SUSTAINABLE FOOD & FARMING

Title: Extension Assistant – Farm Incubator Program Mentor (ISFS)
Employer: Kwantlen Polytechnic University / KPU Farm Schools
Location: Richmond, Metro Vancouver BC

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix.

SUMMARY

The Extension Assistant – Farm Incubator Program Mentor (ISFS) will assist the Director in the KPU Farm Schools’ Farm Incubator Program. The Extension Assistant will provide mentorship to KPU Farm Schools students who enroll in the Farm Incubator classes. This position will work to ensure that the KPU Farm Schools sites and equipment are well maintained. This position requires someone who is versed in agriculture and skilled in diverse vegetable crop production, able to travel and occasionally work on weekends as needed and is a skilled, effective technical communicator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day-to-day KPU Farm Schools sites maintenance including cover crop management, weed management, and orchard management
• Ensure that farm irrigation system, equipment, tools are well maintained in working order
• Provide mentorship to KPU Farm Schools students who register in the Farm Incubator Program under the direction of the ISFS Director and Extension Specialist
• Attend Farm Incubator Program meetings
• Provide other support as required such as farm marketing, farm accounting and farmer education

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as sustainable agriculture or extensive professional experience in lieu
• 2+ years farming experience
• A keen interest in small-scale, regenerative agriculture
• Strong, demonstrated communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Ability to work outside in all weather
• Interest in working with a diversity of people
• Valid First Aid Certificate an asset
• Class 5 driver’s license
• Access to a vehicle for commuting to and from the farm is an asset

This position is temporary (3 month) full time

Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?

We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.

Note to Applicants:

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca . Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.