Community farms, ecological gardening, permaculture design

Two (2) Positions Available

Hiring: Farm Assistant
Type: summer positions (16 weeks)
Farm: Edwin Binney’s Community Farm and Education Centre
Employer: United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes
Location: Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Edwin Binney’s Community Farm and Education Centre (EBCFEC) is a collaborative initiative to address food insecurity in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

The 3.5-acre farm located in Lindsay; Ontario is run by United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes on land provided by Crayola Canada. The objectives of the EBCFEC are to contribute to the Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. The community-scaled vegetable production at the EBCFEC is designed to increase the community’s access to fresh produce and will go directly to individuals and families through programs such as the good food box, food banks, collective kitchen programs and other food programs. The farm is also a place for learning about sustainable farming practices, food security and community development through workshops, co-op placements, job training and volunteer opportunities. The EBCFEC is the result of people caring about people and taking action together. For more information about Edwin Binney’s Community Farm please visit our website at https://ckl-unitedway.ca/edwin-binney-community-farm/

We are seeking 2 enthusiastic, organized and self-motivated person(s) to assist with the day-to-day operation of the farm and farm related projects and programming.

General Responsibilities:

The farm assistant will be required to:

• Assist with operation and maintenance of the EBCF’s small-scale farm from seed starts through harvest distribution. Including the use of hoop house and other season extension technologies to increase and expand seasonal fruit, vegetable and herb production.
• Assist with the implementation of the crop plan as outlined by the farm manager.
• Protect and renew soil fertility and health through use of composts, cover crops, mulches etc.
• Integrate natural controls in managing weeds, insect pests and disease.
• Promote pollinator activity to maintain habitats.
• Operate irrigation system for the site, including fields, hoop houses and raised planter boxes in an efficient manner.
• Assist with organize the harvest systems and schedule for the farm, including food safety protocols for harvest, post-harvest handling and storage.
• Ensure proper yield tracking and coordination with distribution channels and partner organizations.
• Assist with the planning and problem-solving required for the day-to-day events and operations of the farm, including organizing, maintaining and repair of equipment, economy in use of resources, and organization of site in a manner that is fit for public use.
• Assist in the development and delivery of community outreach and educational programming.
• Assist with the weekly operation, set up, and take-down of our Farm Stand.
• Actively engage in on-site weekly meeting with farm team to discuss work plan, adjustment and needs.
• Work with community members and volunteers in a manner that creates a welcoming and safe environment for learning and engagement.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of small scale, diversified, gardening including permaculture design and ecological gardening principles and practices.
• Knowledge of food system politics and the role of community farms and gardens created to address food insecurity.
• Foundational knowledge of soil science, plant anatomy, and integrated pest management.
• Proven experience in the selection, safe operation and maintenance of equipment commonly found in the small-scale farm operation including hand tools, small power tools, rototillers, etc.
• Demonstrate an understanding of small-scale farm operation including seed selection, plant propagation, tillage, cultivation and irrigation.
• Knowledge of post-harvest food storage, safe handling and preserving, and seed saving.
• Must have first-aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to keep detailed & accurate records.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective member of a team.
• Adaptability to manage changing priorities effectively and adjust workflow accordingly.
• Opportunity to bring applicant’s own skills sets and knowledge to the project to enhance the work of the farm as well as the applicant’s own learning.

This position requires a current police check. Visit the Kawartha Lakes Police Service website for more information.

The successful candidates must sign and adhere to the United Way’s confidentiality agreement as well as the Farm Operations Manual and act with best practices in regard to work ethics and procedures. They must exercise standard safety practices. This will include approved work safety boots, protective clothing and sunscreen.

• Contract Position: May-August 2026 (16 weeks or 580 hours with possibility for extension)
• Rate of pay: $18.00/hour
• Deadline to apply: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 by 4:30 pm

If you are interested in this position and feel that you possess 80% or more of the qualification listed, we encourage you to apply.

If you are presently in College or University and would like to see if you could do this summer position as part of your educational program as a co-op placement, please indicate this in your cover letter.

Reports to:

The successful candidate will report to EBCFEC farm Manager. Additional instructions may be provided by local subject matter experts when available.

Please Note: Some activities and meetings will require attendance outside of the traditional office hours of 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Due to the nature of the work, some weekend or evening work will be expected and/or flexible start and end times due to weather.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are required to send a resume and cover letter package to Shantal Ingram, United Way HKL Co-Executive Director, at shantal@hkl.unitedway.ca . Emails should be titled “Farm Assistant Application”. They must be received by Wednesday March 25, 2026, at 4:30 pm.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all candidates in advance and please note United Way will contact directly those selected for interviews.