About UBC Farm
The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS) at UBC Farm is a 24-hectare teaching, research and community farm located on the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. Embodying UBC’s aspiration to be a “living laboratory”, the CSFS at UBC Farm provides experiential learning opportunities for students, community members and the general public and strives to explore and exemplify how land, food and community are brought together to create healthy and sustainable food systems. More information about the CSFS at UBC Farm can be found at www.ubcfarm.ubc.ca.
The Flower Field Worker works in collaboration with the Perennials and Biodiversity Coordinator and other UBC Farm staff in assisting with crop production and general farms tasks. UBC Farm flower production consist of about ¼ acre of annual flowers being sold through our market and CSA channels as well as wholesale. The Flower Field Worker will focus on establishing and maintaining the flower field, harvesting and arranging flowers, and teaching practicum sessions on flower production. The worker will also be involved in other activities at the farm as needed.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Perennials and Biodiversity Coordinator. Provides seasonal field supervision and instruction to the Practicum Students in Sustainable Food Systems, and works closely, in a collaborative environment, with other UBC Farm staff.
WORK PERFORMED
The UBC Farm Flower Production Assistant will be responsible for:
- Seeding and transplanting the flower fields – Using judgment in adapting field plans as needed
- Performing field maintenance such as weeding and deadheading
- Managing the irrigation schedule for the flower fields
- Maintaining the infrastructure needed to grow the flower crops
- Working in close relationship with the UBC Farm Sales Manager and CSA Program Assistant
- Communicating with vendors/suppliers and customers as needed
- Recording required field activities
- Reporting and offering suggestions to improve the practices of flower production at UBC Farm
- Working in collaboration with the Perennial and Biodiversity Team
- Participating in other general farm tasks as required
EXERCISING JUDGEMENT/IMPACT OF DECISIONS
The Flower Field Production Assistant is a representative of the CSFS at UBC Farm and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. This individual’s approach and delivery of information in dealing with the general public and a variety of site users present at the CSFS at UBC Farm reflect on these units. Therefore, ensuring a high regard for professionalism, safety, and adherence to UBC policies is of considerable importance.
When dealing with powered equipment, including tractors and field implements in a variety of field conditions and weather, the Flower Field Production Assistant will need to critically assess each operation before proceeding in order to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. When using high-powered equipment, poor judgment of the operating conditions and context can result in operator injury or death.
Day-to-day decisions regarding crop planting, care, and harvest have a considerable impact on crop quality and timing, which in turn impacts the financial viability and teaching quality of the CSFS at UBC Farm.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Flower Field Production Assistant will not supervise any employees, but will provide field supervision to students.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work takes place outdoors in the field areas at the UBC Farm. The Flower Field Production Assistant is required to work in all weather conditions. Work in extreme weather conditions may be required. Shared indoor office space is provided at the UBC Farm, though the Flower Field Production Assistant will be required communicate with other UBC Farm staff to avoid space conflicts. Hours and work location are flexible as long as all scheduled instruction and meeting times are met. When special events or circumstances require, work will be performed after
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Experience:
- One growing season in diversified vegetable/fruit/flower production, preferably organic.
- Demonstrated leadership experience; able to comfortably make desisions and execute tasks.
- Experience working within a large public-sector organization (i.e. a university or government organization) is an asset.
Skills:
- A broad base of technical skills in the areas of horticultural production, soil and landscape management, farm equipment use and maintenance, computer use, and/or animal care in a mixed farm setting.
- Demonstrated communication (verbal/written), facilitation, and interpersonal skills; able to work both independently and within a high-energy team environment; able to resolve interpersonal conflicts professionally; excellent collaboration and group leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to model the knowledge, skills, and work habits required to successfully operate a viable farm enterprise.
- Strong organizational skills; able to identify and prioritize tasks with minimal supervision, work independently, and take initiative.
- Must be physically fit, able to lift approximately 50lbs, and have a flexible schedule.
- Familiarity with the UBC Farm site, and the CSFS at UBC Farm vision, mission and operations is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to work quickly, efficiently and calmly in high-stress settings for long hours in any weather and bring tasks to completion on time.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must:
- be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment; (feel free to send your application if you are above 30 as we will consider all applicants.)
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,
- 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.
Job Details
Term: End April/Early May to October 31, 2019, with the possibility of part time extension in November
Hours: Part time (4 days/week, 28 hours/week, between Tuesdays and Saturdays)
Wage: $15.00 – $16.23 per hour (commensurate with experience)
View the official job posting PDF.
To Apply
- Ensure your email subject line clearly refers to the Flower Field Production Assistant position.
- Ensure your name and the position title are included in the PDF file name.
- The application intake period will close on April 7, 2019, or until the position has been filled.
- Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm will give priority to individuals who have demonstrated commitment through volunteer service or other engagement.
Learn More About UBC Farm
Website: www.ubcfarm.ubc.ca
UBC Farm Flowers: http://lfs-ubcfarm.sites.olt.ubc.ca/food-production/flowers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UBCFarm/
Instagram: @ubcfarm & @ubcfarm.flowers
View other farm jobs and apprenticeships here.