WAKEFIELD QC JOBS

Position: Microgreens Production Assistant
Farm: Juniper Farm
Location: near Wakefield, Quebec (30 mins north of Ottawa-Gatineau)

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 prepared foods from our commercial kitchen as well as delicious meals served through the farm’s take-out window. 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.

Job Description & Responsibilities:

We are seeking an individual interested in taking on the farm’s year round production of micro greens! Depending on the tasks being accomplished, this role works with and takes direction from the Greenhouse Manager. Prior experience with similar duties of this role is an asset but on-the-job training will be provided. Tasks for this position may include but are not limited to:

• Soaking and sowing seeds
• Maintaining optimal conditions in the microgreen grow room
• Harvesting and processing microgreens
• Packing harvested greens for sales
• Maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the production space
• Reporting any issues to the manager responsible
• Keeping detailed production records

This is a part-time position (16 - 24 hrs a week), with the possibility of working year-round. There is also the possibility for this to be a FULL-TIME position (40 hrs a week) should the candidate be interested in also working in other departments at the farm (i.e. field, pack shed, store, or kitchen). Start and end times fluctuate throughout the season depending on the weather, daylight conditions, and the employee’s specified role. Typical schedules include 6:00am-3:00pm, 7:00am-4:00pm, and 8:00am-5:00pm. We can start as early as 5:30am if needed during the heat of summer.

This position is paid an hourly wage of $14.25 - $15.00 based on the candidate’s prior farm experience 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.

After 3 months, all employees are entitled to 2 paid sick days. Otherwise, time off is unpaid and approved by management on a case-by-case basis. Holidays are worked but paid out in accordance with the normes du travail.

About You

Ideal candidates identify with having the following qualities and traits:

• Possessing a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and motivation for excellence
• A minimum of one year’s prior experience in agriculture (asset)
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team,
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong observational skills
• Can follow written or verbal instruction,
• Punctual
• Understand the basic economics of production-based work,
• Able and willing to perform physical work in all weather conditions,
• Comfortable lifting heavy loads repeatedly throughout a work day (eg: 50 pounds),
• Flexible and willing to learn new things
• Interested in or moving towards a career in agriculture
• Must be able to commit to completing the farm season
• Must be a Canadian citizen or hold a valid work visa
• Should be comfortable working in a basement with a low ceiling
• A valid driver's licence and some form of first aid training are assets as well but not required.

If interested in this position, please send us an email at jobs@juniperfarm.ca with your resume and a cover letter including the following:

1. Why you would make a good fit for the role at Juniper Farm
2. That you are available to complete the work contract as outlined above
3. That you are a Canadian citizen or have a Canadian work visa

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