Position: Head Farmer
Organization: Institute of Sustainable Food Systems
Location: Tsawwassen, Greater Vancouver, British Columbia
Organization: Institute of Sustainable Food Systems
Location: Tsawwassen, Greater Vancouver, British Columbia
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is currently seeking applicants for the position of Head Farmer- Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School.
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems
The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is a research and outreach institute based on KPU’s Richmond, BC, campus. Through our integrated program of applied research, extension programming, and community engagement, we investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities. We focus predominantly on British Columbia but also extend our programming to other regions. More information is available at www.kpu.ca/isfs.
The Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School
The Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) Farm School is a collaboration between the TFN and the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). The first of its kind, the school fuses sustainable agriculture and traditional indigenous food systems as tools to build community and create dialogue around land stewardship for the future. The school program is open to all with curiosity on how to feed a growing population while restoring the land. The program curriculum takes place on traditional TFN lands on a 20 acre farm that boasts a traditional medicine garden, a 2 acre mixed fruit orchard, an organic market garden, farm animals and incubator plots for continuing students. The TFN Farm School is a gathering place to raise awareness around human scaled alternative food production systems. More information is available at http://www.kpu.ca/tfnfarm.
Position Overview
- Casual Service Contract, March – Nov. 2016, may be eligible for extension or renewal in 2017
- Hours/week: 35
- Wage: $18-20/hour, dependent on experience
- Supervisor: Dr. Kent Mullinix (Director, ISFS) and Corine Singfield (TFN Farm School Coordinator, ISFS)
- Application deadline: February 28th, 2016
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced farmer to join our team. As the Head Farmer, you will be directly responsible for and facilitate, under the direction of the TFN Farm School Coordinator, all aspects of market garden and orchard cultivation, raising livestock, direct marketing, and record keeping. You will work as a team member with the Farm School Coordinator, teachers, students, and other staff and can expect to supervise students, interns, and volunteers who assist in various capacities on the farm.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Work closely with TFN Farm School Coordinator to align farming activities with TFN Farm School class and practicum requirements whenever possible
- Lead all aspects of cultivating the orchard and market garden: crop planning, soil preparation, seeding, seed starting, transplanting, soil management, fertility management, tractor work, IPM, cover crop planting, harvesting
- Care for farm livestock including layers, pigs, bees
- Operate and perform routine maintenance on farm equipment and machinery including tractor
- Maintain farm records for future farm planning, financial accounting and evaluation, and for maintaining organic certification
- Assist in all aspects of direct marketing: prepare produce orders and/or CSA boxes (wash, sort, package), attend farmer’s markets
- Coordination of the farms operations with the TFN Farm School program of instruction
- Assist TFN Farm School Coordinator and Teachers in providing technical support for incubator farmers
- Participate in building/maintaining small farm structures
Qualifications
- Alignment with the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and TFN Farm School’s commitment to sustainability and adult educational programming
- A love of farming and a passion for sharing your knowledge with others
- Positive, professional and collaborative attitude and demeanor
- Interest in working with a diversity of people including the Tsawwassen First Nation community
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently
- Class 5 driver’s license
- Ability to work outside for long periods of time in difficult weather conditions, ability to lift 50lbs
- Minimum two years of farming experience including vegetables, fruit, and livestock, preferably on Certified Organic farm(s)
- Knowledge of and experience operating small scale farming tools/equipment including tractors
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to Corine Singfield (TFN Farm School Coordinator, ISFS) at:corine.singfield 
kpu.ca*
and copy Caitlin Dorward (Senior Research Associate, ISFS) at:caitlin.dorward kpu.ca*
by the application deadline of February 28th, 2016.
kpu.ca*and copy Caitlin Dorward (Senior Research Associate, ISFS) at:caitlin.dorward
kpu.ca*by the application deadline of February 28th, 2016.
When applying, please indicate that you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.
