Organic market gardening / Vegetable farming

Hiring: Field Assistant
Farm: Wild Flight Farm
Location: Mara BC (no on-farm housing, see below)

Overview:

Wild Flight Farm is the largest organic market vegetable farm in BC's North Okanagan and has 24 acres under cultivation. We grow a wide variety of vegetables for market, online sales, and wholesale outlets on about half of that area each season, alternating with green manures on the remaining land. We use several mechanical tools/tractors to cultivate and harvest our crops along with the usual hand planting, weeding, and harvesting methods.

The Position:

We are seeking an experienced farmer who will be responsible for organizing and carrying out day-to-day vegetable field work with direction from the Farm Manager.

The work includes bed preparation, seeding/planting, mechanical cultivation, and directing employees to plant, weed, and harvest all field-grown vegetable crops. Other responsibilities include collaboration with farm co-leads overseeing other sectors of the farm to prioritize tasks and allot resources. Familiarity with operating a range of equipment from 80 hp tractors and tillage implements to smaller cultivating tractors as well as walk behind tractors is an asset.

This is a full-time (Monday-Friday), seasonal position (April-November), with the potential for winter work. We are seeking a candidate who is dedicated to organic methods and looking for an opportunity to hone their knowledge, leadership, and teamwork skills in a collaborative and production-oriented environment.

Responsibilities:

Field Staff Supervision

• Under the direction/in collaboration with the Farm Manager and other Team Leads organize and direct field staff daily to ensure seeding, transplanting, cultivation, and harvest timelines are met.
• Work alongside less experienced staff as needed to provide instruction and assist in completing tasks.
• Create, by example, a positive, co-operative and energetic work environment in which productivity and quality are emphasized.
• Offer both positive and constructive feedback to fellow staff regarding tasks and performance.

Field Operations

• Conduct vegetable bed preparation and direct seeding
• Monitor and manage weeding, and pest/disease control in a timely, pro-active manner
• Carry out weekly mechanical weed control activities
• Apply compost and other materials to maintain soil fertility
• Maintain careful records of all seeding, planting, spraying, harvesting and soil inputs.
• Participate in vegetable planting, weeding, harvesting, washing/packing

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• At least 2 years hands-on experience on market vegetable farms
• A positive, can-do attitude and a drive to work quickly and efficiently
• Basic farm tractor and implement operation skills an asset
• Previous experience managing, directing, and working with staff
• Knowledge of and experience with organic production methods and organic standards

Compensation:

Position is full-time (Monday-Friday), seasonal (April-November), with the potential for winter work

Wage range is $21 - $23/hour depending on experience with yearly compensation reviews

Extended health benefits package, including medical, dental and visual coverage after six months

$250 personal gear allowance after six months

Access to farm produce, as seasonally available, for personal/family use

How to Apply?

Email your resume or related questions to: Produce@WildFlightFarm.ca

Please include a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this job and the specific skills/experience you have that match the work description and skills required.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Please note: Wild Flight Farm is located in Mara, BC. Approximately a 30-minute commute from the communities of Salmon Arm, Sicamous, and Enderby. Reliable transportation is required. On-farm housing is not available.

Apply by: March 15th, 2025

Anticipated start date: April 15th, 2025

While we thank all who apply, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Find Out More: Visit WildFlightFarm.ca for more information. Check us out on Instgram @wildflightfarm