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Lead Field Assistant Position 2024
The Sharing Farm (TSF) is a 4-acre not-for-profit community farm located on unceded, asserted Musqueam territory, within Richmond’s Terra Nova Park. For over 20 years, we have been providing sustainably-grown high-quality produce for donation to those facing food insecurity, and for sale to our local community via a CSA, Farmstand, and Farmers Markets. We farm following organic standards and are in the process of seeking our organic certification. TSF is deeply committed to food security and food justice, as well as to agriculture which supports biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem, from the soil to the pollinators. TSF serves as a community hub and as a daily up-close demonstration of local, sustainable farming. We host hundreds of volunteers annually; hold workshops, community events, and the annual Richmond Garlic Fest; and provide tours and education to students, corporate groups, and political leaders from all levels of government.
We are looking for two experienced Lead Field Assistants to work on our urban community farm.
Position Summary
You have at least one full season of experience in agriculture, preferably at a small-scale farm/ market garden; a plus would be if you also have some leadership/ supervisory experience. You are passionate about sustainable agriculture. You enjoy being part of a team and communicate well with other staff and the community at large. You like a fast-paced work site and can maintain a sense of humour and respect for others even when things get hectic. You’re good at seeing what needs doing and jumping in to get it done. You’re keen to improve your farming skills and experience, and to be a part of a values-driven community farm, interacting with folks from a wide range of backgrounds.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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Assist with field preparation, crop maintenance, site maintenance, irrigation, crop harvest, and post-harvest handling
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Supervise Field Assistants
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Keep farm and storage areas organized and tidy
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Assist running CSA distribution, Farm Stand and an Online Store
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Manage booth at Farmers Market
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Assist with donation distribution
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Assist with recordkeeping
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Assist with preparation and running of Richmond Garlic Fest
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Assist with volunteer management, (as needed)
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Other random farm tasks as they arise
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Report to the Farm Manager
Qualifications:
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Minimum one full season of farming/agricultural experience.
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Be self-motivated, flexible, willing to take initiative, work well independently and in a team environment, have a positive attitude and a sense of humour.
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Strong work ethic, communication and interpersonal skills.
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Physical and mental endurance (repetitive tasks, standing, kneeling, bending, some heavy lifting up to 20kg.)
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Open-minded, inclusive, and respectful.
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Ability to give and take constructive feedback.
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Class 5 Driver’s License.
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Fluent in English; additional languages are an asset.
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(Preferred) Experience with machinery (power tools, walk behind tractor, riding lawn mower, weed whacker, etc)
Compensation and Work Hours
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Compensation: Depending on experience and/or skills, $21-$24 per hour, plus access to Farm produce and flowers, and 4% vacation on top of pay.
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Five days of paid Sick Leave after 90 days of employment; after 150 days of employment, one additional day of Sick Leave is accumulated per month. Thanksgiving is a paid holiday.
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Schedule: 5 days per week: Tuesday-Saturday; some Sundays required for Farmers Markets, (days off will be provided to balance out the extra day.)
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Hours: 35-40 hours/ week, averaging 35/week, depending on weather and seasonal demands.
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(Longer hours will be required the week of 8/12-8/17, leading up to Richmond Garlic Fest on August 17.)
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Contract Length: Start date for both positions: late April/ early May, weather depending.
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Position 1: 22 weeks.
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Position 2: 25 weeks.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (MANDATORY)
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Be between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
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Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,
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Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
Applications accepted until positions are filled.
In your application, please confirm that you meet the 3 eligibility requirements, listed above.
We will begin interviewing in early February, so applicants are encouraged to submit ASAP.
Please submit resume and a cover letter to:
Leslie Williams, Executive Director