Assistant Farm Manager

Salt & Harrow Farm is a certified organic vegetable farm opening a new location in Tsawwassen, BC. Ten acres are devoted to vegetable production, with over 50 varieties of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and herbs. We sell our produce at eight farmers markets, to restaurants, our Salt & Harrow Storehouse, and through a full-choice membership program.

Our field staff will be expected to develop a wide variety of skills: greenhouse seedling production, field planting, weeding and harvesting, produce deliveries, as well as building and repairing infrastructure. Be prepared for physically demanding work, rain or shine. We are committed to sharing our knowledge and promoting advancement for our employees. We work hard and want to share the rewards of this profession with aspiring farmers.

Responsibilities

The Lead Farm Hand will work under the direction of the Farm Manager supervising the farm crew in all farm operations.

• Day to day farm staff and apprentice management
• Participation in staff and apprentice training
• Maintenance of quality standards in both field work and post harvest
• Directing field operations; cultivation, irrigation, transplanting and harvest
• Maintaining daily journal entries
• Use of farm software for record keeping and staff management
• Crop/input/harvest and organic production record keeping
• Basic tool and equipment maintenance
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment
• Management of post harvest operations and order/market fulfillment
• Farmers market lead or support
• Maintenance of soil fertility and preparation
• Direction of plant propagation
• Management of direct seeding and transplanting for scheduled harvests
• Irrigation system maintenance, and management of crop specific irrigation
• Pest and disease management
• Participation in maintenance of farm equipment and facilities

Qualifications

• Three years market farming experience. We will consider someone with less experience with previous supervisory experience in a related industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail with ability to work inside structured processes
• Ability to work with a team and independently
• Willingness to work variable hours including weekends
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly for long periods of time
• Class 5 Drivers license
• Knowledge of basic tools, machinery operation/ maintenance
• Excellent organizational and record keeping skills
• Ability to learn and work with farm programs and software
• Sense of humor!

Position Details

The Farm Hand position begins May 15th and ends November 15th. We cannot make commitments for work beyond the end date. The work will vary during the season as each change in temperature provides a new focus for the work that needs to be done. We share a meal as a crew every week and this is an opportunity to ask questions and enjoy the bounty of the farm.

Two weeks advance notice is required for vacation breaks.

Compensation

Position begins April 15. 2019 for a six month period. This is a full-time position, approx. 40-50 hrs/week, Monday through Friday, with some room for flexibility if help is needed at the farmers markets or with weekend chores. There is a possibility for year round employment after six months. The position starts at $18/hr depending on experience with 4% vacation pay and access to farm vegetables. Please indicate if you require accommodation.

To Apply

Please apply below with a cover letter and resume to: info@saltandharrow.com

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $18.00 /hour

Experience:

• market farming: 3 years (Preferred)

Licence:

• Class 5 Drivers License (Preferred)