ORGANIC FARMING, PEMBERTON BC

WORK WITH US AT ROOTDOWN ORGANIC FARM IN PEMBERTON IN 2023!

Hiring: Field Crew with Optional Leadership Roles
Farm: Rootdown Organic Farm

Location: Pemberton, near Whistler BC
Housing: Some basic staff housing available (see below)

*Full and part time positions available. Most positions run from April/May-October/November, however, there is some flexibility in start and end dates for the right candidates. Minimum commitment of July 1-Sept 1.

Do you like:

• Spending time outdoors in all weather while working as part of a fun and dynamic team?
• Working hard to complete deeply satisfying work?
• Contributing to the world in a positive, meaningful way?
• Laughter, and good conversation on the job?
• Free veggies??!

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

**Please note that even if you don't have what seems like relevant experience, we are more interested in a good fit and are happy to provide training on the job. We are happy to chat with all motivated and interested folks!

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 when in excess of the farm’s needs (there will be more than you will be able to eat, honest!)
• Being part of an awesome and dynamic community
• The chance to play (or relax) in the beautiful Pemberton Valley on your days off
• A Health and Wellness Stipend of $100-$200 for full time, full season staff (depending on length of contract). Treat yourself to a little self care on us!
• A season-end bonus for full time staff (May-October minimum) who stay until the end of their seasonal contract – this is calculated at $0.25/hour worked, and is distributed at the end of your contract in October.

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 committed 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, partial season/full season, or Lead role) and prior experience of individual staff members. All positions WILL DEFINITELY include:

• Transplanting and weeding field vegetable crops
• Harvesting a variety of vegetable crops

All positions will also include some of the following tasks, depending on specific role and prior experience:

• 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 crops 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
• 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
• And more!

*For more information on optional leadership roles (for those with relevant experience and the right personality), please visit http://www.rootdownfarm.net/jobs and click on the specific link for each leadership role.

DESIRED 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 individuals do best working with us, however, and below are some of the skills/qualities we are looking for. We are looking for folks who:

• Are hard working and kind
• Have experience with physical labour and/or work in fast paced industries (landscaping, food service, kitchens, etc.) – this is an asset but not necessary
• Have a healthy body (especially back and knees) and the ability to repeatedly lift 45 lbs
• Practice good self care, especially in challenging working conditions (i.e. getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, etc.) so that they can complete the tasks at hand
• Come to work on time and prepared with appropriate gear (i.e. appropriate footwear, waterproof gear, sunhat, kneepads, etc.)
• Have the desire to learn new skills and then improve and get faster at them with practice
• Have the ability to hustle, and work quickly and efficiently to meet deadlines
• Value and practice good communication skills
• Can work independently or as part of team to accomplish common goals
• Take and give constructive feedback well
• Are legally able to work in Canada

Please note that relevant experience is an asset, but is not necessary. If you do not yet have relevant 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.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• The initial starting wage is $17-$19/hour 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.
• Some options for basic staff housing available, both on farm and off-farm. Some options suitable for a couple who would both like to work on the farm. Please indicate in your application if you are interested. Priority will be given to full time, full season applicants.
• Access to loads of free, organic veggie seconds/surplus 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, May-September minimum) is also 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!
• We also offer an End of Season Bonus for staff that complete their seasonal contract. This is calculated as an additional $0.25 per hour worked for staff who work from at least May-October.

HOW TO APPLY/HIRING PROCESS:

Interested folks should send a cover letter and resume, including references, to the farm’s assistant manager, Ariella, at admin@rootdownfarm.net . Please clearly indicate:

• Which position you are interested in – full or part time, preferred start/end dates, and what position you are interested in (field crew, or if you have experience and are looking for a leadership 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, beginning in January, 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