ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC FARMING

Hiring: Glenora Farm Field Hand
Eligibility: age 15-30 / summer job (see below)
Organization: The Ita Wegman Association of BC for Curative Education and Social Therapy (Operating as Glenora Farm)
Location: Glenora Farm, Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC
Position: Full time, paid Field Hand (April 24th to the end of August, with the possibility of extension until December 2023 pending funding approval)

The Farm: Glenora Farm is a 97 acre mixed organic and Biodynamic farm on mostly sandy loam soils, consisting of 35 acres of pasture and hay fields, a flock of East Friesen dairy sheep, some Dexter beef cattle, chickens, turkeys and ducks, a 2 acre intensive mixed annual vegetable and perennial garden, two hoop houses, large compost facility, herb garden, and an onsite day program (weavery, beeswax candles, herb processing, cooking, woodwork etc.) which adds value to the garden produce through processing for sale as crafts, health products, and food products.

The Farm is owned and operated by the Ita Wegman Association of British Columbia for Curative Education and Social Therapy and is one of two Camphill Communities in Western Canada, where adults with Special Needs (Companions) live, work and learn together with their caregivers (Coworkers). The Farm and Gardens primarily serve the food needs of this onsite community of ~50 people. We market our products at the local farmers’ market, through a local online farmers’ marketing cooperative (Cow-op.ca), and to various local grocery stores, restaurants and food carts.

The Neighbourhood: We’re located on relatively flat land, surrounded by trees, gentle hills, and small acreages. Within walking distance (2km) is a swimming lake (Keating Lake), hiking trails, a trailhead to the Trans Canada trail for endless walking/biking, and a corner store and cafe. In 6km you’ll be in downtown Duncan with great food, entertainment, shopping, daily needs such as post office, drug stores, public library etc., and other amenities. All around Duncan are river swimming holes, beaches, trails, wineries, micro breweries, and striking natural beauty. We're 65 Km from Victoria to the south, and 57 km to Nanaimo in the North.

Duties: You will work alongside the Garden Manager and a crew of 4-8 people of diverse abilities, as well as the Farm Manager on occasion. Main duties include:

• Field prep, amendment application, seedling care, transplanting, irrigation, weed/pest/disease/fertility management, pruning and training greenhouse crops, mulching, cover cropping, harvest, and post-harvest
• Compost turning and spreading
• Applying Biodynamic Preparations
• Small equipment and hand tool operation
• Infrastructure and tool maintenance, repair and improvements
• Design/build projects as needed
• Field and sales record keeping and data entry
• Staffing the market stand, delivering produce to restaurants and wholesale customers
• Helping support Companions and Coworkers in their field work
• ”After hours” tasks such as shutting off irrigation, opening/closing facilities, frost and snow management in hoophouses , troubleshooting and monitoring garden predator activity
• Maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing garden/farm appearance
• Supply runs, deliveries, and other farm tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• Prior farm/garden-related experience and/or keen interest in farming as a career
• University or college degree or diploma preferred
• Must be physically fit and enjoy hard physical work outdoors in all weather (frost, rain, wind, heat) for long hours, including extended bending and lifting heavy loads
• Basic experience with mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work preferred
• Excellent oral communication skills and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to balance efficiency and thoroughness in all tasks while maintaining a fast work pace
• Attention to detail, cleanliness, and good aesthetic sense
• Highly self-motivated, positive attitude, adaptable, and organised
• Ability to work calmly, prioritise tasks, and complete them under tight deadlines
• Ability to work well alone for long periods of time and in a team
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with sometimes limited supervision
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Willing and able to live respectfully and intensively with 50 other people on site including adults with Special Needs, and families with children.
• Valid Drivers’ licence
• Must submit to and obtain a clear Criminal Record Check
• Tractor operation skills and experience an asset but not required

Terms:

• Hours: 7-8 hours/day plus one hour unpaid lunch, 5 days/week, includes some “off-hours” work as needed. Early mornings required in July/August. One week paid vacation. Vacation pay on each biweekly pay cheque
• Term: April 24th- August (35 paid hours/week) guaranteed, with possibility of part-time extension until mid-December (pending funding approval). Preferred start date: April 24th, 2023. Preferred end date: end of August, with possibility of extension. Some flexibility on end dates.
• Wage: BC Minimum wage + $1/hour ($16.65/hour) plus employer-paid contributions (EI, CPP, Worksafe BC, bi-weekly vacation pay).

• Accommodation: Private, 10’ x 10’ timber frame cabin on site with electricity, gas cooktop, bar fridge, loft bed, aux. heat. Full kitchen shared with Farm Manager and Garden Manager in a nearby house or trailer with full kitchen (depending on availability). Shared bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and wifi in nearby “Big house”. $250/month rent, incl. utilities.
• Food: Option to either buy all your own groceries, or share food costs and/or cooking with our Farm Manager and Garden Manager. You have access to free garden produce, some farm meat and eggs for purchase, and the other houses on-site will occasionally invite you for meals.
• COVID-19: We are a licensed care facility working with a vulnerable population. You must be willing and able to adhere to all health orders as mandated by the BC Health Authorities. While employed by the Ita Wegman Association, the Field Hand will be required to adhere to our organisational Covid Safety Plan. PPE will be available to you on site at no charge.
• Other: Bring your own vehicle, or share a ride to town with another person from Glenora Farm. Bikes are available for use as well.

Who can apply: We are a family-friendly, all abilities-friendly farm. A portion of this position is partially funded by a Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) grant. Funder stipulations require that candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Between 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at start of employment
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted official refugee status
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Another funding opportunity for this position is through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). One of the following criteria must be met for this funding to be secured. It is an asset, but NOT a requirement that you meet one of the following to be hired for this position. Please indicate in your email whether you meet one of the following criteria. You do not need to indicate which one at this time.

• Indigenous
• Living with a physical disability
• Living with a diagnosed mental health disability
• Visible minorities
• Recent immigrants (within 5 years)
• Living in a low income household
• Being a single parent
• Being an early school leaver

How to Apply: Applications are welcomed until 9:00 am April 14, 2023. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Please send your resume, cover letter and confirmation that you meet the 3 funding eligibility criteria for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), and if you meet any of the criteria for (YESP) listed above to gardener@glenorafarm.org

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