These positions have been filled.
View more Farm Jobs and Apprenticeships on our Job Board
Puddle Produce Farm in Williams Lake, BC is seeking two Field Assistants!
ABOUT Puddle Produce Farm
Puddle Produce Farm is a small 1.5 acre certified organic (NOOA cert. #04-353) vegetable farm established on a 70 acre property in the Soda Creek region of the Cariboo in BC (approximately 40kms north of Williams Lake). We grow 30-40 different vegetables and microgreens mostly by hand, for the local farmers market, a CSA program, and retail.
Puddle Produce Farm has always operated with two goals in mind: growing local produce that is both sustainable and accessible. It does this by using zero chemical inputs or applications, but keeping costs (and prices) competitive, and trying to grow exactly what customers want. We also believe in learning and doing whatever we can to grow responsibly, both for the customer and the environment, and being 100% transparent along the way. As of 2020, the farm obtained certified organic status (NOOA #04-353).
The farm is situated on a unique 70 acre property on the Fraser River where it can have much more product variety and biodiversity than it ever has before. The property features a year-round spring, a variable ecosystem with everything from junipers to cottonwoods, and existing infrastructure perfect for a biointensive farm operation. We have approximately 3/4 of an acre cultivated on the upper bench, which includes a 30’x65′ unheated greenhouse and heated propagation house. We then have approximately 1 acre cultivated on a lower bench, closer to the river. We also have productive honey bees on the farm, managed by Bee Happy Honey up the road.
DESIRED QUALITIES
The farm manager is looking for 2 full-time committed Field Assistants from May-September. They will report to the farm manager or assistant farm manager. You don’t have to have any prior experience in veggie farming (most don’t). Just keen to learn, and enjoy a good day’s work outside.
Other desired qualities:
- Must be very physically fit and energetic (must be able to lift minimum 50lbs repeatedly)
- Interested in gaining skills in small-scale agriculture or vegetable production
- Fast learner and ability to adapt to new positions and working with new people
- Punctuality and strong time management skills
- Ability to take direction, accept constructive feedback and to ask for help when needed
- Ability to work quickly and efficiently
- Ability to work in all-weather situations
- Mature and positive attitude
- Good people and customer service skills
WHAT IS A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR FIELD STAFF?
We usually get all the garden beds cleaned up and ready by early April and are planting full time by early May. Once markets start up in mid-May, the days get pretty zippy! And very rewarding. We work Monday to Friday, from 8am-4pm unless it’s August and hot AF – we’ll start and finish earlier. Mondays are harvest days for our CSA boxes and online orders. Tuesdays, we drive the big veggie truck into town for the market, and weekly veggie box deliveries. You’ll probably get a burrito from Fabiola at the market, because they’re huge and delicious! We call Wednesdays “weedy Wednesdays” because they’re the only day of the week we have to catch up on….weeds. And plantings, and everything else. Thursdays are another big harvest and washing day for Friday markets and more veggie boxes. Friday is our biggest day of the week, and also the most fun! Market is super busy, then we come back to the farm and often have homemade organic sourdough pizza nights with the farm crew. Saturdays and Sundays are all yours – it’s a beautiful part of the province. Rolling hills, unique grassland habitat, big Doug firs, cowboys, even more cows, music festivals, rodeos, gold rush history, and over 1000 lakes to choose from.
We’re also a really fun team: I value my staff above anything else because they are what make the farm successful. So we work hard but we also treat each other with respect and give back as much as possible.
JOB TASKS
- Transplanting/recording field data
- Hand-weeding
- Irrigation set up and maintenance
- Harvesting
- Produce washing and processing
- Packing for CSA, retail and Farmers’ Market
- Assist with farmers’ market sales
- General farm labor as needed
JOB DETAILS
The farm manager is looking for 2 full-time committed Field Assistants.
Term: May 1, 2023 to late August/early September, 2023.
Hours per week: 40hrs/wk, Mon-Fri with opportunities for overtime, if desired.We will also consider part time if it’s a better fit for you.
Wage: $17/hour, and includes all deductions and benefits as per provincial labour laws, as well as all the free veggies you want.
There is also a cash bonus for each Field Assistant that commits to and completes the entire season (minimum August 31 end date), as well as a farm staff and volunteer dinner at the end of the season, which is the highlight of the year!
Logistics
You’ll need your own vehicle as there is no reliable transportation to/from the farm. If local or relocating, we are willing to discuss supporting fuel costs. PLEASE NOTE: there is little to no cell reception on the farm, but there is a phone line on site and reliable Wifi.
Staying on the farm
There is a skoolie and camper for any staff living on the farm. They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, fireplaces, outhouse, and Wifi. We DON’T charge rent to live on the farm.
TO APPLY
Please submit a 1 page (maximum) letter of interest, telling us why you are interested in this role. This must also accompany a resume (maximum of 2 pages). If we request an interview, a minimum of three professional/personal references must be provided.
Please email your letter of interest and resume addressed to Brianna van de Wijngaard (Owner/Operator) at info@puddleproduce.ca . No phone calls please.
Deadline to apply: April 14th, 2023 @ 5pm
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT Puddle Produce Farm
Website: https://www.puddleproduce.ca/work-with-us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuddleProduce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddleproducefarm/
View more Farm Jobs and Apprenticeships on our Job Board
