Organic farming, Urban agriculture

Position: Greenhouse and Market Supervisor
Organization: Sole Food Street Farms
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia. On-site at our Olympic Village farm.

Wage: Starting at $20.00 per/hour
Term: Seasonal role, with opportunities for extension

Who We Are

Founded in 2009, Sole Food Street Farms is a community-driven social enterprise that transforms vacant urban land into thriving farms while providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Our 3-acre Olympic Village Farm grows high-quality fruits and vegetables that are distributed through farmers’ markets, local restaurants, our CSA program, and donations to the Downtown Eastside community. As one of North America’s largest urban farms, Sole Food has produced over one million pounds of fresh food, paid over two million dollars in wages, and provided training and employment to hundreds of individuals—all in the heart of Vancouver.

We create life-changing opportunities for people facing barriers to traditional employment, offering hands-on training in intensive urban agriculture. With few production farms within the city, our project provides a credible model of high-quality, small-scale urban farming. Hear directly from our farmers about how Sole Food has impacted their lives: “Sole Food Saved My Life.”

Sole Food operates on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace, and we strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and anyone with lived experience that aligns with our mission.

Position Description

The Greenhouse and Market Supervisor (GMS) leads and supervises a collaborative team in efficient and well-managed greenhouse production and off-site market operations. The role will involve diligent monitoring and management of crops in the greenhouse and back orchard. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be self-driven, and have a keen eye for detail. The successful candidate will also be patient and compassionate with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

The GMS reports directly to the Co-Manager, Farm Operations (FO), while also reporting indirectly to the Co-Manager, Sales and Program (SP). The GMS frequently collaborates with the Executive Director, Farm Supervisors, a knowledgeable team of farmers, and volunteers. The GMS will directly oversee staff and volunteers while at the market or when working in the greenhouse.

The GMS is a seasonal hourly position (classified as Farm Worker under BC Employment Standards) that begins in the spring and runs through late October or early November. The role may begin as early as late February, with part-time hours required from March 16 to early May, and full-time hours from May through October. Once farmers’ markets begin (typically mid-April), the regular schedule is Tuesday to Saturday. Hours can start as early as 6:30 a.m. during peak season (June–September) and may be reduced again in the shoulder seasons (March–June, September–November).

Responsibilities

Farm & Greenhouse

• Carefully monitor greenhouse crops, conditions and tasks.
• Report on greenhouse progress to the FO during weekly check-ins
• Supervise farm staff and volunteers with all farm activities, including seeding, transplanting, harvesting, pruning, bed preparation, irrigating, and maintenance in the greenhouse and orchards. Support in the supervision of field tasks as needed. Please note that tomato and greenhouse crop maintenance will form the majority of onsite work hours during peak season
• Connect with Co-Managers weekly on greenhouse crop health and production goals, ensuring tasks and harvests are communicated and prioritized along with field tasks and harvests
• Maintain open communication between the FO, CA, other supervisors, staff, and volunteers
• Delegate and teach farm tasks to new and returning staff with patience and empathy, considering any unique barriers they may face
• Lead by example as a pace-setter and role model in all activities, fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive workspace
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring key farm areas such as tool and supply inventory, pest management, and irrigation. Provide updates and report needs to the FO
• Offer input on crop plans based on harvest quality, production, sales potential, and emerging opportunities
• Advocate for staff by fostering a supportive work environment and contributing to organizational development to help everyone thrive both on and off the farm
• Manage pest monitoring and control in the greenhouse
• Oversee the greenhouse and orchard irrigation schedule
• Adjust greenhouse temperature as needed to maintain optimal growing conditions

• Flexibly assist in other areas of the farm as needed

Market

• Serve as the lead for off-site farmers' markets on Saturdays from approximately April to late October (9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with shifts from 6:45 to 3:15 p.m.). Additionally, lead weeknight and ad-hoc markets throughout the season.

• Supervise and work with a market to crew to complete necessary tasks, including set up and take down of tents and tables; loading and unloading the truck; stocking produce and managing quality throughout the day; assisting customers; and handling payment
• Reporting to the SP to communicate market performance, coordinate tasks for the market crew, and ultimately ensure a successful market season
• Respond to changing weather and supply conditions by maintaining an orderly and beautiful display
• Aim to increase weekly sales by discussing harvest, pricing, and sales strategies with the SP
• Foster a positive, supportive and respectful environment for market crew and customers
• Restock market materials as needed and report to the SP when materials are running low (i.e. paper and plastic bags, rubberbands, baskets)
• Maintain clean and organized market materials including tents, tables, and the farm vehicle
• Provide feedback to the farm team on market customer responses regarding quality and variety
• Timely and accurate market cash reporting

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of agricultural experience on an organic production farm
• Experience with greenhouse tomato production including trellising, pruning, and harvesting
• Experience and comfort working in warm and humid environments
• Strong organizational skills including multi-tasking, prioritizing, planning, and effective time management
• Strong communication skills including teaching, delegating, and demonstrating empathy and patience while leading
• Motivated, flexible, and able to work independently
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive larger vehicles is required
• Due to the risk of tobacco mosaic virus, the role cannot use or smoke tobacco products
• This is a physically demanding position that requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stay on your feet for extended periods
• Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of a second language such as Spanish is an asset

Benefits:

Optional extended health benefits available after three months of employment. Access to free farm products. All employees are entitled to 5 days of paid sick leave and vacation pay starting at 4%.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references as a single PDF to info@solefoodfarms.com with the subject line “Greenhouse and Market Supervisor”.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

We are committed to equity and diversity in our workplace and strive to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, as well as others with lived experience that aligns with our mission.