-- Five Grower/Packer positions available spring 2024. Please apply in February/March. --

Duration: Seasonal, full-time from  April/May to mid November, 2024

Description: Wild Flight Farm is seeking energetic individuals with a keen interest in growing organic food to join our 2024 farm team. The work varies from week to week and will include transplanting, weeding, harvesting and preparation of produce for market, among other tasks.  This work is best suited for people who:

- Have good physical fitness

- Enjoy working outdoors

- Are comfortable bending and kneeling for extended periods of time

- Don't mind getting your hands dirty

- Enjoy working as part of a team to meet deadlines

- Can maintain a positive attitude despite the adverse conditions that outdoor work often involves

- Truly believe that growing organic food is important and meaningful work!

Experience is definitely an asset but we are happy to train people who have a positive attitude and are eager to learn new skills.

Schedule: Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 4:00pm with a half hour lunch break. During July and August, we start an hour earlier (6:00am to 3:00pm) to beat the heat. Late days can be expected on occasion to complete work.

Accommodation: Applicants should live, or be willing to re-locate to within a 30 minute commute of the farm location in Mara. That includes the communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby, Grindrod, or Sicamous. On-farm accommodation is not available, however assistance in finding housing can be provided.

Remuneration: The starting wage is $20/hour. A higher wage will be considered for applicants with at least one full season of experience working on a vegetable farm. Other perks include access to discounted and free organic vegetables, an equipment allowance, mentorship from a knowledgeable team, career growth opportunities, and access to a private dock and beach for recreation.

How to Apply? E-mail your resume to produce@wildflightfarm.ca or fax 250-838-6330.
Please include a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this job and the specific skills/experience you have that match the work description and would prepare you for the challenges of helping to grow organic vegetables.

Please apply by March 31st, 2024

Start dates available between April 4th and July 3rd, with most available in early May.

While we thank all who apply, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
ONLY applications from Canadian residents will be considered.

Find Out More: Click here for a short drone video of the farm. Newsletters posted to the Wild Flight Farm Facebook page contain more photos and descriptions of work on the farm. More farm-life photos on our Instagram page.  There's also a nice write-up of the farm in this issue of BC Organic Grower.

  -- This position has been filled for 2023 --

Overview: Almost 2/3 of the produce grown at Wild Flight Farm is sold at 2 farmers markets:

1. All Organic Farmers' Market in Salmon Arm on Wednesday afternoons (2-5pm)
   
2. Revelstoke Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings (8am-1pm)
   

This is a full-time year-round position for an enthusiastic, farmers' market sales person.

The Position:

Responsibilities:

• Monitor produce quality as it is being packed
  
• Drive large delivery truck to and from markets
  
• Set-up, operate, and take-down a large produce market stand in all weather
  
• Supervise and work together with additional market staff
• Keep accurate records of produce sales and returns
  
• Make notes and prepare a weekly farmers' market report
  
• Oversee farm newsletter, website, and social media communication

-- This position has been filled for 2023 --

Overview:

Our farm relies on its one heated greenhouse for producing vegetable starts and 13 high tunnels for season extension and summer crop (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, spring mix) production.

The Position:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our organic farm team as a Greenhouse Lead. Main tasks will be hands-on operation of our seedling production house and high tunnels used for hot-crops and season extension, implementing and tracking details involved in seedling production, post-harvest quality control, and instructing and directing staff.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who wants to gain experience at a well-established organic farm or is looking for a stable position that can be extended to year-round. Position is dynamic, with transition from greenhouse duties during the growing season to packing for winter markets and assisting in project planning during the off-season.

Responsibilities:

Staff Management

• Organize and direct staff on a daily basis
  
• Ensure seeding, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvest and processing/packing deadlines are met.
• Work along side staff as needed to provide instruction and assist in completing tasks.
• Create, by example, a positive, co-operative and energetic work environment in which productivity and quality are emphasized.

