Island View Farm in Saanichton, BC is seeking a Farm Manager!
ABOUT Island View Farm
This is a new farm on land that requires some extra love to build a thriving web of soil, pollinators, plants and community, and the farm manager will be well supported and equipped in this work. Their primary responsibility will be to develop a ½ acre market garden (with room to expand into another ½ acre and future commercial greenhouse), and connecting this production to on and off site sales channels (including an on site farm market).
The farm operation is part of a 10 acre property that sees 20,000 visitors a year through an existing minigolf. In addition to the market garden and farm market, plans are also being developed for an adjacent orchard and land based cidery, and eventual workshop and event spaces.
We will collaborate with the successful candidate on machinery and equipment requirements (ie. walk behind tractor, hoop house, other tools) and sales channel strategies beyond the on site market.
We have intentionally chosen to start this farm on a site that was previously used as a golf course and then driving range for decades, with a commitment to using regenerative farming principles to restore the soil and create a healthy local ecosystem. The farm also forms part of what we hope will be a meaningful community hub on the Saanich Peninsula.
Island View Farm operates on the unceded territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples and we strive to be good stewards and caretakers of this land.
As an equity focused employer we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those who may identify as Black, Indigenous and/or racialized; women; people of all sexual orientations and gender identities; persons with disabilities; and others who may bring diverse experience, perspectives and contributions to our work and team.
DESIRED QUALITIES
- Minimum 2 yrs market gardening experience, including developing and implementing crop plans, with preference (but not requirement) in flowers and mixed vegetables
- Experience managing irrigation systems, operating farm equipment such as walk behind tractors, and integrated pest management (IPM)
- Familiarity with regenerative or biodynamic agriculture practices
- Ability to work long hours in all types of weather with seasonally heavy workloads
- Management and decision making experience, ideally in a farming context in a similar role or managing your own farm
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Willingness to pitch in if other jobs need doing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Valid drivers license for BC
- Ability to work on feet throughout the day, including repetitive lifting of substantial weight
- Ability to work with relevant hand tools and machinery
- Familiarity with basic software and computer applications is an asset (ie. Google Suite, Slack, Asana, POS systems, Quickbooks)
- Have your own vehicle
- While the manager can expect to be well supported, the role does require flexibility in meeting farm needs including all aspects of planning, planting, managing, harvesting, preparing, selling, and delivering produce
We’re early in this journey and quite open minded – we hope to learn through the experience, dreams and ideas the successful candidate brings to the role as well.
POSITION TASKS
The Island View Farm Manager will be responsible for all farm activities, with the overarching goal of helping to develop and operate a regenerative, productive, and profitable farming operation.
Key Responsibilities
Farm strategy (alongside management team):
- Leading all farm design and development
- Crop plan
- Regenerative goals and approaches
- On- and off- farm sales strategies and integration with on site retail and activities
- Budget, workplan, and development of a financially sustainable operating model
Farm management and implementation:
- All planning and implementation of market garden from development through annual shut down, beginning with 0.5 acres (currently in cover crop), and eventually developing a second 0.5 acres.
- Managing greenhouse when/if established next season (to be discussed with successful candidate)
- All crop management and integration with retail strategies, including on site farm retail and any off farm sales activity.
- Maintenance of all farm related spaces, equipment and tools, including irrigation
- Management of any additional farm hands/volunteers
- Documentation, records and good information management practices
Supporting role:
- Orchard plant out in ~March 2025 (~950 trees) and ongoing orchard monitoring and maintenance
- Joins property wide planning and management team in some decision making
- Supporting development of eventual new activities adjacent to market garden related responsibilities
- Supporting management of any off site sales strategy (as identified in strategy co-developed with successful candidate)
POSITION DETAILS
Term: Our ideal candidate is available part time to begin planning in November, and can expect full time work once the season starts (~March), followed by a winding down of working hours into the fall shoulder season until an anticipated seasonal closure in Oct/Nov 2025.
While we operate a largely seasonal business at this time, we hope to build an enduring relationship with the successful candidate and the potential for extension and/or annual renewal of the role will be an active conversation with the Farm Manager.
Hours per week:
Projected hours:
- 150-180 hours of planning time prior to March season start
- 35-40 hours per week through peak of season
- gradual reduction of hours expected in fall shoulder season through seasonal shut down
Wage: This role pays $28/hr plus health and dental benefits, 4% vacation pay or equivalent paid days off, access to fresh produce and participation in a property-wide bonus formula for all staff.
TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and simple email introduction to yourself, your interest in this role and where it may in your near term career/life plan to shawn@krdwinvestments.com
Deadline to apply: Nov 12th, but we are keen to hire and applications reviewed as received
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 Island View Farm
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