LOCAL FOOD, ORGANIC FARMING

Position: Processing and Packing Assistant
Farm: Juniper Farm
Location: near Wakefield, Quebec (30 mins north of Ottawa-Gatineau)
Hours: full-time May-October 2021

About the Farm:

Started in 2010, Juniper Farm is nestled into the Gatineau hills on a 200-acre property in beautiful Wakefield, Quebec, growing a diversity of vegetables on a 5-acre rotation using organic and biodynamic methods; the farm also produces fermented foods and some prepared foods from our commercial kitchen. Production is accomplished through manual labor with support from two tractors. The farm sells its produce to many local restaurants in the Ottawa/Gatineau region, numerous retailers, private orders, as well as through both on-site and online farm stores. As an active member of the thriving local community the farm occasionally hosts events such as dinners, workshops, and festivals.

Role & Responsibilities:

We are seeking two individuals to support the farm’s production through work in “The Hub” where produce and products are processed and packed for clients. This position would be working directly with and taking direction from the Hub Manager. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Processing produce harvested from the fields
• Operating small-scale processing machinery
• Packing away produce for cold storage
• Keeping an eye on quality for defects or damage to produce
• Packing products and produce for client orders
• Loading and unloading deliveries at the farm
• Maintenance of the organization and cleanliness of the work environment
• Operating a shopify platform for a pick and pack list

This is a full-time position (40 hrs a week) from May to October with working hours changing through the course of the season based on weather conditions, daylight levels, and work loads. The typical day starts at 7h00 and ends at 16h00 depending on the time of season we will shift the work schedule slightly earlier or later.

This position is paid minimum wage on an hourly basis in addition to the benefits afforded to all farm staff including an employee discount at the farm store, access to fresh harvest from the fields as well as non-marketable produce, and inclusion in weekly communal lunches.

Sicks days and time off are unpaid. Holidays are worked but paid out in accordance with the normes du travail.

The farm is able to offer on-site accommodation. If interested, please mention so in your application.

About You

Ideal candidates identify with having the following qualities and traits:

• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Possesses a strong work ethic, and positive attitude
• Detail oriented, observant, motivated, good with numbers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Able and willing to perform physical work in all weather conditions,
• Comfortable lifting heavy loads (eg: 50 pounds)
• Good multitasker
• Can follow written or verbal instruction
• Flexible and willing to learn new things
• Punctual
• Must be able to commit to completing the farm season

Prior farm experience would be a great asset but not critical for this role. A valid driver's license and some form of first aid training are also assets but not required.

If interested in this position, please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would make a good fit for the role to jobs@juniperfarm.ca

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