Market Garden Field Assistant

Organic veggie farming

Position: Market Garden Field Assistant

Farm: Puddle Produce Farm

Location: Soda Creek, near Williams Lake, BC

Staying on the farm: There is a skoolie or trailer for any staff living on the farm. They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, heat, outhouse, and Wifi. We do not charge rent, but do charge a small monthly amount for utilities that staff use in their accommodations (propane, electricity, internet).

The Farm

Puddle Produce Farm is a 2 acre sustainably-managed market garden established on a 30 acre property on the Fraser river, in the historic region of Soda Creek (approximately 48kms north of Williams Lake, BC). We grow around 50 varieties of vegetables and microgreens for 1 farmers market, an online store and CSA membership, and wholesale. In addition to the market garden, we also have a small orchard of 55 apple trees that we sell fresh and pressed into unpasteurized juice.

The Team

The farm is female-owned and operated and is a small crew: this year, there is the farm owner and assistant farm manager, plus 1 field assistant. Our farm is small but we are production-oriented. We focus on the success of the farm financially first and foremost, but part of this is investing in our team and treating them well: they are what make the farm. So we are a team that works very hard, enjoys it, and respects and prioritizes others who do the same. If this sounds like you, we'd probably get along!

The Job

We'd Love To Find Someone For Mid-late July To October 9th. We Can Offer 2 Scenarios, Depending On What Fits Best For You

• full time (40hrs/week) M-F
• part time (20-25 hrs/week) including Fridays (because we need a 3rd person to help us do the farmers market)

If you want to spend a few months immersed in farm work and have no other obligations, option 1 might work well for you. If you want to work and live on a farm but also work remotely on other projects, option 2 might work well for you. Either option includes on-farm accommodations and wifi.

A Typical Week For Farm Staff

• Produce harvesting, washing and packaging
• Packing for weekly online orders and Farmers’ Market
• Assist with farmers’ market sales
• apple orchard harvesting and apple juicing
• Transplanting/recording field data and navigating our crop planning software
• Use of hand tools such as wheel hoes, harvesters, weed whackers, and mowers
• If you want to get to know market gardening machinery like a BCS, PowerOx, paperpot transplanter, or compact tractor, you can try those out too.

Skills And Qualifications

• Must have at least 6 months of successful previous experience in an outdoor, physically-demanding role
• Are comfortable bending down and kneeling for extended periods of time, able to lift up to 50lbs, and competent using hand tools
• Detail oriented, efficient, and production focused
• Fast learner and ability to adapt to new positions and working with new people
• Punctuality and strong time management skills
• Ability to take direction, accept constructive feedback and to ask for help when needed
• Mature and positive attitude
• Good people and customer service skills

Compensation

$19-20/hour depending on experience and includes all deductions and benefits as per provincial labour laws, as well as all the free veggies you want. The position also includes a cash bonus for candidates who do a great job and complete the season.

LOGISTICS

You'll need your own vehicle as there is no reliable transportation to/from the farm. PLEASE NOTE: there is little to no cell reception on the farm, but there is a phone line on site and reliable Wifi.

Staying on the farm

There is a skoolie or trailer for any staff living on the farm.

They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, heat, outhouse, and Wifi.

We do not charge rent, but do charge a small monthly amount for utilities that staff use in their accommodations (propane, electricity, internet).

How To Apply

Please send a letter of interest (maximum 1 page) telling us a bit about yourself and why you think this would be a good fit, as well as a resume (maximum 2 pages). Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Please email any questions about the position, and/or your application addressed to Brianna van de Wijngaard (Owner/Operator) at ***email_hidden*** .

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca .

DEADLINE TO APPLY: this posting will stay open until the position is filled