Organic / sustainable / holistic growing

Hiring: Market Garden Workers
Business: Feather And Fir Farm

Location: Coldwater, near Barrie, Orillia & Midland, Ontario
Housing: independent transportation and housing is preferred (but we could accommodate one applicant)

About the Job

We are looking for a small crew of dedicated, hardworking individuals who enjoy working outdoors and are committed to helping produce healthy, sustainably grown produce. The job would include many roles ranging from seeding, planting, weeding, amending, trellising, harvesting, washing and packing and at times selling. Most of the work on our small diversified farm is done with hand tools but we do also use a walk behind tractor and other mechanical equipment on occasion.

The growing season here in our area can be intense and applicants should be prepared to work in a variety of weather, be physically strong and able to maintain a positive attitude. We do our best to change up roles regularly so workers can obtain experience in a variety of field operations although the nature of the job can be repetitive at times. Open communication is also valued as we find that our workers bring excellent suggestions for improvements and we are always happy to consider them.

About Feather and Fir Farm

Feather and Fir Farm is still a young market garden business that is growing quickly and services several farmers’ markets in our local communities. We are moving toward creating a market stand on the property this year as well. We grow between 30 to 35 vegetables, herbs, flowers and are starting a small soft fruit production this summer.

We are very committed to growing without pesticides or herbicides and believe that encouraging the community to consider the importance of sustainable, holistic growing is a huge part of our mandate. Responsible use of farm land and hands-on experience for new farmers is also paramount in the reason for the creation of this market garden business.

The farm is situated on 100 amazing acres which includes our century old house, a market garden, a large wooded area, pastures and a hay field. We are situated close to the quaint village of Coldwater but only a half hour from Orillia, Barrie or Midland.

Desired Qualifications

• between the age of 15 and 30 preferably
• hardworking, open minded and able to acquire new skills quickly
• able to work in the elements and lift 30-40 lbs
• experience or sincere Interest in growing using organic methods

• ability to use machinery (or a willingness to learn)
• comfortable with cats, dogs, chickens and ducks
• Canadian citizen or legally eligible to work in Canada
• independent transportation and housing preferred (but we could accommodate one applicant)

Hours and Compensation

• $18 an hour
• start dates range from beginning of May until end of August or late October depending on applicants availability
• full time hours are approximately 40 hrs/week throughout the growing season
• access to produce for your own consumption - ugly vegetables in particular!
• open invitation for a staff midday meal from Monday to Friday

How to apply

We are looking forward to hearing from you! Please send a letter to carlandallison5@gmail.com outlining your experience and/or desire to work at our market garden. We would love to hear about your strengths and reasons for applying and also more practical considerations such as transportation and thoughts on living arrangements. If you have a resume we would be happy to review that as well. 

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Interviews will begin mid March, 2025.