202-3002 32nd Ave, Vernon BC Canada V1T 2L7
info@certifiedorganic.bc.ca
Hiring: Vegetable Farm Field Crew (w/ additional responsibilities possible, see below)
Farm: Four Beat Farm
Location: Pemberton, BC
Housing: on-site accomodation possible, see below
Do you enjoy fast-paced, outdoor work? Want to be part of a “growing” team and have a job that is rewarding and meaningful, surrounded by plants and awesome people?
Four Beat Farm is a certified organic vegetable farm in the Pemberton Meadows in Lil’wat Territory. The farm was started in 2016 and is a woman-led farm powered by a team of hard-working humans (that could be you!), with the help of two draft horses, a sassy dog, and occasionally a tractor for heavy lifting. The farm is all about “Quality food for everyday eating” and to provide a fulfilling life and livelihood for people growing it. We are looking for motivated, hardworking individuals to join our farm team for 2023 and beyond.
The farm currently has around 3.5 acres in vegetable production with 30+ varieties, with a focus on summer and fall storage crops. Roughly ¾ of the farm is set-up in row crop style for horse-drawn mechanical cultivation, with a quarter in more intensive production for salads and fresh herbs. We have a small tractor for lifting and moving pallets/compost/veg as well as mowing, and make efficient use of hand tools and our team of draft horses for much of our fieldwork. We are primarily a CSA farm, with about 200 households who get weekly veggies from us.
Pemberton has a short and intense growing season with hot summer days and lots of mud, rain, bugs, and cold in the spring and fall. Farming here requires a real appreciation for good food, being outdoors in all kinds of weather, moving quickly to making the most of the summer months, and celebrating the seasonal nature of farming.
For 2023, there will be a core team of 3-4 full-time employees working alongside the farm owner, with extra hands during peak season. Every person on the team is critical to the farm’s success, and you will be expected to hustle, to work independently, and to self-motivate to keep a healthy pace on the task at hand while looking out for yourself, your co-workers, and the farm’s operations as a whole.
We are a tight and hardworking team that values clear communication, kindness, and commitment to an efficient, inclusive and drama-free workplace.
All members of the farm team will be part of: planting, seeding, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, washing, and packing many types of vegetables. Duties may also include helping with CSA coordination and communications, driving the delivery vehicle, livestock care, and equipment/facility maintenance.
Farming experience is an asset but not required. Horse experience is not necessary, but a level of comfort and respect for large animals as well as dogs is important as they are part of the day-to-day operations of the farm.
Full-time hours on our team is consistently around 40 hours/week.
In the main season, we work 7-4:30pm Monday-Thursday, with a flexible half-day on Fridays. There is a break for lunch (30 minutes, unpaid) and a mid-morning break for tea (paid). We may start later in the spring/fall and earlier in the heat of summer, and we take care to adjust hours and scheduling based on the needs of the whole team.
We welcome full-time and part-time applicants and our farm values consistency and reliability from both management and employees alike.
We will work with your other work/play/life commitments and, in turn, we expect you to give 110% in the field.
We are currently looking to hire for 1 Field Crew position. A full-time commitment for the main season (mid-April through November or beyond) is ideal, but we are flexible for the right fit and everyone is encouraged to apply, part-time candidates and summer students included.
As an employer, we are committed to the ongoing learning and skill development of our employees that is on par with their commitment to efficiency, workplace performance, and desire for growth within the company.
Every employee has the potential to advance into consistent seasonal contracts, a long-term salaried management position, and/or year-round employment with the farm. In your application, feel free to highlight your long-term career goals if applicable.
Along with an hourly wage and consistent work hours ($20-$24/hr, see above), employees have access to fresh farm-grow produce throughout the season (plenty of veggies to take home!).
Full-time/full-season employees are also eligible for regular performance reviews, an annual health spending allowance, paid sick days, and a full week’s paid vacation mid-summer.
In your application, let us know the following:
Employees generally live in the town of Pemberton; on-farm accommodation may be possible for the right fit. Please specify if you are interested in living on the farm and/or if you already have local housing secured.
We are open to full-time and part-time applicants, and are open to adjusting start/end workday times for local candidates if you have existing dependents/childcare/professional responsibilities and can commit to a consistent schedule.
The farm is 12km from town so reliable transportation in the form of a personal vehicle or a healthy appetite for bicycling is a must.
We work hard not only to grow quality food, but also to create a positive work environment that values clear communication and empowers folks to thrive both individually and as a team.
If you are interested in applying, please read through the farm website at http://www.fourbeatfarm.ca and on social media.
Send your resume along with a genuine letter of interest to Naomi at: fourbeatfarm@gmail.com
Please indicate you saw this posting on the Organic BC job board.
Deadline to apply is March 31st, but candidates will be interviewed as applications are received.
