ORGANIC FARMING, PEMBERTON, BC

Position: Organic Farm Field Crew with Optional Leadership Roles
Farm: Rootdown Organic Farm
Location: Pemberton, BC
Housing: Parking spot for camper van or trailer (not provided) may be available for one staff member. Preference for this will be given to full time/full season.

REMAINING POSITIONS INCLUDE:

• FULL TIME, FULL SEASON - May/June 1st -October 15, 2022 (1 position remaining, under 30 years of age preferred). Option for this position to be a Harvest/Pack Lead or Greenhouse Lead with relevant farming experience
• FULL TIME, PART SEASON - May/June 1st-September 1st, 2022 (1 Summer Student position available, must be under 30 years of age) 
• PART TIME, May/June 1st-September 15th/October 15th (1-2 positions remaining, under 30 years of age preferred)

Do you like:

• Spending time outdoors in all weather working as part of a fun and dynamic team?
• Hard but deeply satisying work?
• Contributing to the world in a positive, meaningful way?

If you said yes to these questions, we think you'll love working at Rootdown Farm in Pemberton, BC! 

Rootdown Organic Farm is a fun, fast paced, positive place to work. We work hard in all weather (and yes, sometimes bugs), but have lots of laughs and good conversations while doing it, all while knowing we are making our little corner of the world a better place through organic agriculture. Perks of the job include (but are not limited to):

• Access to lots of free DELICIOUS organic veggies (more than you will be able to eat, honest!)
• Being part of an awesome and dyamic community, both farming and otherwise
• The chance to play (or relax) in the beautiful Pemberton Valley on your days off
• A Health and Wellness Stipend for full time staff (May-September minimum) of $100 - treat yourself to a little self care on us!

And for those actively looking to further (or develop) their skills in small-scale organic farming, you will have the chance to work alongside a variety of experienced farmers, and learn in one of the best ways - through doing! We welcome driven and motivated folks from a variety of backgrounds and always aim to foster a positive and entrepreneurial workplace environment.

ABOUT ROOTDOWN ORGANIC FARM

Rootdown is a Certified Organic mixed veggie farm in the fertile Pemberton Valley that strives for environmental, economic, and social sustainability in all it's operations. Established in 2009, we grow and sell 30+ different types of vegetables within Whistler and Pemberton through various sales channels (harvest boxes, restaurants, grocery stores). We are comitted to serving our communities with high quality, healthy food. The farm is fast paced, exciting, and dynamic. There are daily and weekly deadlines, and work needs to be done efficiently. Because of this, we have strived over the years to improve our systems to make the work more enjoyable for all. We continue to refine these systems and welcome feedback from staff on an ongoing basis.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The work at Rootdown Farm varies widely over the season and depends on the specific position (full time/part time, part-season/full season, or Lead role) and prior experience of individual staff members. Work may include a combination of any of the following (and more):

• Seeding, transplanting, and weeding a variety of vegetable crops
• Watering seedlings and effectively managing space in the seedling greenhouses and germination areas
• Using a wide variety of hand and small machinery tools
• Pruning and trellising in greenhouses and high tunnels
• Troubleshooting pest and disease issues in vegetable crops
• Applying organic fertiliser including compost to the production fields and greenhouses
• Assisting with field and greenhouse irrigation set-up, take-down and operation
• Harvesting, washing, and packing a variety of vegetable crops for various types of orders (this requires strong attention to detail)
• Assisting at CSA Harvest Box pick up sites
• Giving direction and feedback to less experienced staff and/or a small crew of volunteers

For a more detailed description of duties, including for specific roles, please go to rootdownfarm.net/jobs. 

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ASSETS

Our seasonal staff are integral to our business, and as such, we truly appreciate them! Every year an amazing and diverse array of folks from various backgrounds put in many hours of their time, hard work, and energy into making Rootdown a viable farm that can give back to the community.

We have found that certain types of indivuals do best working with us, however, and below are some of the skills/qualities we are looking for:

• Experience with physical labour and/or work in fast paced industries (landscaping, food service, kitchens, etc.) is an asset but not necessary
• Healthy body (especially back and knees) and the ability to lift 20 kgs
• Practices good self care, especially in challenging (i.e. hot, cold, buggy) working conditions (i.e. getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, etc.)
• Comes to work prepared and with appropriate gear (i.e. sturdy/waterproof shoes, waterproof gear, sunhat, kneepads, etc.)
• Has the desire to learn new skills and then improve at them
• Has the ability to hustle, and work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines
• Has good communication skills, and the ability to work as part of team to accomplish common goals
• Can take and give constructive feedback

Please note that relevant experience is an asset, but is not necessary. If you do not yet have relavant experience but still feel you would be a good fit for our farm and are keen to work with us, tell us why! We are excited to hear from enthusiastic folks from various backgrounds. 

COMPENSATION/HOUSING

Theinitial wage for a Field Crew position is $15.65-$16/hour and for Leadership Roles is $16.50-$18 depending on experience. We offer wage/performance reviews after 2 months, and increases during the season are possible with demonstration of improved skill and performance.

Access to loads of free, organic veggie is also a staff perk, and if you are a vegetable eater (or want to become one!) this can save you quite a bit of money on your grocery bill. Not to mention the veggies will taste amazing! 

Our Health and Wellness Stipend (full time staff only, May-September minimum) is also a a small way we like to thank our staff for all their hard work — so treat yourself to some self care on us — whether that is a massage, a trip to the spa, or some nice wine, beer or a meal out - you decide! 

Parking spot for camper van or trailer (camper not provided by the farm) may be available for one staff member. Preference for this will be given to full time/full season. Please ask for more details.

HOW TO APPLY/HIRING PROCESS:

Interested folks should send a cover letter and resume, including references, to Simone at simone@rootdownfarm.net Please clearly indicate:

• Which position you are interested in - full or part time, preferred start/end dates, and if you are interested in either the Harvest/Pack or Greenhouse Lead role
• If you are under 30, as some of our positions are dependent on wage assistance funding with this requirement
• If no relevant experience, please tell us why you are keen anyway, and how you would be a great fit for our farm! 

Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews on an ongoing basis until positions are filled, so if you are interested in joining our fun and positive crew, don't delay!

We look forward to hearing from you!

- Simone, TJ, and Ariella