Greenhouse Operations

• Assist in developing schedules for successive seedings/plantings of greenhouse crops and ensure that they are followed on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Monitor and manage weeding, irrigation and pest/disease control in a timely, pro-active manner.
• Oversee post-harvest handling of high-tunnel crops for market.
• Oversee management of soil fertility in high tunnels though composting and other inputs.
• Maintain careful records of all seeding, planting, harvesting and soil inputs.
• Participate in research into crop varieties and management practices for improved greenhouse production.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Hands-on experience working on a vegetable farm, including experience in greenhouse/high tunnel management
• Preferably a post-secondary degree or diploma in an agriculture or horticulture-related program
• Competence in operating walk-behind rototillers
• Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills
• Experience with organic production methods and organic standards
• A positive, can-do attitude and a drive to work quickly and efficiently

Compensation:     

• Position is full-time from April - November with the option of more flexible hours in winter months
• Wage range is $21 - $25/hour depending on experience with yearly compensation reviews
• Extended health benefits package, including medical, dental and visual coverage
• Access to discounted and free farm produce for personal/family use

How to Apply?

Email your resume to Produce@WildFlightFarm.ca.

Please include a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this job and the specific skills/experience you have that match the work description and skills required.

Apply by: This position is filled for 2023.

Start date: N/A

While we thank all who apply, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
ONLY applications from Canadian residents will be considered.

Find Out More: Click here for a short drone video of the farm. Newsletters posted to the Wild Flight Farm Facebook page contain more photos and descriptions of work on the farm. More farm-life photos on our Instagram page.  There's also a nice write-up of the farm in this issue of BC Organic Grower.

 -- This position is currently open. Please apply. --

The Position:

We are seeking a Field Lead who will be responsible for organizing and carrying out day-to-day vegetable field work in consultation with the Farm Manager. The work includes bed preparation for seeding/planting, mechanical cultivation, and directing up to 10 employees to plant, weed, irrigate, and harvest all field-grown vegetable crops. Other tasks include collaboration with farm co-leads overseeing other sectors to create a daily work plan to allot help and resources to most urgent tasks. Familiarity with operating a range of equipment from 80 hp tractors and tillage implements to smaller cultivating tractors is an necessary skill.

This is a full-time, year-round position with winter work shifting to washing and packing vegetables for markets. This position is suited to someone with relevant experience and education in market vegetable production who wants to settle into the role for 2+ years. We are seeking a candidate who is dedicated to organic methods and looking for an opportunity to hone their knowledge, leadership, and teamwork skills in a collaborative and production-oriented environment.

Responsibilities:

Field Staff Management

• Organize and direct field staff on a daily basis to ensure seeding, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvest and timelines are met.
• Work alongside less experienced staff as needed to provide instruction and assist in completing tasks.
• Create, by example, a positive, co-operative and energetic work environment in which productivity and quality are emphasized.
• Offer both positive and constructive feedback to fellow staff regarding tasks and performance

Field Operations

• Assist in developing daily & weekly work plans for successive seedings/plantings of field crops
• Conduct primary tillage operations and final vegetable bed preparation
• Monitor and manage weeding, irrigation and pest/disease control in a timely, pro-active manner
• Carry out weekly mechanical weed control activities
• Apply compost and other materials to maintain soil fertility
• Maintain careful records of all seeding, planting, harvesting and soil inputs.
• Participate in vegetable planting, weeding, harvesting as required

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• At least 2 years hands-on experience on market vegetable farms
• A positive, can-do attitude and a drive to work quickly and efficiently
• Basic farm tractor and implement operation skills
• Previous experience managing, directing, and working with staff
• Knowledge of and experience with organic production methods and organic standards
• Preferably a post-secondary degree or diploma in an agriculture or horticulture related program

Compensation:

• Position is full-time, year-round with more flexible hours in winter months
• Wage range is $22.50 - $27/hour depending on experience with yearly compensation reviews
• Extended health benefits package, including medical, dental and visual coverage
• Access to farm produce, as seasonally available, for personal/family use
• Access to rental housing if needed

How to Apply?

Email your resume or related questions to Produce@WildFlightFarm.ca

Please include a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this job and the specific skills/experience you have that match the work description and skills required.

Apply by: March 30th, 2024

Start date: ASAP

While we thank all who apply, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Find Out More: Click here for a short drone video of the farm. Newsletters posted to the Wild Flight Farm Facebook page contain more photos and descriptions of work on the farm. More farm-life photos on our Instagram page.  There's also a nice write-up of the farm in this issue of BC Organic Grower.

The Position:

We are seeking a Farm Manager, who (with guidance and training) will gradually assume responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the farm. The Farm Manager will work in a team environment and in close cooperation with the Field and Greenhouse Leads.

