URBAN FARMS

Position: Farm Assistant
Organization: Richmond GAIA Farm
Location: Richmond, Greater Vancouver BC

Are you a dynamic, energetic person with farming experience? Then we need you on our team at Richmond GAIA Farm.

Richmond GAIA Farm is a 17-acre peri-urban farm in Richmond, B.C., with 7 acres dedicated to active farming activities. We’ve been in business since 2014, growing and marketing a lush selection of naturally grown vegetables, berries, and GMO-free eggs from our stock of free-range chickens. We take pride in our farm’s vision to grow quality food in a pesticide-free environment and to maintain high standards of sustainable farming practices. Our regenerative farming approaches aim to improve and sustain soil health, incorporate water-saving measures, and increase biodiversity.

We’re expanding our business this year and need an experienced full-time Farm Assistant to round out our operations. As an ideal candidate for the position, you have a passion for farming, a huge capacity for learning, can adapt quickly and easily to changes, and are keen to broaden your skills in small-scale farming. You already have excellent agricultural knowledge and understanding, including growing methods to produce a range of Western and Chinese vegetables and fruit, and are knowledgeable about raising chickens. Whether working in the fields tending crops or building rapport with customers at our farmstand and farmers’ markets, your role is essential to creating an effective farm team and efficient operations for Richmond GAIA Farm.

Farm Assistant responsibilities:

The Farm Assistant will work closely with the Farm Supervisor and be involved in all day-to-day farm activities, with tasks including, but not limited to:

• planting, irrigating, weeding, harvesting crops,
• monitoring crop health for signs of pests or disease,
• managing care and feeding of chickens and overseeing egg production,
• washing and preparing produce and eggs for market,
• helping with the set-up, testing and maintenance of electric fences for rotational pastures,
• operating and maintaining farm equipment and irrigation systems,
• management of produce sales at the onsite farm stand,
• representing Richmond GAIA Farm at local farmers market.

Your Qualifications and Experience:

• high school education and beyond
• 2 years of general farm experience
• excellent physical health and fitness
• strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of operating farm equipment
• effective written and verbal communication skills
• Canadian citizenship or permanent/temporary residency in Canada with a valid work permit

Renumeration and Work Term:

The Farm Assistant is a seasonal position and an excellent opportunity for someone looking for recurring yearly employment. The Farm Assistant contract runs from early March to the end of November 2024, with an option to be rehired for the next growing season. The position is 40 hours a week, with flexible work hours based on weather conditions affect growing activities, and various seasonal farm demands. In addition to salary, the Farm Assistant will also receive 4% vacation pay. Wages: $22/hour

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic farm team and build valuable expertise in sustainable farming practices. We look forward to hearing from you about the position.

Please send your resume with cover letter to: hgaiarichmondr@gmail.com 

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