ORGANIC FARMING

Hiring: Field Assistants (2)
Farm: Puddle Produce Farm

Location: Soda Creek, near Williams Lake, BC
Accom.: There is a skoolie and camper for any staff living on the farm. They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, fireplaces, outhouse/private bathroom, and Wifi. We DON'T charge rent to live on the farm.

About the Farm

Puddle Produce Farm is a small 1.5 acre certified organic (NOOA cert. #04-353) vegetable farm established on a 70 acre property in the Soda Creek region of the Cariboo in BC (approximately 40kms north of Williams Lake). We grow 30-40 different vegetables and microgreens for the local farmers market, a CSA program, and retail.

What is a Typical Week for Field Staff?

We usually get all the beds cleaned up and ready by early April and are planting full time by early May. Once markets start up in mid-May, the days get pretty zippy! And very rewarding. We work Monday to Friday, from 8am-4pm unless it's August and hot AF - we'll start earlier. Mondays are harvest days for our CSA boxes and market orders. Tuesdays, we drive the big veggie truck into town for the market, and weekly veggie box deliveries. You'll probably get a burrito from Fabiola at the market, because they're huge and delicious! We call Wednesdays "weedy Wednesdays" because they're the only day of the week we have to catch up on....weeds. And plantings, and everything else. Thursdays are another big harvest and washing day for Friday markets and more veggie boxes. Friday is our biggest day of the week, and also the most fun! Market is super busy, then we come back to the farm and often have homemade organic sourdough pizza nights with the farm crew. Saturdays and Sundays are all yours - it's a beautiful part of the province. Rolling hills, unique grassland habitat, big Doug firs, cowboys, even more cows, music festivals, rodeos, gold panning, and over 1000 lakes to choose from.

We're also a really fun team: I value my staff above anything else because they are what make the farm successful. So we work hard but we also treat each other with respect and give back as much as possible.

About the Position

The farm manager is looking for 2 full-time committed Field Assistants from May 1, 2023 – September, 2023. They will report to the farm manager or assistant farm manager, and must be very physically fit, a quick learner, and interested in gaining skills in small-scale agriculture or vegetable production. You don't have to have any prior experience in veggie farming (most don't). Just keen to learn, and enjoy a good day's work outside.

Responsibilities 

• Transplanting/recording field data
• Hand-weeding
• Irrigation set up and maintenance
• Harvesting
• Produce washing and processing
• Packing for CSA, retail and Farmers’ Market
• Assist with farmers’ market sales
• General farm labor as needed

Skills and Qualifications

• Youth between 15-30 from related post-secondary programs, who belong to underrepresented groups in the labour market will be given priority, but this is not required and all eligible applicants are welcome
• Must be very physically fit and energetic (must be able to lift minimum 50lbs repeatedly)
• Fast learner and ability to adapt to new positions and working with new people
• Punctuality and strong time management skills
• Ability to take direction, accept constructive feedback and to ask for help when needed
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently
• Ability to work in all-weather situations
• Mature and positive attitude
• Good people and customer service skills

Wage

$17/hour, and includes all deductions and benefits as per provincial labour laws, as well as all the free veggies you want. The candidates will work a 40hr work week, and days are Mon-Fri with opportunities for overtime, if desired.

There is also a cash bonus for each Field Assistant that commits to and completes the entire season (minimum August 31 end date), as well as a farm staff and volunteer dinner at the end of the season, which is the highlight of the year!

LOGISTICS

You'll need your own vehicle as there is no reliable transportation to/from the farm. If local or relocating, we are willing to discuss supporting fuel costs. PLEASE NOTE: there is little to no cell reception on the farm, but there is a phone line on site and reliable Wifi.

Staying on the farm

There is a skoolie and camper for any staff living on the farm. They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, fireplaces, outhouse, and Wifi. We DON'T charge rent to live on the farm.

How to Apply:

Please submit a 1 page (maximum) letter of interest, telling us why you are interested in this role, as well as a resume (maximum 2 pages). If we request an interview, a minimum of three professional/personal references must be provided. 

Please email your application addressed to Brianna van de Wijngaard (Owner/Operator) at info@puddleproduce.ca .

Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.

No phone calls please.

DEADLINE: APRIL 14, 2023 @ 5pm