YA Apprenticeship 2026: Powell River, BC – Terra Nostra Farm

Are you an aspiring organic farmer who wants hands-on experience working the land and growing vegetables for the community? Terra Nostra Farm in Powell River, BC, might be the place for you!

About the Farm

This farm operates on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, in Powell River, BC.

Terra Nostra Farm is a small-scale, Certified Organic farm located in Powell River, BC, at the top of the Sunshine Coast. Spanning 14 acres, the farm features approximately 3 acres of intensive vegetable production, a 6,000 sq. ft. greenhouse, and ample space for expansion and new ideas.

The dedicated crew at Terra Nostra Farm grows over 40 types of certified organic vegetables. Their produce reaches the community through a weekly CSA box program, two farmers’ markets, several local grocery stores, and their on-site farm store.

Committed to strengthening the local food economy, Terra Nostra Farm keeps all of its produce within the community. Last year alone, they grew 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables! Each season, the farm supports local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, restaurants, a thriving CSA delivery program, and a bustling farm store. Their philosophy is simple: small-scale local farms feed the world. No farms, no food!

Terra Nostra Farm embraces innovative growing practices designed to maintain and enhance soil health, producing high-quality vegetables. They are experimenting with no-till methods and have recently invested in a no-till seed drill and roller-crimper. While a 33 hp tractor is used for rototilling and bed preparation, most cultivation and harvesting are done by hand, following the Market Gardener Method developed by JM Fortier.

Website: terranostrafarm.com
Facebook: @terra-nostra-farm-powell-river
Instagram:@terra.nostra.farm

Workplace Culture

Terra Nostra believes in growing good food, but also in growing good farmers. The apprentice at Terra Nostra Farm will be a part of a large and dynamic team of farmers dedicated to putting in the hard work it takes to produce healthy, organic and delicious vegetables. Management and staff collaborate to find solutions to daily problems, improve growing systems, and develop creative marketing strategies throughout the season. They all work hard, eat well and enjoy the challenges of feeding our community!

These are perks that come with the job:

• All staff have access to the food they grow by way seconds (the perfectly ugly veggies)
• 300-book lending library covering organic farming, permaculture, and sustainable living

About the Farmers

Aaron Mazurek, owner and founder, has studied with JM Fortier, Curtis Stone, John Navazio, and Ben Hartman. He collaborates with the qRD Agricultural Advisory Committee, sits on the Farmers’ Agricultural Institute board, on the Central Farmers’ Market Committee, and is a Certified Organic Inspector. Aaron’s hobby and pastime when not on the farm, is to research new growing techniques and constantly educate himself on the latest organic farming approaches. He owns many educational resources, including a lending library of 200+ farming books. He is passionate about growing more farmers, and in fact, several of Terra Nostra’s farm hands have moved on to start their own farms!

About the Apprenticeship

The work day varies from week to week and month to month, but will include seeding, transplanting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, washing and packing vegetables.

A typical work schedule will be: Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm with an hour for lunch.

The ideal duration of employment is April 1 – October 31, 2026.

The job requirements are:

• Physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, and like getting their hands dirty
• Are comfortable bending down and kneeling for extended periods of time
• Able to lift and move 50lbs repeatedly
• Competent using hand tools
• Detail-oriented, efficient, and production-focused
• Able to work as a team, resolve conflicts and provide positive feedback
• Can maintain a positive attitude despite the adverse conditions that face all farmers: mud, bugs, heat, rain, etc.
• Truly believe that growing organic food is important work!
• Familiarity with transplanting, weeding, washing and packing various vegetable crops is an asset, but the mentors are happy to train apprentices who are keen to learn.

Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:

• Observing biodiversity
• Techniques to minimize tillage
• Greenhouse management
• Crop planning & rotations
• Seeding & transplanting
• Identifying desirable & undesirable plants
• Implementing weed control strategies
• Cover-cropping
• Harvesting crops
• Getting harvest to market
• Hand tools operation
• Networking with new people
• Annual budgeting & planning
• Record-keeping & basic bookkeeping
• Marketing & packaging
• Customer service

Compensation

Starting wage is $19/hour for 35-40 hours per week, with monthly reviews – highly productive workers are compensated with higher wages.

This placement is open to all who is legally able to work in BC.

About the Community

The farm is situated a few minutes (about 8 km) South of Powell River and just minutes from the ocean, lakes, and mountain wilderness. Recreational opportunities are endless, especially for outdoor lovers. On weekends, the team enjoys kayaking, backcountry trekking, rock climbing, mountain biking, diving, camping, canoeing, paddle boarding, team sports, art, drama, music concerts, live shows, and more!

Accommodation

Accommodations: No
Accommodation details: The apprentice is responsible for their own accommodation, but Aaron will help find it.

Terra Nostra Farm looks forward to seeing you!

If you want to check out other Host Farms, click here.