Employment

Job Posting: Farm Worker

Hiring one seasonal, full-time position

We are looking to hire a farm worker for the 2024 season, who will work closely with our small team of 6 as we expand our growing area and capacity to provide food for our community this year. The farm worker is involved in the wide variety of tasks involved in operating a mixed produce and livestock farm. Farm workers are comfortable in a fast-paced work environment, are capable of working a physically demanding job at full-time hours, and have good communication skills.

About our farm

Grounded Acres Organic Farm is a small-scale, mixed produce and livestock farm currently growing on 3 acres in unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory in Gibsons, on the Sunshine Coast of BC. The produce we grow and laying hens we raise are certified organic under the BC Certified Organic Program, using agricultural practices that regenerate and contribute to the health of our ecosystem. We sell through a weekly farmers’ market, farm stand, box program, and wholesale.

We are a queer-run farm established in 2021 with values rooted in food justice and creating safer spaces in agriculture for folks who identify as 2SLGTBQ+ and BIPOC. Co-owners Mel and Hannah have 25 years of farming experience between us and are passionate about supporting our team in bringing their whole selves to the farm, setting and meeting goals related to their journey in food systems work, and mentorship. 

Details of the position

  • May 14th to September 28th (20 weeks)

  • Exact start and end dates are flexible

  • Option to shorten or extend the duration of work by up to 4 weeks 

  • Wage starts at $18/hour, dependent on experience

  • 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day, Tuesday-Saturday

  • Work hours are 8:00AM - 4:00PM; market days require earlier start and finish times

  • Supervision shared between co-owners Mel and Hannah

  • Team includes two co-owners, two full-season farm workers, two short-season farm workers, seasonal day labourers, and weekly volunteers

  • Includes free access to farm produce

  • You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the start of your apprenticeship and update your vaccination as recommended by the BC public health authority

  • Vacation days: 3 days unpaid

  • Sick days: 1 paid day per month worked, cumulative

Tasks performed

  • Seeding, transplanting and cover cropping

  • Irrigation

  • Weed management

  • Building and maintaining field infrastructure (trellising, tunnels, mulch, row cover)

  • Harvesting and processing

  • Poultry care, egg collection and washing

  • Seed processing

  • Record keeping

  • Customer service and market sales

  • Supporting volunteers

  • Landscaping and site maintenance

Skills required

  • Demonstrated ability to work quickly, efficiently and calmly in fast-paced settings for long hours in any weather and bring tasks to completion on time

  • Must be in good physical shape and must be able to lift and carry 45 lbs repetitively

  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred

  • Skills in the areas of food/horticultural production, soil and landscape management, farm equipment use and maintenance, computer use, and/or animal care in a farm setting are an asset but not required

  • Valid Class 5 driver’s license is an asset but not required

Physical work conditions

  • Farm activities will involve physically demanding work in all weather conditions, sometimes lifting heavy loads up to 45lbs, operating machinery, including repetitive tasks 

  • We ask that you dress for the weather, stay hydrated and nourished, stretch and take microbreaks as your body needs them, and let us know if a task feels unsafe for you or you need help (be attentive to your physical limitations)

  • A composting outhouse and multiple potable water sinks are available for your use, including a microwave, kettle, and fridge space for your lunch

Supervision and communication

  • We commit to regular check-ins to help you set and meet your goals for the season, discuss any problems that arise, and provide you with constructive feedback

  • We invite any feedback from you about how we can make your experience better

  • We commit to open and clear communication with you whenever anything arises

Housing

  • Housing may be available for rent on the farm; more details available upon request

How to apply

  • Submit a copy of your resume and cover letter, including which position you are applying for, to groundedacresfarm@gmail.com

  • Hiring is ongoing until the position is filled, but we will begin interviewing immediately