Farm Worker

Salish Seas Regenerative Farm

The Salish Seas Regenerative Farm (SRF) is a vegetable farm operation located on shíshálh lands. Its goal is to contribute to the health and abundance of the food system on the Sunshine Coast while simultaneously nurturing underutilized lands and sequestering and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The SRF is partnered with people with vast knowledge in agriculture, composting, engineering, finance, and project management. In 2022, SRF began revitalizing the local food system on a 6-acre BC Hydro lease adjacent to the Sechelt Hospital. Though initially regarded as non-arable land, application of high-quality compost improved soil health to support a sustainable organic cropping model. Our aim is to demonstrate, teach and inspire other communities to utilize their organic wastes to reclaim lands and to create sustainable and resilient food systems. SSF is focused on expanding production beyond the current 2-acres to further economic development, capacity building and food security.

The Farm Operation

In the early spring of 2023, we prepared 2 acres of previously cleared land adjacent to the Sechelt Hospital with the addition of locally produced compost. Using regenerative farming methods, we transplanted our greenhouse crops and seeded the fields with the objective of running a field cropping demonstration project. We built a water storage facility and irrigations system. We successfully produced potatoes on scale surpassing industry -standard yields for both quality and quantity. We also produced beans, beats, broccoli, cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes. All produce was sold to local markets including the Sechelt Nation, Sechelt Hospital, and the One Straw Society. All crop residues were composted at Salish Soils. For 2024, we will run a more structured operation that will serve specific markets to target weekly quantities while also trialing new crops for future full-scale production.

Farm Worker Position

Reporting to the Farm Manager and Site Foreman, the Farm Workers are responsible for general farm work including soil preparation, greenhouse plant propagation, seeding, transplanting, watering, pruning, picking, scouting, integrated pest management (IPM), and assisting with all aspects of the farm operation. Farmers will assist with weekly harvests, quality and grading, post-harvest management and storage as well as delivery. Farmer’s must have a valid driver’s license and will be responsible for weekly delivery to markets on the Sunshine Coast. The farm positions are seasonal for 2024 and with the opportunity to be extended with additions to the cropping systems, such as greenhouse and post-harvest storage management. The positions begin latest May 1st, 2024 and will end August 31st. Farmer’s will be expected to work 5 days per week or as need and have up to 5 days paid holidays over the 4 month span.

Learning

You will learn and build upon your knowledge of soil health in terms of moisture content, structure, fertility, and maintenance. You will learn and build upon your knowledge of organic and regenerative cropping methods. You will be learning in an active operation and under the guidance of 2 farming professionals with a combined 50 years of farming experience. There will be a list of weekly pre-

scheduled tasks and we also acknowledge that farming is an iterative and interactive setting that applies a dynamic set of principles and planned activities. Sometimes we must pivot and/or react to unforeseen challenges such as climate, water, and pests. For example, in our first year of production (2023), the pest pressure was relatively low, nevertheless we did scout some aphid pressure late in the season and we must understand that this year the pests will converge onto the site. Consequently, establishing and running an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program will be key to sustainable organic production.

Safety:

· Attend safety meetings if scheduled. Independently following up on safety meeting notes signing that they have read and understand what was discussed.

· Promote, execute, and adhere to the safety program and encourage all co-workers to adopt safety as a culture.

· Work in a safe, responsible manner to not injure oneself or endanger the wellbeing of others.

Additional Tasks:

· Work with different members of the team to help accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

· Maintain overall site cleanliness and maintenance.

· Produce preparation and delivery.

· Volunteer coordination as needed.

· Education and outreach with youth and elders.

Teamwork:

· Participate as a vital member and contribute towards the success of the team.

· Promote a safe and healthy mental and physical environment for all to learn and grow.

· Promote a team approach by maintaining respectful communication with all co-workers and leaders with the purpose of information exchange

Compensation:

Compensation will be with based on experience and in the 18 to 25$/hour range.

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 4 months

Salary: $18.00-$24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-05-01