Duties will include organizing and directing employees, managing and tracking the many aspects of vegetable crop production and marketing, and working alongside the farm crew in harvesting and packing as needed. This position is suited to someone with 3 years experience in vegetable production who is dedicated to organic methods and looking for an opportunity, through a well-established business, to make a sustainable living providing good food to the local community. In addition, there is an opportunity to take on an ownership role in the farm business either as an individual, in partnership with someone else, or through the establishment of a worker co-op.

Responsibilities:

Staff Management

• Assist in the recruitment and hiring of seasonal and permanent staff
• Develop daily work plans in consultation with the Field and Greenhouse Leads
  
• Help organize and direct staff to ensure seeding, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvest and processing/packing deadlines are met
• Ensure that the farm has all necessary supplies, tools, and equipment.
• Work alongside staff as needed to provide instruction and assist in completing tasks
• Create, by example, a positive, co-operative and energetic work environment in which productivity and quality are emphasized

Farm Operations

• Assist in developing schedules for successive plantings of field crops, and ensure that they are followed
• Help Field Lead coordinate weekly weeding, irrigation and pest/disease control plans
• Monitor quality control of post-harvest handling and packing of produce for markets
• Oversee management of soil fertility though seeding of green manures and other inputs
• Maintain careful records of all planting, harvesting and crop/soil inputs
• Coordinate maintenance and repair of farm tools, equipment, and facilities:

                     5 tractors with assorted field tillage implements
                     13 high tunnels, 1 heated greenhouse
                     7000 sq. ft. packing facility with refrigerated storage rooms
                    Electronically controlled permanent irrigation system
                    2 walk-behind rototillers, a BCS, and assorted hand tools
                    3-ton delivery truck, field van, and employee bicycle fleet

 -- This position has been filled --

Wild Flight Farm has been providing fresh organic fruits and vegetables to the communities of Salmon Arm and Revelstoke for 30 years through traditional farmers' markets.  Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic we've also added an online market and ordering system with pick-ups in these communities.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Office Administrator is responsible for the administrative duties of the farm. This position is permanent and will carry out general admin and bookkeeping functions, maintenance of the online store, and provide human resource support.

General Admin Responsibilities:

• Respond to customer queries/complaints via email, telephone and social media
• Maintain website and social media presence
• Order farm supplies
• Prepare market materials
• Prepare shipping schedule for weekly Kelowna delivery
• Complete invoicing and biweekly bookkeeping
• Monitor accounts payable and receivable

• Maintain organized files of farm records

Online Store:

• Edit and print 50-150 order slips per market using Excel
• Regular updates of store produce lists and inventories
• Adjusting produce photos and descriptions
• Managing and monitoring order payments
• Providing customer support over phone and email for online orders

• Office administration diploma with at least 3 years work experience
  
• Must have proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Quick Books
• Strong attention to detail and meticulous work habits
• Remain calm under tight time deadlines
• Experience with providing helpful and friendly customer service
• Familiarity with organic agriculture and vegetable production will be an asset
• Social media and photography skills are advantageous
  

Wild Flight Farm is a team-oriented environment, and this position may contribute to other farm related administrative work as required by growing and changing business needs.

Schedule:

This permanent position is ideal for someone looking for 15-20 hours per week in the summer season, with the winter season accumulating 10-15 hours weekly. Hours worked will be weekdays Monday-Friday with a flexible hours between home and office available, although applicants must be at the farm for certain days and early mornings to complete market preparations. There is also an option for the office assistant to help with field and packing tasks around the farm, to make it a full time position with 40-45 hours/week.

Remuneration:

• Wage range is $20 - $21/hour depending on experience with annual reviews
  
• Extended health benefits package, including medical, dental and visual coverage
• Access to discounted and free farm produce for personal/family use

How to Apply?

Email your resume to: Produce@WildFlightFarm.ca

Please include a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this job and the specific skills/experience you have that match the work description.  If you are able, please include examples of any social media or creative writing you have worked on.

Apply by: N/A

Start date: As soon as possible

While we thank all who apply, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
ONLY applications from Canadian residents will be considered.

Find Out More: Click here for a short drone video of the farm. Newsletters posted to the Wild Flight Farm Facebook page contain more photos and descriptions of work on the farm. More farm-life photos on our Instagram page.  There's also a nice write-up of the farm in this issue of BC Organic Grower.