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Over the years the farm has developed to include 13 high tunnels and a large heated house for seedling production. We grow all our own transplants and the tunnels allow for significant season extension, allowing us to reach early spring markets with fresh greens and root crops. Later in spring, the high tunnels are home to heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. We have also developed a large packing/storage facility which allows our employees to work comfortably and efficiently while enabling appropriate storage conditions for a wide diversity of crops.
There are two main seasons at Wild Flight, with some overlap. We generally employ a crew of 12 full-time employees through the growing season (May to October) and 5 full-time employees to carry the farm through the winter market season. Our mission is to efficiently produce high-quality, organic vegetables and culinary herbs for local markets while providing living wages and career advancement opportunities for 12 employees.
Check out the descriptions of the available positions below.
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-- There are 6 positions available for the 2021 season --
Duration: Seasonal - May 3rd to mid November, but must be able to commit to working full-time until November 5th.
Description: Wild Flight Farm is seeking energetic individuals with a keen interest in growing organic food to join our 2021 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
- And truly believe that growing organic food is important and meaningful work!
Experience is 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 3:30pm with a half hour lunch break. During July and August, we add an extra hour per day by starting earlier (6:00am to 3:30pm).
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 $17.50/hour. A higher wage will be considered for applicants with at least one full season of experience working on a vegetable farm. Discounted and free organic vegetables available to take home at the end of each day is an added benefit of employment on our farm.
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 organic vegetable growing.
Please apply by: April 4th, 2021
Start date: April 25th, 2021
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.
Overview: Almost 2/3 of the produce grown at Wild Flight Farm is sold at 2 farmers markets:
- All Organic Farmers' Market in Salmon Arm on Wednesday afternoons (2-5pm)
- Revelstoke Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings (8am-1pm)
This is a full-time year-round position for an enthusiastic local 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
- Assist with vegetable planting, weeding, harvesting and packing where needed
Qualifications and Skills:
- At least one full season of experience on an organic vegetable farm
- Demonstrated customer service experience and competence
- Good mental math abilities for adding customer purchases quickly
- Must be able to lift heavy tables and 50 lb produce boxes
- Practical problem solving abilities when faced with unforeseen events
- Proficiency with website and social media platforms
- Knowledge of and experience with vegetable production methods and organic standards
- A positive, can-do attitude and a drive to work quickly and efficiently
Compensation:
- Position is full-time, year-round with more flexible hours/time off in winter months
- Wage range is $20 - $23/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: March 31st 2021
Start date: April 28th, 2021
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.
-- This position is available starting April 2021 --
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 $20 - $23/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: April 20th, 2021
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.
Check out our FaceBook and Instagram pages.
-- This position has been filled for 2021 --
The Position:
We are seeking a Field Manager, who (with guidance and training and in consultation with the Farm Manager) will be responsible for carrying out day-to-day vegetable field work. 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. 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. We are seeking a candidate who is dedicated to organic methods and looking for an opportunity, through a well-established business, to further develop their vegetable production skills.
Responsibilities:
Field Staff Management
- Organize and direct field staff on a daily basis to ensure seeding, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvest and deadlines 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.
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:
- Hands-on experience working on a vegetable farm
- Preferably a post-secondary degree or diploma in an agriculture or horticulture-related program
- Basic farm tractor and implement operation skills
- Previous experience managing and overseeing a team of people
- Knowledge of and 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, year-round with more flexible hours/time off in winter months
- Wage range is $20 - $23/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
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: March 5th 2021
Start date: April 5th, 2021
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.
Check out our FaceBook and Instagram pages.
Overview:
Wild Flight Farm is a 24-acre organic market vegetable farm in BC's North Okanagan and has provided local markets with a year-round supply of organic produce for the past 25 years. We grow a wide variety of vegetables (from Asparagus to Zucchini and everything in between) on 12-15 acres each season. Our mission is to efficiently produce high-quality vegetables and culinary herbs for local markets while providing living wages and career advancement opportunities for 12 employees.
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.
Responsibilities:
Staff Management
- Assist in the recruitment and hiring of seasonal 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
Irrigation system with 80 hand-move aluminum pipes
2 walk-behind rototillers and assorted hand tools
3-ton delivery truck, field van, and employee bicycle fleet
Office/Marketing
- Prepare weekly harvesting and packing lists of all crops going to market
- Prepare weekly fresh lists for farmers' market, restaurant, and home delivery customers
- Oversee farm newsletter, website, and social media communication
- Provide direction for admin staff to ensure office tasks are being completed
- Oversee weekly updates of the online store
- Maintain input & production records in accordance with organic certification requirements
Qualifications and Skills:
- At least 3 full seasons of experience on vegetable farms
- Preferably a post-secondary degree or diploma in an agriculture or horticulture-related program
- Competence in operating & maintaining farm tools, machinery, facilities (see list above)
- Previous experience managing and overseeing a team of people
- Proficiency with a variety of office software, website, and social media platforms
- Knowledge of and 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, year-round with more flexibility hours/time off in winter months
- $45,000 to $54,000 annualized salary (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
- Off-farm shared house available for rent
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: February 15th, 2021
Start date: March 15th, 2021
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.
Check out our FaceBook and Instagram pages.
-- This position has been filled for 2021 --
Overview:
Wild Flight Farm has been providing fresh organic fruits and vegetables to the communities of Salmon Arm and Revelstoke for over 25 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 Admin is responsible for the administrative duties of the farm. This position 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
- Write our weekly market e-newsletter
- Complete invoicing and biweekly bookkeeping
- Monitor accounts payable and receivable
- Maintain organized files of farm records
Online Store:
- 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
- Supports hiring processes and helps to onboard new farm employees
- Complete new hire paperwork, payroll, and benefit forms
- Supports Farm Manager with employee performance reviews
- Carries out biweekly payroll functions
- Collaborates with Farm Manager on workplace health and safety
- Office administration diploma with at least 3 years work experience
- Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Quick Books
- Strong attention to detail and meticulous work habits
- 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 position is anticipated to be 30 hours/week through the main farming season. While the schedule offers flexibility, this position requires a period of time each day, Monday through Friday, for correspondence with customers and to monitor the online store.
Remuneration:
- Wage range is $18 - $20/hour depending on experience.
- 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 newsletter writing you have worked on.
Apply by: March 1st, 2021
Start date: March 15th, 2021
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:
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.