MARKET GARDENING / ORGANIC VEGGIE FARMING

Positions: 2023 Assistant Crop and Field Manager
Farm: Ferme Pleine Lune

Location: Low, Quebec (20 mins from Wakefield / 45 mins from downtown Ottawa)
Housing: own transportation required / mobile housing option (see below)

Ferme Pleine Lune is a certified organic, mixed vegetable operation located 20 minutes North of Wakefield, Quebec. We provide produce for Summer and Winter CSA, a farmers market and a multi-farm CSA co-op.

For the coming 2023 season we are looking to hire two Assistant Managers to help in the operation and organization of our farm. We are a small team of 4 to 5 folks (including the farmers/owners) – we are looking for 2 experienced farm workers to assist in the daily operations of our farm.

One position is to assist in Crop Management (alongside Randi) – to be trained in carrying out our crop plan, understanding seeding procedures, and running the wash/pack. The other position is to assist in Field Management (alongside Jon) – in carrying out field preparations, tractor work, irrigation systems and fertility/cover cropping plans.

Priority for these positions will go to those with; experience in the industry, an interest in developing their farming skills beyond basic tasks, an interest in farming as a career and those looking for long-term positions.

Job Description:

Both Assistant Manager positions will include daily farming tasks, which will change with the season (listed below).

---

Assistant Crop Manager: In addition to regular farming tasks, the Crop Manager will be responsible for:

• Following crop plan to ensure that all seeding and planting are completed correctly
• Record keeping for planting and seeding
• Overseeing Potting house operations
• Harvest day management (including record keeping)
• Leading the wash/pack on harvest days

---

Assistant Field Manager: In addition to regular farming tasks, the Field Manager will be responsible for

• Understanding and managing irrigation systems
• Carrying out a variety tractor tasks
• Managing cover cropping plan
• Overseeing cultivation plan

---

General Tasks:

• General: following guidebooks, keeping clear records, attentive listening and retention of details, asking questions and clear communication.
• Potting House; mixing soil, filling trays, planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, watering and fertilizing.
• Field Prep and Planting; Spreading amendments, hand transplanting, transplanting on mechanical planter, setting up and running irrigation systems, laying row cover, assisting in laying mulch, setting up low tunnels and caterpillar tunnels.
• Weed Control: Continual weed control using hand tools, hoes, wheel hoes, walk behind tractor and other stale seed and control methods.
• Harvest: picking, washing and packing vegetables for our CSA and market, maintaining quality control and proper storage
• Machinery Operation: Tractor and implement usage (based on experience, comfort and ability).
• Deliveries: Packing and driving delivery van, setting up market-style CSA booth, assisting CSA members and answering client questions, booth tear down
• Market: Set up of market stall alongside farmer Jon, working cash, assisting clients, replenishing display, tracking sales and tear down.
• Other: Small building projects, greenhouse upkeep, fixing things, etc.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a minimum of one season working on a productive vegetable farm and a valid driver's license
• A good understanding of the importance of speed and efficiency and the ability to work quickly.
• A keen interest in organic vegetable production and a desire to continue learning.
• Ability to maintain an organized and tidy work space.
• Ability to take direction, learn quickly and ask for clarity when needed.
• Responsible, reliable and mature.
• Good physical condition, ability to partake in repetitive tasks and in varied weather, Ability to lift 40lbs without issue.
• Comfort working with power tools, hand tools and around machinery.
• Works well in a team and alone
• Good communication and listening skills
• A positive attitude, good humour and sustained energy all season

Job Details

• Start/End Date: April 17th 2023 to November 17th 2023 (with option of p/t Winter work continuing to Spring 2024)
• Work Schedule: 40 to 45 hours per week, plus a monthly market shift.
• Wage: $18.00+/hour– Depending on experience

Our employees also receive:

• Access to all garden veg and any ‘seconds’ quality produce for processing
• One week paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Stat holidays paid at time and a half (or possibility of holidays off, depending on the time of year)
• Garden space for personal projects
• Access to extensive farm resource library and business/planning documents for those interested in farm planning and business operations.

Housing & Transportation

We are located 20 minutes from Wakefield, QC, and 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Candidates must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the farm.

We have an off-grid yurt that may be rented at a cost of $425.00/month. If you have mobile housing, you are welcome to set up on the farm and use basic facilities (shower, laundry) at a cost of $100.00/month. Please specify if you require to set up mobile housing or if you are interested in the yurt.

To Apply

Send your cover letter and resumé in PDF format to Randi at fermepleinelune@gmail.com

Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.