***HELP WANTED / JOB POSTING***
Job Title: Market Gardener / Farm Hand (Co-op)
Job Type: Part/Full-time
Location: Dundas, ON
Working Hours: Morning, Day, Evening, Weekend, Flexible Hours
Salary: TBD…
JOB SUMMARY:
We are seeking a Market Gardener / Farm Hand to assist with the operations of our greenhouse and market garden as well as routine care for our animals at a permaculture farm. The ideal candidate will have experience and passion for growing a wide variety of organic fruits and veggies, equipment operation, hand labour, greenhouse growing, picking, processing, and packing produce.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Ability to work for long periods of time out in the field (standing, bending, crouching, in hot and inclement weather conditions. Field work includes and is not limited to: weeding, watering, harvesting, washing, packing, greenhouse work, and handling orders
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Responsible, self-motivated, organized and able to work alone/unsupervised if necessary
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A passion or interest in organic agriculture and regenerative principles
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Complete various aspects of market garden and field work – includes being responsible for maintaining and presenting a weed free growing environment
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Transferring field notes and records into Heirloom (software)
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Orchard maintenance and tending
- Monitoring seed inventory and ensuring adequate supply for upcoming plantings.
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Assist with the day-to-day operations of the market garden and/or greenhouse, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning plants
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Assist with various aspects of the market garden and/or greenhouse operations, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops
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Follow crop plan based on permaculture principles, including crop rotation, companion planting, and soil building techniques
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Assist with preparation, loading, setup, face-to-face sales, and customer interactions at various farmers markets (Ancaster, Burlington, Oakville)
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Help tend to the livestock, including feeding and watering the animals (i.e. cows, horses, pigs, chickens, hens, etc.).
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Clean and maintain animal stalls, pens, coups, nesting boxes, and other ranch buildings and facilities.
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Help herd livestock to pastures for grazing and exercise.
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Assist with loading and unloading animals and equipment.
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Additional duties as assigned
As a Co-op Student you will also have exposure to the following learning opportunities;
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Monitor and control pests and diseases using organic methods
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Tool Maintenance – Storing, cleaning, sharpening, etc.
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Greenhouse operations – Use and understanding of automated temperature & humidity control equipment (exhaust fans, air circulation, heat tubes, roof venting, etc.), irrigation, Electrical Conductivity (EC) Testing, use of Beneficial Insects, grafting techniques, fertilizer application, harvesting equipment
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Irrigation – Setup, use and maintenance of irrigation equipment
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Crop planning – Seed Orders, Crop Quantity, Bed Location, Seedling Start Date, Planting/Transplanting Dates, Expected Harvest Dates. Crop planning needs to be done to accommodate weekly harvests of 8-12 items for CSA baskets starting the first week of June. First crops should be ready for harvest mid-May. Greenhouse peppers are started from seed in January and Tomatoes in February.
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Soil Health & Field Management – Compost, Fertilizers, soil testing, PH levels, Cover Crops, Silage Tarps, Weed Management, etc.)
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Insect, Pest, & Disease Management – Organic/Bio Insecticides/Pesticides, Insect Netting, Crop Rotation, etc.
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Harvest and Packaging – Wash station setup and operation, Harvest dates and crop specific procedures for washing, drying, packaging, storage temperatures, and duration
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Strong understanding of permaculture principles and sustainable agriculture practices
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Excellent organizational and planning skills
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Good physical fitness with the ability to work long hours and perform physically demanding tasks
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Good communication and interpersonal skills
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Basic proficiency with computers and farm management software
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Post Secondary program with a focus on agriculture, horticulture, and/or animal husbandry
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is a physically demanding position that requires a love for working with plants, soil and other farm-related duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The greenhouse and market garden is located on a farm with animals present (some free ranging). You may work outdoors or indoors depending on the tasks at hand. You may also be required to work long hours, especially during planting and harvest seasons, and may need to perform physically demanding tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. The environment may be humid and warm in the greenhouse and hot and sunny in the market garden. You will need to interact with employees, customers, and suppliers on a regular basis, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with it. The company reserves the right to modify or revise the job description as needed.
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About Liberty Way Farm
Located in Dundas, Ontario, Canada, Liberty Way Farm is a 21-acre working farm with over 30 varieties of organic vegetables, herbs, fruits, and nut trees.
Liberty Way Farm is based on the sound principles of regenerative agriculture using permaculture design and holistic management, conserving natural resources, limiting the carbon footprint, growing, hiring and eating locally grown and prepared foods, and trying to make the world a better place to live.
This is an exciting opportunity and if you meet the qualifications and are passionate about sustainable agriculture and permaculture, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply – Apply by email only to: [email protected]
We look forward to growing with you!
Liberty Way Farm
