ECOLOGICAL FARMING

Hiring: Full-time Farm Hand
Farm: Summer Soul Farm

Location: Hornby Island, Northern Gulf Islands, BC
Housing: On-site accommodation is available

The Farm:

Summer Soul Farm is located on idyllic Hornby Island where artists and free thinkers have long made their home. The island is renowned for its natural beauty. “Hawaiian” white sand beaches, awesome mountain biking, music festivals and a sweet, hippie counterculture draw people to this little gem of an island in the Salish Sea.

Summer Soul is a small-scale ecological farming enterprise. The property is 10 acres total with 3 acres cleared for cultivation. We are growing about 30 different vegetable crops using sustainable methodology such as: low-tillage and appropriate technology; biologically intensive use of space; tremendous care given to the soil and micro-organisms therein; and all the other standard organic practices like cover cropping, rotation, non-GMO seeds, no toxic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. We more or less follow the gospel according to JM Fortier (The Market Gardener). Our produce is sold at our roadside stand, at a twice weekly farmers market (Wed + Sat) and through a farm share/CSA.

Term: June – October 2023

Job Description:

As a farm hand, you are involved in virtually all farm tasks throughout the entire growing season. You will learn all of our methods including: field and bed preparation, nursery and direct seeding, greenhouse management, weed and pest management, harvest and packing, sales and marketing. Some minor construction, installations and painting are expected this season.

We intend to create an open, fun and healthy work environment. We want to attract like-minded people who share our passion for sustainable agriculture and ecological design. The work is definitely physically demanding (yes, you must be fit and preferably injury free), but it is also highly creative and deeply rewarding.

The job is 40 hours/week. The daily and weekly schedule fluctuates throughout the season. Generally you will work 5 - 6 days/week, 6 – 8 hours/day. With lots of flexibility for additional days off and a week off mid-season if desired.

Experience and Qualifications:

You have a positive, upbeat personality; an energetic, focused approach to the workplace; and stellar interpersonal skills – you are friendly, gracious and helpful. You take verbal, written and practical instructions easily, first mastering a task and then maximizing efficiency. You are a team player, balanced with the ability to work independently and in a self-directed manner. You enjoy physical, meditative work with a soft breeze on your face and a birdsong soundtrack in the background. In a perfect world you come replete with farming experience and/or education, but frankly an interest in sustainable agriculture, love for the outdoors and a desire to have a truly positive impact on the environment and our community is of much greater value.

Remuneration:

Commensurate with experience.

+ end of season bonus
+ heaps of fresh veggies
+ weekly yoga class in the summer
+ Hornby Island in all her glory

On-site accommodation is available.

If interested, please have a peruse of our website (summersoul.farm) and if you are not familiar with Hornby Island, do some research (hornbyisland.com), then email your resume and cover letter:

Sarah Bonner
Cell: 604-537-5320
info@summersoul.farm

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