Grow food, Organic mixed farming

Hiring: Organic Vegetable and Animal Farm Hand
Type: Age 30 & under / ASAP to end of October (possible extension)
Farm: Equilibrium Acres

Location: near Dundas, Hamilton & Burlington, Ontario
Accom.: On-farm private bunkie option available for the duration of the position for the qualified candidate if commuting from far.

Do you want to work on an organic mixed vegetable and animal farm?

Are you interested in learning how to grow nutrient dense organic veggies for yourself and your community?

Do you have experience gardening, landscaping, or doing other outside work and want to make the most of working in nature?

Then this is the opportunity for you!

Located on a quiet country road at the border of Dundas and Copetown, Equilibrium Acres is a 30 minute bike ride along the rail trail from Dundas and Ancaster, or a 10 min drive. Hamilton and Burlington are also a relatively short drive away.

This Farm is on a 20 acre property, with half an acre in field, fruit and vegetable production, with 4 greenhouses, a herd of 14 lineback cows, a flock of egg-laying, and meat chickens, a couple of sweet barn cats and a friendly doggo. This is the perfect place for you if you like working outside growing veggies and caring for animals.

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as an Organic Mixed Vegetable and Animal Farm Hand.

This role will involve assisting in various tasks related to the cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of a diverse range of organic vegetables. The ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic, a love for sustainable agriculture, and a willingness to contribute to a dynamic farming environment.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1) Vegetable and fruit Farming

• Soil Management: Assist in soil preparation, composting, and fertilization activities, adhering to organic farming principles to maintain soil health and fertility.
• Crop Cultivation: Participate in all stages of crop production, including planting, transplanting, weeding, and irrigation to ensure healthy growth of organic vegetables.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor crops for signs of pests and diseases and contribute to implementing integrated pest management strategies using organic methods.
• Harvesting: Aid in the harvesting of various vegetables, ensuring proper handling and storage to maintain freshness and quality.
• Assist in Community Supported Agriculture Veggie Box Operations: Support in preparing produce for sales and distribution, including sorting, packing, and labeling according to quality standards.

• Food Preservation: processing food to prolong shelf life and produce value added products as needed.
• Sales: setting up and running the on farm market and possibly a farmer’s market stand.

2) Animal care

• Feeding and milking cows
• Feeding chickens and collecting their eggs
• Moving temporary fences
• Cleaning stalls

3) Farm maintenance

• Cutting grass
• Equipment upkeep,
• Maintaining irrigation systems,
• Snow removal, etc..

Qualifications:

• As part of this postion benifits from grant funding, the applicant needs to: 
  • Be under 30 years of age
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person who has been granted refugee status in Canada
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to tasks
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new farming techniques and technologies
• Flexibility regarding work hours, especially during peak season
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and organization in work areas

Assets:

• Previous experience in farming or gardening, especially in organic vegetable production, is advantageous but not required
• Passion for sustainable and organic farming practices
• Driver’s license and car is an asset

Benefits:

• Starting at $18 per hour, or more possibly depending on experience
• Receive weekly fruits and vegetables from the farm for personal consumption
• Opportunity to learn and grow following organic farming practices
• Potential to steward certain crops and or have your own plot to manage
• Competitive wages and potential for growth within the farm
• Work in a supportive and collaborative team environment
• Enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to sustainable agriculture and providing fresh, healthy produce to the community

This Farm Hand position offers an excellent opportunity to be part of an organic farming operation. If you are passionate about sustainable agriculture and eager to contribute your skills to our farm, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our dedicated team.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to: 
adam@equilibriumacres.ca

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.