Organic market gardening, No-till vegetable farming

Position: Market Garden Coordinator
Farm: Wicked Welly Farm & Apiary
Location: Belwood, near Fergus & Guelph, Ontario

Wicked Welly Farm & Apiary is a small-scale family farm business in Belwood, Ontario. We are an ecodiverse farm offering a broad range of foods and experiences; including pasture-raised livestock, over 30 varieties of organic mixed vegetables, honey, maple syrup, preserves, microgreens, free-range eggs, all offered at our on-site Farm Store. We are also committed to expanding our community connections through events and workshops that highlight aspects of land stewardship and sustainable growing practices.

About the Role:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced organic vegetable grower to oversee all aspects of our small-scale no-till market garden. This role is crucial in ensuring the successful cultivation, harvesting, and delivery of high-quality produce for our CSA program.

Responsibilities:

• Crop Planning and Coordination:
  • Implement a comprehensive crop plan, considering factors such as seasonal availability, market demand, and soil health.
  • Oversee seed starting, transplanting, and direct seeding operations.
  • Monitor crop growth and development, identifying and addressing potential issues like pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
  • Implement sustainable farming practices, including organic and biodynamic methods.
• Field Maintenance:
  • Prepare and maintain garden beds, including soil preparation, fertilization, and weed control.
  • Install and maintain irrigation systems to ensure adequate water supply.
  • Construct and repair garden structures, such as trellises, hoops, and cold frames.
• Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling:
  • Coordinate and supervise harvesting operations, ensuring timely and efficient collection of produce.
  • Properly clean and package harvested produce for distribution to CSA members.
  • Maintain accurate records of crop yields and harvest quantities.
• Team Participation:
  • Foster a positive and collaborative team based work environment.
  • Communicate effectively and consistently to make sure operations continue to run smoothly across all areas of the project
  • Occasionally assist the team with other tasks around the farm
• CSA Program Management:
  • Work closely with the farm manager and owners to coordinate the CSA program, including member communications, share distribution, and feedback collection.
  • Address member inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in organic vegetable production, preferably in a small-scale market garden setting using no-till practices.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable farming practices and pest management techniques.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physically able to lift heavy objects and perform physically intensive tasks such as shovelling, digging, raking and transporting bales/bags.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Assets:

• Contacts or experience liaising with restaurants, food wholesalers, retail businesses to facilitate direct vegetable sales
• Value-added product development such as: seedling sales, dried herbs, tea blends, flower bouquets, etc.

Employment Package:

• Contract seasonal full-time (40 hr/wk) position
• Duration of 32 weeks from March 31 to November 8, 2025.
• Hourly wage $20.00 per hour.
• Overtime hours above 40 hrs/wk can be banked as personal time
• May include early morning arrivals and some weekend work days based on weather and farm activities

Wicked Welly Farm & Apiary is committed to a team based environment where everyone can benefit from the farm's success. Even though the farm is made up of multiple projects, we offer a goal-oriented incentive program that we all benefit from. Based on meeting and exceeding harvest and revenue sales goals, employees will be paid a bonus at the end of the season when we exceed our goals.

If you are passionate about sustainable agriculture and enjoy working with your hands, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter to wickedwellyfarm@gmail.com by February 15, 2025 11:59pm.

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