Full-time seasonal farmhand/apprentice wanted for organic farm near Regina, SK
Sundog Vegetables is a new (or rather, transplanted) family farm business located near Balgonie, Saskatchewan, about 40 km from downtown Regina. Balgonie is about 8 km south and has a grocery store, library, and a few other services. Our farm is 150 acres featuring large fields, poplar forests, a large pond, and an old dairy barn. It is located in Treaty 4 lands in the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
In 2020, our first full year on this land, we plan to start a small market garden, establish berry, fruit tree, and shelterbelt plantings, raise small flocks of laying hens and meat turkeys, and manage a rotational grazing system for another farmer’s cattle. Although not yet certified, we use organic practices.
We are looking for a hard worker eager to learn about small-scale organic farming to help us get all this accomplished during the summer of 2020.
Job Details
Term: 4-6 months (April/May to September/October). Preferred start April 15, 2020. Preferred end date October 1, 2019. Some flexibility.
Weekly hours: Average 40-50 hrs/week, work day length may vary depending on farm needs. Some “off-hours” (early morning or evening) work as needed. 5 days vacation, but timing must be coordinated with other farmers.
Wage: $12/hr
Accommodation: On-farm accommodation and personal garden space is a possibility and can be discussed during interviews.
Food: We are happy to share lunches and rotate cooking among the adults on the farm. We can share bulk staple foods at cost (flour, rice, beans) and of course the abundance of the gardens.
Other: Couples, friend-pairs, and families are welcome to apply together. Please note, there is only 1 full-time job opening but on-farm accommodation and learning opportunities could be shared. Potential child care arrangements can be discussed during interviews.
We are a family-friendly, LGBTQ-friendly, all abilities-friendly farm. We also feel it is important that farming be a diverse industry attracting folks from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. This job opening is made possible by the Youth Employment Skills Strategy Program, and funding stipulations require that candidates meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Under 30 years of age at beginning of employment
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Unemployed, a student, or underemployed
- Have not participated in any other Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program (such as Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative or the Career Focus Program)
Desired Qualities
- Must be willing and able to do hard physical work outdoors in all weather (frost, rain, wind, heat) for long hours, including extended bending and lifting heavy loads
- Some prior farm/garden-related experience is an asset
- Basic experience with mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work is an asset
- Good communication and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to balance efficiency and thoroughness/quality in all tasks
- Attention to detail, cleanliness (finishing jobs and putting away equipment)
- Highly self-motivated, positive attitude, adaptable, organized
- Ability to work calmly, prioritize tasks, and complete them under tight deadlines
- Ability to work well alone and in a team
- Ability to troubleshoot problems with sometimes limited supervision
Job Tasks
You will primarily work and learn alongside Adam, the main farmer in the family, who has 9 years experience in organic vegetable production in British Columbia. We will occasionally be joined by his wife Samantha, and his daughters Sylvia (age 8) and Fern (age 3). We also have a large friendly dog. We may also host WWOOFers during the course of the summer.
Main duties (which will be taught) include:
- Field prep, amendment application, seeding, transplanting, irrigation, weed/pest/disease/fertility management, mulching, cover cropping, harvest, post-harvest
- Livestock care (feeding, watering, haying, fencing [incl. electric], and other daily tasks)
- Small equipment and hand tool operation.
- Tractor operation if deemed safe.
- Infrastructure and tool maintenance, repair and improvements
- Design/build projects as needed
- “After hours” tasks such as shutting off irrigation, opening/closing gates and barn doors, troubleshooting and monitoring garden predator activity
- Supply runs, deliveries, and other farm tasks as needed
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter with your contact information included and confirmation that you meet the funding eligibility criteria listed above to Adam Bongarzone at sundogfarmer@gmail.com. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Deadline: March 7, 2020