Filter by Popular Categories
Are you an aspiring Native Seed grower and collector who wants hands on experience working the land? Skinner Native Seeds near Roblin, Manitoba might be the place for you!
Control burn for prairie restoration.
Control burn for prairie restoration.About the Farm
“Our farm is located on Treaty 4 territory – we acknowledge that it is the traditional home of several first nations groups. We are happy to share our land with members of those nations as they have shared with us.” – Skinner Native Seeds
Skinner Native Seeds is a family-owned and operate farm dedicated to preserving genetic diversity and promoting Canadian-grown resilience. They specialize in growing and supplying high-quality native seeds for Northern Prairies, with over 20 years of experience.
They are prairie restoration specialists, providing native seeds and prairie restoration for First Nation communities, conservation organizations, individuals, businesses, and national and provincial parks. All of the wildflowers that they grow are from seed that was originally wild collected close by the farm.
Because they wild collect, they need to collect in a sustainable and non-intrusive manner. They are always improving their growing practice to accommodate all the different species. They are currently working on weed control in the nursery plots that could be slightly less labour intensive.
They value their work and know that they are doing good for the environment. When John or Michael walk through a piece of land that they have restored to a diverse multi-species prairie they are filled with motivation and inspiration to continue their work.
Website: https://www.skinnernativeseeds.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skinnernative.seeds
Workplace Culture
Last year there were 3 full time staff and 2 part time staff plus John and Michael (mentors and farm operators). The pace is steady but not too stressful with lots of room for questions and new tasks. Sometimes the work (like sorting seeds) can be tedious but you are sure to have a good time surrounded by fellow plant nerds.
The team will be visiting off-farm native prairie sites to collect seeds. They also have an ongoing restoration project with Sioux Valley Dakota Nation so there will be opportunity to visit and work on the site and potentially meet people in the community.
About the Farmers
John and Michael are a Father and Son farming duo who both have extensive knowledge of and passion for prairie plants/ecology, native seed production and ecological restoration.
John moved back to the family farm in 1993 and has been growing native grasses and flowers for the last 25 years. He has also been a high school teacher for a good part of his adult life so he is comfortable with and enjoys sharing knowledge. He is on the board of a local community foundation, Native Seed Producers of Canada. And in his leisure time, John likes to groom cross-country ski trails, snowboard, study languages and play a few musical instruments.
Michael, John’s son, grew up working on the farm, which inspired him to pursue a Biology degree at the University of Saskatchewan. He has worked for several years in resource conservation and ecological restoration at Riding Mountain and Grassland National Parks. He returned to Manitoba in 2022 to farm with his dad.
About the Apprenticeship
Work will usually be Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:00pm, with some longer days when working off farm.
The work varies depending on the season.
Some days will be working in the on-farm seed plots, prepping, planting, weeding.
Other days will be in the building, taking care of seedlings and sorting and drying seeds.
Or in the field collective wild flower and grass seeds.
The ideal duration of employment is March to December but is flexible.
There is potential for long term employment.
The job requirements are:
- A good work ethic
- A valid driver’s license
- Comes with their own vehicle
- Some experience with machinery is an asset
- Some knowledge of native plants is an asset
- Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Commitment to prairie restoration and preservation
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Observing biodiversity
- Techniques to maintain living roots in the soil
- Seeding & transplanting,
- Identifying beneficial insects vs harmful pests
- Setting up irrigation
- Techniques for managing fertility
- Seed-saving
- Implementing weed control strategies
- Identifying desirable & undesirable plants
- Truck & tractor basic operation
- Networking with new people
- Sharing talents & skills with community
- Time management
Compensation
The wage will be $16-$20/hr depending on experience and commitment.
Last year they received a YESP grant and a Canada Summer Jobs grant.
Both are for workers between the ages of 18 and 30.
About the Community
The farm is located in the Manitoba Parkland which offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities all year long. Assesippi Provincial Park and the Lake of the Prairies is a short drive away and a beautiful place to explore. They are a short driving distance from numerous beautiful lakes and are situated directly between the west sides of Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park. In the winter they are 5 minutes away from Asessippi Ski Hill. There are groomed cross country ski trails located on the farm. They are located between the village of Inglis, Manitoba and the town of Roblin, MB. Roblin has a grocery store and all the amenities one would need. Russell, a slightly bigger town, is about a 30 minute drive to the farm.
The farm is located just over an hour from Yorkton SK, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Brandon MB, and just over 4 hours from Winnipeg MB.
Accommodation
Accommodation details: TBD, but it will be sorted by the time interviews are happening.
Accommodations shared with other employees/apprentices: yes
Access to a full bathroom with running water: yes
Type of dwelling: Four seasons
Pets permitted: yes
Guests permitted: yes
Rent: TBD
Accommodation Agreement: yes
Skinner’s Native Seeds look forward to seeing you!
