The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm, Vancouver, BC is seeking a Farmer/Field Technician!
The Farmer/Field Technician supports the UBC Farm and the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems in two complementary ways:
- coordinating and performing day-to-day land stewardship and crop production activities for a wide range of crops at the UBC Farm.
- providing technical field advice and services to other site users, projects, and programs.
About UBC Farm
The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm (CSFS) is located on the unceded, ancestral territory of the Musqueam people. It is a 24-hectare teaching, research and community farm at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. Embodying UBC’s aspiration to be a “living laboratory”, the CSFS 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 can be found at www.ubcfarm.ubc.ca.
Job Description Summary
The UBC Farm is a 24-hectare integrated production, teaching, and research farm located on the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS) is housed at the UBC Farm and integrates interdisciplinary academic, community, and production programs to explore and exemplify healthy and sustainable food systems. More information about the UBC Farm and the CSFS can be found at www.ubcfarm.ubc.ca.
The Field Technician supports the UBC Farm and the CSFS in two complementary ways:
– coordinating and performing day-to-day land stewardship and crop production activities for a wide range of crops at the UBC Farm.
– providing technical field advice and services to other site users, projects, and programs.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Field Manager. Collaborates frequently (often daily) with other UBC Farm Field Technicians and the Agricultural Product Technician. Works in a collaborative environment with other staff at the UBC Farm, the CSFS, and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (especially technical staff at Totem Field and the Greenhouse). Liaises with other site users on a project basis and at a level corresponding to the technical assistance required.
Work Performed
- Coordinates and performs day-to-day land stewardship and production activities for a wide range of agricultural crops. Specific crops for which the Field Technician is responsible may vary and may include a mix of field grown annual fruits and vegetables, field grown perennial fruits and vegetables, greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables, forest products, herbs, cut flowers, vegetable seeds, and/or poultry. Continuity with areas of responsibility will be maintained from year to year when desired and operationally expedient.
- Land stewardship and production activities coordinated or performed by the Field Technician may include (but are not limited to) plant propagation, field cultivation, irrigation installation, irrigation management, mowing, pesticide application, nutrient application, hoophouse construction, pruning, record keeping, harvesting, poultry care, field scouting, invasive species control, compost management, data collection, and record keeping.
- Develops standard operating procedures for these activities and provides practical training in them to other staff, student workers, interns, and volunteers.
- Provides technical field advice and services to other site users, projects, and programs. Examples of this type of work include (but are not limited to) the following:
- advising researchers on various site specific aspects of field experimental design and techniques and equipment for performing experimental interventions.
- performing experimental interventions and assisting researchers with project monitoring.
- liaising with course instructors to identify field-based learning opportunities at the UBC Farm and occasionally help facilitate labs and field trips.
- providing technical crop production advice and assistance to community educational programs at the UBC Farm.
- Assists the Agricultural Product Technician with weekly crop harvest planning based on product supply and also with monitoring the quality and safety of crops. Occasionally assists the Agricultural Product Technician with the sale and direct-marketing of crops.
- Assists with general operational tasks such as selection, procurement, maintenance, and repair of field equipment, tools, and supplies.
- Conducts all site activities in alignment with relevant environmental and health regulations such as the Canadian Organic Standards, the Canadian Pest Control Products Act and Regulations, the Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines, the BC Organic Matter Recycling Regulation, the BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and the BC Integrated Pest Management Act. Keeps appropriate records to document compliance with these regulations. Assists the Field Manager with evaluating the regulatory compliance of proposed research interventions and other new site activities.
- Assists the Field Manager with annual farm plans detailing cropping decisions and production trends.
- Assists the Field Manager with assessing the technical feasibility, economic viability, and programmatic value of new crops and projects.
- Performs other operational duties as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. Relevant degree such as Agricultural Sciences. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Three full growing seasons of experience with mixed fruit or vegetable production (preferably organic). Experience or training in field research design and data collection is an asset. Demonstrated technical competence with and theoretical understanding of a broad range of crop production and land management techniques. Experience with UBC, the UBC Farm, other regional organic farms, and/or other educational farms is an asset. Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities, exercising sound judgment. Ability to analyze problems independently, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve. Ability to mentor and coach staff, and act as a resource. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide quality service to customers in a courteous, patient manner. Ability to analyze and redesign work flow/field processes to make them more efficient and effective. Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures. Ability to work efficiently and safely both independently and in a team environment. Ability to safely and efficiently operate a broad range of job-related hand tools, power tools, tractors, field implements and other agricultural equipment. Ability to effectively use MS Office at an intermediate level (e.g. using Excel to record, manage and manipulate data.)Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. Must be physically fit and enjoy hard work outdoors in all weather conditions, for long days and ability to bring tasks to completion under tight deadlines. Must be able to lift 45 lbs repetitively and 70 lbs occasionally. Valid Class 5 Drivers License is required and have experience operating manual transmission. Valid BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate or the ability to attain one is required. When special events or circumstances require, work may be performed after normal business hours. Because of the seasonal nature of the work, a heavier workload is the norm from April through October. During this period of time, a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule is required.
POSITION DETAILS
Compensation Range: $3,905 – $4,612 CAD Monthly
Hours: Full-time
HOW TO APPLY
Learn more and apply on the UBC Careers Website
Deadline to apply is February 7, 2021
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
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