FARM JOB: Vancouver, BC - Farmers On 57th, Urban Farm Operations and Program Assistant

Farmers on 57th in Vancouver, BC is seeking an Urban Farm Operations and Program Assistant!

ABOUT Farmers On 57th

Farmers on 57th is a therapeutic & educational urban farm on the grounds of George Pearson Centre, a long-term care facility for people with disabilities in Vancouver, BC. Since 2009, Farmers on 57th has grown into a thriving 75-family CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) market garden, offering courses, garden plots, and guided visits to the public. We also run a weekly enabling garden program for Pearson residents, allowing those living with disabilities to grow, harvest, and enjoy their own-grown food and flowers. In our satellite garden in Southeast Vancouver (adjacent to the South Vancouver Family Place) we run a summer garden-based program for newcomer/refugee mothers and their young children called Growing Eden. We are listed as an example of best practice by the City of Vancouver.

Desired Qualities

Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
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
Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience in education, agriculture, ecology or related fields preferred
Experience working with kids from diverse backgrounds, outdoors
Passion for farm, environmental and/or food systems education
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organized with good attention to detail; able to prioritize tasks
Able to work independently and in a team setting
Comfortable using and learning new technology, including Google Suite
Physically able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather for up to 8.5 hours in one day
Able to work remotely from home or another suitable location, and to travel between locations by own means (bike, vehicle or transit)
Able to pass a criminal record check
Must meet Canada Summer Jobs Requirements

POSITION TASKS

Task management and organization:

Work with the farm team & independently to accomplish the week’s field tasks including weeding, seeding, transplanting, tilling, amending, composting, watering, mulching, trellising and pruning.
Work with farm team & independently to lead volunteers on harvest days accomplishing tasks including harvesting various vegetables, fruits, and flowers, processing, packaging, making bouquets, organizing CSA list, delegating roles, and making sure the market stand is ready by pick up.
Prioritize field tasks with Farm Manager and other field shift leads weekly or more as needed.
Receive training in, install, schedule, monitor, maintain and teach water consciousness and the automatic irrigation system of field crops.

Volunteer Program Management

Lead, train, supervise and provide feedback to volunteers in farm tasks and educational programs, and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Co-create solutions to field and personnel issues as they arise.
Collect feedback from volunteers to improve crop plan and volunteer program for upcoming year
Plan and co-host volunteer events such as monthly happy hours, and season-end volunteer appreciation
Be in communication with volunteers and update them on farm news via WhatsApp

Administrative Support & Social Media

Update and maintain farm records and task lists
Data entry for crop yields, harvest data, and other relevant information
Update and maintain CSA lists and sales
Generate engaging content for instagram and Facebook like text, images, videos, and graphics
Interacting with followers through comments, replies, and direct messages, fostering a positive online community.
Assist in writing newsletters to update CSA and community members on farm news and what’s in the box for that week

Other responsibilities

Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and regular check-ins with the team
Ensure positive and respectful relationships with residents and staff at Oak Care Centre, the residential care home where our Market Garden is located
Provide service and hospitality to CSA shareholders, people living with disabilities, children and youth visiting the market garden.
Co-plan and co-host farm events such as open house, potlucks, or workshops sharing plant and food preparation knowledge with farm members to improve food literacy and reduce food waste.
Assist in other on- site and off-site programs such as Garden Club and Growing Eden

Skills and Requirements

30 years or younger, Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Refugee Status with valid Social Insurance Number
Physically fit, willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, can lift 25 lb.
Knowledge & experience in sustainable agriculture, growing food, plant identification, gardening & food safe
Knowledge & experience with program leadership
Strong listening skills and verbally communicative, open and honest, personable
Ability to take the lead, solve problems in a group setting
Self-motivated & organized, responsible, strong self-initiative
Willingness to engage on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Blog
Access to & willingness to use a personal computer and/or cell phone
Knowledge & experience in communications
Access to and willingness to use WhatsApp as a communication channel

Assets, but not required

Basic knowledge & experience with program leadership, especially with kids ages 5-12 & adults
Basic knowledge & experience with Google Drive programs (google docs and sheets)

POSITION DETAILS

Flexible start and end dates. Part time until May, full time May onwards until end of October. Must be available to work weekends. Must qualify for Canada Summer Jobs Program and be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment, as well as be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred.

HOURS: 24hrs/week until may, 35hrs/week may onwards. dependant on Canada Summer Jobs grant

WAGE: $18.50 per hour

TO APPLY

Please apply via our Google Form and attach a PDF of your resume.

Deadline to apply: May 1, 2025

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 Farmers On 57th

Website: www.farmerson57th.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farmerson57th
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/farmerson57th

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