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Are you an aspiring ecological farmer who wants hands on experience working the land and living in community? Prairie Hardy Nursery in Two Hills, Alberta might be the place for you!
About the Farm
Prairie Hardy Nursery is located on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.
Prairie Hardy Nursery specializes in cold-hardy fruit and nut trees, grapevines, and berry bushes grown in hardiness zone 3. Every tree is expertly grown to thrive in challenging climates, such as ours in Two Hills County, Alberta, where we proudly serve gardeners and orchardists across Canada.
Many years ago, Kurt and Kristel identified a lack of quality fruit trees that were truly Prairie Hardy, grafted and grown in zone 3. They started their artisanal fruit and nut tree nursery from a deep passion to preserve prairie genetics, providing customers with the best quality specimens at an affordable price.
They are committed to sustainable practices, growing organically; using permaculture and old world techniques avoiding pesticides and herbicides. Their nursery and orchards are set on rewilded land surrounded by native shrubs, providing a haven for local wildlife and pollinators.
Website: www.prairiehardy.ca
Facebook: @prairiehardynursery
Instagram: @prairiehardynursery
Our Workplace Culture
Workplace culture is grounded in respect, curiosity, and care: for the land, the trees, and the people doing the work. They operate as an artisan nursery, so collaboration and communication are central to day to day functions. Everyone’s contribution matters, and questions are always welcome.
Workdays are structured but flexible, with an emphasis on working efficiently and safely. During the busy season, apprentices work closely with owners Kurt and Kristel and seasonal staff. This allows for hands-on learning in a real production environment while still maintaining a supportive and approachable atmosphere.
About the Farmers
Kurt is passionate about all things Prairie Hardy! He’s absolutely nuts about prairie nuts, has dedicated himself to building our truly cold-climate nursery, and is the driving force behind sourcing rare genetics and species that thrive in our challenging climate. Kurt will happily work from dawn to dusk during busy seasons, tending to our delicate young trees and plants with meticulous care.
Kristel brings a background in the fine arts and business administration to the nursery. She attended the very first Young Agrarians event in Calgary (back in the day) with a dream to work with the land and regenerate soils. We’re both passionate about willows, love bending branches into basketry, and enjoy learning from local artisans and land-based teachers.
About the Apprenticeship
Apprentices will work independently, and alongside Kurt: be involved in seasonal tasks such as planting and transplanting trees, weeding and mulching nursery beds, applying compost teas, and maintaining overall plant health.
During peak shipping season, apprentices may assist with order preparation and packing.
Later in spring, work shifts toward potting up trees and ongoing nursery maintenance.
Tasks vary with the season and may also include construction projects such as building planting boxes or maintaining fencing. The work is physical and outdoors, with an emphasis on soil health, efficiency, and care for the land.
Mentorship is a core part of what we offer. Apprentices will not only learn how tasks are done, but why they are done a certain way. We are committed to sharing our decision making process, problem solving approaches, and lessons learned from operating our nursery.
We encourage regular check-ins, reflection, and open conversation, and we’re happy to tailor learning opportunities to the apprentice’s interests where possible.
We offer a respectful, relaxed work environment that values clear communication and mutual respect.
We operate with environmentally conscious practices and aim to provide a positive, educational experience where apprentices leave with practical skills and a solid understanding of perennial food systems and nursery production.
Tasks include:
- Assist with planting, transplanting, and care of trees and shrubs
- Support regenerative practices including mulching, compost tea application, and soil preparation
- Participate in weeding, watering, and general nursery maintenance
- Assist with tree packing, shipping, and seasonal potting
- Help maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
- Support minor maintenance and construction projects as needed
- Learn about quality control, workflow planning, and customer service in a mail-order nursery
The ideal duration of employment is Early April to late October (dates flexible depending on the season).
The job requirements are
- Driver’s licence and own vehicle
- Self motivated
- Attentive to detail
- Great listening skills and eager to learn
- Enthusiastic and positive attitude
- Able to crouch or stand for long periods of time
- Able to lift up to 30 pounds
- Able to adapt to working in different weather conditions
- Flexibility to work different times of the day depending on weather, some early mornings or evenings
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Observing biodiversity
- Techniques to minimize tillage
- Techniques to encourage plant diversity
- Seeding & transplanting
- Tree/Shelterbelt/Food Forest
- Compost tea making & application
- Truck & tractor basic operation
- Chainsaw basics
- Record-keeping & basic bookkeeping
- Customer service
Compensation
We offer the wage of $17.50/hour
About the Community
We live and operate in Two Hills County, it is a quiet county 1.5 hours East of Edmonton – the town of Two Hills is 15 minutes away, Vegreville about 30 minutes. There are some local trails, access to land to explore nearby (be bear aware).
The nursery is located in a quiet rural setting with opportunities for walking, birding, and time outdoors, well suited to someone who enjoys nature and a slower pace outside of work hours.
Accommodation
Accommodations: Accommodations may be available – there are a few options depending on the person – to be discussed during the interview process.
We look forward to seeing you!