FARM JOB: Vancouver, British Columbia – UBC Farm, Practicum Field Coordinator

Posted by JoHana Harcourt on March 02, 2023

UBC Farm in Vancouver, British Columbia is seeking a Practicum Field Coordinator!

ABOUT UBC Farm

The UBC Farm is the Centre for Sustainable Food System’s main research, teaching and learning space, located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.

Situated within a 90-year-old coastal hemlock forest, the 24-hectare UBC Farm was started by students in 2001 and since then our integrated organic farm and forest ecosystem has become a key part of the UBC’s agroecology research and education as well as an important Vancouver food hub. The UBC Farm features cultivated annual crop fields, perennial hedgerows and orchards, pasture, Indigenous-led gardens, and forest stands.

The Farm is organically managed, and UBC Farm produce is certified organic through NOOA. We cultivate over 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and also feature honey beehives and egg-laying, open-pasture hens.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of a technical program and a minimum two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Completion of a relevant university degree is an asset
  • Training and work experience in diversified, organic vegetable and/or fruit production preferred
  • Experience with UBC, the UBC Farm, other regional organic farms, and/or other research or educational farms is an asset
  • Demonstrated leadership experience; able to comfortably provide hands-on group and individual instruction to students and community members of diverse ages and backgrounds
  • Demonstrated ability to model the knowledge, skills, and work habits required to successfully operate a viable farm enterprise
  • Demonstrated technical competence with and theoretical understanding of a broad range of crop production and land management techniques
  • Demonstrated supervisory, 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; good collaboration and group leadership skills
  • Ability to safely and efficiently operate a broad range of hand tools, power tools, tractors, field implements, and other agricultural equipment
  • Intermediate computer skills and an ability to record, manage, and manipulate data using Microsoft Excel
  • Effective verbal and written communication, leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work efficiently and safely both independently and within a team environment
  • Ability to multitask, exercise sound judgment, and solve minor problems independently
  • Must be physically fit and enjoy hard work outdoors in all weather conditions for long days
  • Must have the ability to lift 45 lbs repetitively and 70 lbs occasionally.
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license and have experience operating manual transmissions
  • A valid BC Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate is an asset
  • Experience with UBC, the UBC Farm, other regional organic farms, and/or other educational farms is an asset

JOB TASKS

  • Coordinates and performs day-to-day land stewardship and production activities for a defined range of agricultural crops
  • Land stewardship and production activities coordinated or performed by the Field Coordinator may include (but are not limited to) plant propagation, field cultivation, irrigation installation, irrigation management, mowing, pesticide application, nutrient application, hoop house construction, pruning, harvesting, poultry care, field scouting, invasive species control, compost management, data collection, and record keeping
  • Liaise with other field staff and the Practicum Coordinator to plan, prioritize, and facilitate day-to-day practicum field tasks in the context of crop production and sales systems on a working campus farm
  • Will work with the Practicum Coordinator to guide student plot experience (shared and individual plots). This includes being available to answer questions during plot time, ensuring that plots are being properly managed, ensuring that students are receiving sufficient guidance and support, as well as integrating the educational curriculum into the student plot experience
  • Collaborates on practicum program development and assists the Practicum Coordinator with administrative tasks related to the management of the program
  • Provides practical training and limited theoretical instruction to student workers, practicum students, student interns, and volunteers
  • Assists the Lead Sales Coordinator with weekly crop harvest planning based on product supply and also with monitoring the quality and safety of crops Occasionally assists 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 standard operating procedures and record keeping systems. Occasionally assists with the development and refinement of these procedures and systems
  • Assists the Lead Field Coordinator and Farm Operations Manager with annual farm plans detailing cropping decisions and production trends
  • May occasionally perform essential site staffing duties such as seedling watering and poultry care on weekends
  • Performs other operational duties as required

JOB DETAILS

Term: Start: ASAP. End: November 30, 2023 with possibility of extension

Hours per week: 35

Wage: $4,024.72 – $4,693.78 CAD Monthly

TO APPLY

Apply here: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcstaffjobs/job/Practicum-Field-Coordinator_JR11715

Deadline to apply: Midnight, March 12th

When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT UBC Farm

Website: ubcfarm.ubc.ca

View more Farm Jobs and Apprenticeships on our Job Board