A Rocha in Surrey, BC is seeking a Summer Farm Assistant!
ABOUT A Rocha
A Rocha Farm at Brooksdale is a 2.5-acre mix vegetable and flower production farm that follows sustainable agricultural principles of caring for soil and surrounding ecology. We are transitioning to no-till agriculture and currently half of our farm is in a no-till system and half is in a low-tillage system. Our sales channels include a 170+ vegetable CSA, a small flower CSA, farm gate market, farmers markets, and restaurants. We are also a non-profit so a portion of our vegetables and CSA shares are also donated to local partner agencies.
A Rocha Brooksdale is a non-profit environmental organization located on a 27-acre property with farmlands, wetlands, and a river running through it. A Rocha has programs in sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and conservation programs. We also have a Conservation Residency program with residents specializing in one of our three program areas. We grow 2.5 acres of vegetables and flowers for our on farm store, CSA, farmers market, restaurants and donations to our local food bank and community partners. We are committed to caring for creation – people, land and creatures. And with that commitment we highly value practices that promote healthy soil and provide a workspace that supports the health of its employees and our community.
DESIRED QUALITIES
- Demonstrated ability to work outdoors quickly, efficiently, and calmly in physically challenging contexts in variable weather and bring tasks to completion on time
- Ability to repeatedly lift 30-50lbs
- Introductory food literacy knowledge and agriculture technical skills an asset in the areas of:-General agricultural production, soil and landscape management, and/or farm equipment use and maintenance in a mixed farm setting, and local and organic food concepts and/or food preparation
- Strong organizational, leadership, communication (written & oral) skills:
-Able to identify and prioritize tasks with minimal supervision, work independently, and take initiative.
-Able to resolve interpersonal conflicts professionally; excellent collaboration skills.
-Able to comfortably make decisions and execute tasks in a diverse and dynamic working environment.
Applicant must:
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment (to meet Canada Summer Jobs funding requirements)
- Be a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident for the duration of the employment.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
- Obtain a Criminal Record Background and Vulnerable Sector check
Preferred Qualifications
- At least one year/season in diversified vegetable production.
- Experience working within the not-for-profit sector
- Food Safe Level 1 certification
- First Aid and CPR certifications
- Demonstrated embodiment of A Rocha Canada’s Vision, Commitments and Core Values
- Familiarity with A Rocha Canada’s Vision, Commitments and Core Values.
JOB TASKS
This position will report directly to the CSA Farm Coordinator and work closely with the Brooksdale Sustainable Agriculture Team. Responsibilities and task include:
- Assist in all aspects of crop production, including but not limited to:
-Bed preparation, seeding, planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, and post-harvest
processing, and packing.
-Bouquet-making based on interest.
-Record keeping for all required field activities - Assist with communication, sales, deliveries, and management of produce going to the CSA,
farmer’s market, and on-site farm store. - Provide field supervision and instruction to volunteers.
- Participate in other general farm tasks as required.
- Work in collaboration with Brooksdale staff for other on-site activities as needed
- Awareness and adherence to A Rocha Brooksdale’s Health and Safety Protocols.
JOB DETAILS
Term: Between April 24 and July 24, 2023. End date: 8-16 weeks depending on funding, ending September 2nd at the latest. Possibility of full/part time extension to the end of September
Hours per week: Full time (5 days/week, 35-40 hours/week, Tuesday to Saturday).
Wage: $17 per hour
TO APPLY
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Carly at carly.richardson@arocha.ca. Position will remain open until filled.
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT A Rocha
Website: https://arocha.ca/where-we-work/brooksdale/brooksdale-csa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arocha.market/
View more Farm Jobs and Apprenticeships on our Job Board