram: @rootdown_organic_farm
View other farm jobs and apprenticeships here.