The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is currently seeking applicants for the positions of Farmers Market Lead and Field Assistant and Field Staff at KPU Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School.
Farmers Market Lead and Field Assistant
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Farmers Market Lead and Field Assistant at the KPU Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School for the 2022 growing season. This position will lead the sale of farm products at 1 weekly farmers markets as well as assist with our CSA program. This position will also assist in seasonal field work including harvesting, weeding, animal husbandry, crop maintenance, amongst other field tasks. This position requires someone with some farming and sales/customer service experience. As an education farm dedicated to regenerative farming practices and local food systems, we are looking for someone who is passionate about regenerative agriculture, building local food systems, and food systems education.
Field Staff
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to fill the position of Field Staff at the Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School for the 2022 growing season. This position will assist in seasonal field work including harvesting, weeding, animal husbandry, crop maintenance, amongst other field tasks. As an education farm dedicated to regenerative farming practices and local food systems, we are looking for someone who is passionate about regenerative agriculture, building local food systems, and food systems education.
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is a research and extension institute based at KPU’s Richmond campus. Through an integrated program of applied research, extension programming, and community engagement, ISFS investigates and supports regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities. ISFS focuses its work predominantly within British Columbia but also extends to other regions. More information is available at http://www.kpu.ca/isfs.
KPU Farm Schools:
KPU Farm Schools is a part of the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems’ Extension unit and consists of the Tsawwassen First Nation and Richmond Farm School. Each KPU Farm School teaches its own distinct 7-8-month program that runs for the duration of a growing season and provides unique training opportunities in regenerative agriculture. The programs are centered around experiential, hands on, and field-based learning. There are no prerequisites required to enroll in the programs and we welcome students from all types of backgrounds and experiences.
Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School
Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School is a collaboration between the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) and the ISFS. First of its kind, the school fuses regenerative agriculture and traditional indigenous food systems as tools to build community and create dialogue around land stewardship for the future. The school program is open to all with curiosity on how to feed a growing population while restoring the land. The program takes place on traditional TFN lands on a 20-acre, Certified Organic farm that boasts 5 acres in vegetable production, an orchard, livestock (hogs and laying hens), and incubator plots for program graduates. The Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School is a gathering place to raise awareness around human scaled alternative food production systems. More information is available at http://www.kpu.ca/tfnfarm.
Position Description: Farmers Market Lead and Field Assistant at KPU Tsawwassen First Nation Farm Schools
Wage: $21hr
Hours: 35 hours per week; Sunday-Thursday; work hours will vary depending on the day of the week
Contract: Casual Service Contract, April 1st to Mid November 2022
Supervisor: Sarah Clements (Research and Education Laboratory Farm School Coordinator), Dr. Kent Mullinix (ISFS Director)
Qualifications:
- Class 5 driver’s license
- Minimum 1 year of farming experience
- Sales, marketing and customer service experience
- Farmers market experience an asset
- Mixed vegetable harvesting experience an asset
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work outside in all weather
- Willingness to work some over time depending on farm needs
- A keen interest in small-scale, regenerative agriculture
- A willingness to learn and become an integral part of the farm team
- Interest in working with a diversity of people including the Tsawwassen First Nation community
- Valid First Aid Certificate an asset
- Owning a vehicle for commuting to and from the farm is an asset
Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend 3-4 Farmers Markets per week
- Manage and train farm students and volunteers during market shifts
- Participate in general farm field work including seeding, transplanting, weeding, pruning, and fall clean up activities
- Harvest and process farm products for distribution & sale at farmers markets, CSA program and wholesale outlets (we harvest two full days per week on Tuesdays and Fridays)
- Assist in livestock operations including feeding, watering and rotating pigs and chickens
- Follow the farm’s certified organic growing practices
- Be knowledgeable about the farm school programs and farm products to help with promotion and answer customer inquiries
Application:
To apply for this position, please submit your resume to Katherine Hastie (Vegetable Production Manager) at katherine.hastie@kpu.ca
Position Description: Field Staff at KPU Tsawwassen First Nation Farm Schools
Wage: $21hr
Hours: 35 hours per week; Monday-Friday, 7:30-3:30pm (work hours may vary depending on seasonal demands)
Contract: Casual Service Contract, May 1 to October 31st 2022
Supervisor: Sarah Clements (Research and Education Laboratory Farm School Coordinator), Dr. Kent Mullinix (ISFS Director)
Qualifications:
- Class 5 driver’s license
- Minimum 1 year of farming experience
- Mixed vegetable experience an asset
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work outside in all weather
- Willingness to work some over time depending on farm needs
- A keen interest in small-scale, regenerative agriculture
- A willingness to learn and become an integral part of the farm team
- Interest in working with a diversity of people including the Tsawwassen First Nation community
- Valid First Aid Certificate an asset
- Owning a vehicle for commuting to and from the farm is an asset
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with all aspects of vegetable crop operations
- Participate in general farm field work including seeding, transplanting, weeding, pruning, and fall clean up activities
- Harvest and process farm products for distribution & sale at farmers markets, CSA program and wholesale outlets (we harvest two full days per week on Tuesdays and Fridays)
- Under direction of vegetable crop manager
- Assist with livestock operations
- Daily chores
- Pasture rotations
- Under direction of livestock manager
- Assist with perennial crop management
- Berry crops
- Perennial herbs
- Fruit trees
- Assist with field/practicum teaching and supervising students
- Follow the farm’s certified organic growing practices
- Be knowledgeable about the farm school programs and farm products to help with promotion and answer customer inquiries
To apply for this position, please submit your resume to
Katherine Hastie (Vegetable Production Manager) at katherine.hastie@kpu.ca
When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org
View more farm jobs and apprenticeships on our Job Board
