Organic veggie farming

Position: Market Garden Field Assistant
Farm: Puddle Produce Farm

Location: Soda Creek, near Williams Lake, BC
Staying on the farm: There is a skoolie or trailer for any staff living on the farm. They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, heat, outhouse, and Wifi. We do not charge rent, but do charge a small monthly amount for utilities that staff use in their accommodations (propane, electricity, internet).

The Farm

Puddle Produce Farm is a 2 market garden established on a 30 acre property on the Fraser river, in the historic region of Soda Creek (approximately 48kms north of Williams Lake, BC). We grow around 50 varieties of vegetables and microgreens for 1 farmers market, an online store and CSA membership, and wholesale. In addition to the market garden, we also have a small orchard of 55 apple trees that we sell fresh and pressed into unpasteurized juice.

The Team

The farm is female-owned and operated and is a small crew: this year, there is the farm owner and assistant farm manager, plus 1 field assistant. Our farm is small but we are production-oriented. We focus on the success of the farm financially first and foremost, but part of this is investing in our team and treating them well: they are what make the farm. So we are a team that works very hard, enjoys it, and respects and prioritizes others who do the same. If this sounds like you, we'd probably get along!

The Job
We can offer 2 scenarios, depending on what fits best for you:

1.) full time (40hrs/week) M-F from July-October

2.) part time (20-25 hrs/week) including Fridays July-October, because we need a 3rd person to help us do the farmers market. 

If you want to spend a few months immersed in farm work and have no other obligations, option 1 might work well for you. If you want to work and live on a farm but also work remotely on other projects, option 2 might work well for you. Either option includes on-farm accommodations and wifi. 

A Typical Week for Farm Staff:

• Irrigation set up and maintenance
• Produce harvesting, washing and packaging
• Packing for weekly online orders and Farmers’ Market
• Assist with farmers’ market sales
• Transplanting/recording field data and navigating our crop planning software
• Use of hand tools such as wheel hoes, harvesters, weed whackers, and mowers
• If you want to get to know market gardening machinery like a BCS, PowerOx, paperpot transplanter, or compact tractor, you can try those out too.

Skills and Qualifications

• Must have at least 6 months of successful previous experience in an outdoor, physically-demanding role
• Are comfortable bending down and kneeling for extended periods of time, able to lift up to 50lbs, and competent using hand tools
• Detail oriented, efficient, and production focused
• Fast learner and ability to adapt to new positions and working with new people
• Punctuality and strong time management skills
• Ability to take direction, accept constructive feedback and to ask for help when needed

• Mature and positive attitude
• Good people and customer service skills

Compensation

$19-20/hour depending on experience and includes all deductions and benefits as per provincial labour laws, as well as all the free veggies you want. The position also includes a cash bonus for candidates who do a great job and complete the season. The candidates will work a 40hr work week with opportunities for overtime, if desired.

LOGISTICS

You'll need your own vehicle as there is no reliable transportation to/from the farm. PLEASE NOTE: there is little to no cell reception on the farm, but there is a phone line on site and reliable Wifi.

Staying on the farm

There is a skoolie or trailer for any staff living on the farm.

They both have a double bed, kitchenette, dining table, seating, heat, outhouse, and Wifi.

We do not charge rent, but do charge a small monthly amount for utilities that staff use in their accommodations (propane, electricity, internet).

How to Apply:

Please send a letter of interest (maximum 1 page) telling us a bit about yourself and why you think this would be a good fit, as well as a resume (maximum 2 pages). Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Please email any questions about the position, and/or your application addressed to Brianna van de Wijngaard (Owner/Operator) at info@puddleproduce.ca .

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: this posting will stay open until the position is filled