Organization: Hendrick Farm / Ferme Hendrick http://hendrickfarm.ca
Location: Chelsea, Quebec (20 mins north of Ottawa)
Start Date: May 12, 2015
End Date: Aug 28, 2015
Term: 16 weeks (Possibility of 4 week extension)
Background
Hendrick Farm is located at the heart of historic Old Chelsea village.
The farm continues to act as an important reminder of the agricultural
and rural heritage of the area. Our farming principles are aimed at
building healthy soils as well as to maintain a diverse and balanced
ecosystem within the surrounding environment. We are a certified
organic vegetable farm and the centrepiece of a community plan that
was developed with food in mind. We grow over 80 varieties of
certified organic vegetables chosen for their quality and taste
including six garlic types and seven potato cultivars. The farm also
manages two fields of picturesque flowers selected for the local
market. The farm property is just over 100 acres and includes a
seedling greenhouse, trail network, a healthy forest and creek system,
and is home to numerous community events throughout the season.
The Team
At Hendrick Farm, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a
diverse and energetic team. We are builders, horticulturalists,
planners, and farmers. We are friendly, goal-oriented, organized and
focused.
Responsibilities
This position reports to the Field Manager. Hendrick Farm is focused
on growing high-quality market produce. We maintain healthy crop
biodiversity thorough responsible farming practice. Hendrick Farm
provides task-specific training in order to establish proper
understanding and fulfillment of responsibilities. The organic crops
field assistant will accomplish:
• Seedling care, soil preparation, and field transplanting
• Plant health including weed control, pest management, irrigation
• Harvest crops efficiently with consistency towards quality
• Flower production, garlic braiding, and seed saving
• Assist with our on-farm market and community supported agriculture
(csa) program
• Clean-up and tool maintenance
The Ideal Candidate
This position involves the use of field tools, carrying small loads,
and accomplishing daily responsibilities in all weather. We would like
to find a dynamic person with the following merits:
• Interested in small-scale organic agriculture
• Demonstrated professionalism and willing to excel by optimising farm skills
• Good team communicator and ability to work alongside volunteers
• Punctual, responsible, and positive-minded
• Manage the physical and mental process during routine and flexible
task schedules
• Someone able to communicate in a bilingual atmosphere
• Transportation reliable. There may be some possibility for
ride-sharing and many of our employees choose to cycle to work when
appropriate.
Schedule
This position requires 28 hours a week across a 4 day schedule. The
schedule begins Tuesday morning and ends Friday afternoon. The work
day is 8 hours and generally operates from 8am until 4 pm. A one hour
lunch break is taken daily to recharge, eat, and enjoy the
surroundings. We understand that time off for personal reasons may be
necessary. We are happy to accommodate the needs of the farm team and
aim to exchange days or suggest schedule alternates if needed.
Conditions
Farm accommodations, transport, and food are the responsibility of the
intern. Hendrick Farm provides all farming tools; however proper
footwear, sun protection, and rain clothing is the responsibility and
preference of the worker. A weather shelter, lunching area, potable
water, full washroom and shower are provided on-site. We ask that pets
remain at home, that phone habits remain out of field and that a
sanitary environment is maintained when using tools and handling
crops.
Benefits
Employees of Hendrick Farm enjoy the benefits of working where food is
grown. A weekly vegetable basket is provided and surplus harvest is
always shared when possible. In addition, when the market flowers are
in bloom, extra stems or bouquets are gladly shared. We believe in a
work hard attitude with a focus on the end of day reward. The farm
team enjoys bbq’s, access to community events, workshops, and an
environment surrounded by food, design, and nature.
To Apply
We look forward to hearing from you. Please write a couple of
paragraphs outlining why you would like to work at Hendrick Farm and
how you can be an asset to the farm team this summer. We would also
like to know more about your professional background and other skills
that may be useful in the farm setting. You can write to us here:
lacroix@hendrickfarm.ca
We look forward to hearing from you!