Regenerative farm / Market garden

Position: Field Lead / Experienced Farm Hand
Farm: Island View Farm

Location: Island View Farm, Saanich Peninsula (Central Saanich area) / Greater Victoria BC
Housing: Housing is not provided, and we are unable to assist with relocation costs

Job Type: Full-Time, 26 weeks (starting immediately)
Hours: 40 hours per week (may include weekends)
Pay: $20 per hour

About Us:

Island View Farm is a regenerative farm on the Saanich Peninsula. We're a small operation focused on building healthy soil, growing good food and flowers, and creating a welcoming space. We're looking for someone to take on the core farm work, working alongside the farm manager to get things done. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to be in the field every day and help build something meaningful.

Position Overview:

We're hiring a Field Lead to work alongside the farm manager managing and executing the daily work of the farm. You'll be in the field, working with the land, and taking ownership of key tasks while receiving guidance and support. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to grow their skills in regenerative agriculture and be part of a small, dedicated team.

This is a 26-week full-time position (40 hours/week) starting immediately. *Summer funding pending

Eligibility:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship)
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from the farm
• Housing is not provided, and we are unable to assist with relocation costs

What You'll Be Doing:

Field Production:

• Bed preparation, planting, and crop planning support
• Soil health management (compost, amendments, cover cropping)
• Weeding, pruning, trellising, and general crop care
• Harvesting vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers
• Post-harvest handling and washing

Farm Systems & Maintenance:

• Operating and maintaining farm equipment (Grillo tractor, tools, irrigation)
• Managing irrigation systems—setup, monitoring, repairs
• Tool organization and maintenance
• Infrastructure setup and upkeep (hoophouses, fencing, etc.)

Animal Care:

• Daily feeding and watering of goats, chickens, and ducks
• Cleaning coops and shelters
• Rotating animals as needed

Team Support:

• Working alongside the farm manager as your direct supervisor
• Helping train and guide seasonal part-time helpers as they come on board
• Collaborating with the summer farm hand we'll be hiring for the busy season

Markets:

• Occasionally attending weekly farmers markets in the summer to help with setup, sales, or breakdown as needed

Who We're Looking For:

• Experienced. You've worked on a farm before and understand the physical demands, the pace, and the unpredictability.
• Self-sufficient. You can take a list of tasks, prioritize, and get it done with guidance when needed.
• Reliable. You show up, you're on time, and you take pride in doing quality work.
• Comfortable with equipment. You're not intimidated by a walk-behind tractor, irrigation lines, or basic tool maintenance.
• Curious about regenerative agriculture. You want to understand soil, systems, and how to grow food in a way that restores the land.
• A team player. You're comfortable working closely with the farm manager, helping train others, and being part of a small crew.
• Available for weekends as needed, and able to occasionally help at farmers markets.

Physical Demands:
This role involves sustained physical labour: bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

The Details:

• Start: Immediate
• Duration: 6 months (with potential to discuss future seasons if it's a good fit)
• Hours: 30-40 hours/week (may include weekends)
• Schedule: The schedule will be set weekly and may include weekend shifts. We'll work together to plan ahead as much as possible.
• Pay: $20/hour
• Location: Saanich Peninsula (Central Saanich)
• What to bring: All tools and equipment are provided. You must have your own sturdy work boots, rain jacket, rain boots, and weather-appropriate clothing.

To Apply:

Send a resume and a cover letter telling us about your farm experience, what draws you to this kind of work, and why you're interested in this role. Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

Email: farm@islandviewfarm.ca

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.