Garden Manager Jobs in Canada

Staff, Interns, Work Shares, Volunteers

Organization: Whole Circle Farm
Duration: Feb/March 2016 to March 2017, with possibility of extension for
another season(s)
Location: Acton, GTA, Ontario (room & board available)

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT WHOLE CIRCLE FARM

Whole Circle Farm is seeking a garden manager to work closely with our two
garden co-managers in our ~6.5 acre garden for the 2016 season. Our garden
feeds a 200 member Community Supported Agriculture program and 2 farmers’
markets. This is a very demanding, highly rewarding job opportunity.

About Whole Circle Farm

Whole Circle Farm is a wholly diversified family-style organic and biodynamic
farm run by Maggie and Johann Kleinsasser. We are located between Georgetown
and Guelph (20 minute drive from both) in Acton. Our business operations
include forty head of 100% grass-fed cattle, heritage pastured Tamworth pigs,
pastured chickens and a ~6.5 acre garden. The garden grows over 80 types of
vegetables and supports a 200-member CSA and two markets (Downtown Georgetown
and Wychwood Barns, Toronto) in the summer, and a 100-member CSA and two
markets (Wychwood Barns and Toronto Botanical Gardens) through the winter and
spring.

Garden Manager

Position Overview

With support from the Garden Co-Managers, the Garden Manager is responsible
for: planning, coordinating, and directing the operation of the garden and
associated sales venues (CSA, Farmers’ Markets, and Wholesale customers); daily
supervision and management of farm staff; implementation and maintenance of the
high quality standards of the farm.

Responsibilities (shared with the Garden Co-Managers)
• Implementing 2016 crop plan
• Placing seed orders in accordance with the crop plan, as needed
• Determining soil use and rotation of crops
• Greenhouse/hoop house production, including winter hoop house production
• Planning, developing, and directing garden activities, such as land
preparation; seeding; transplanting; weeding; harvesting; post-harvest
handling; irrigation; pest management; and fertility management
• Daily supervision and direction of garden staff
• Implementing and maintaining the quality standards of the farm
• Overseeing and managing CSA pick-ups and farmers’ markets
• Administering the CSA from sign-ups at the beginning of the year to the end
of season survey
• Working to successfully fulfill CSA shareholder and farmers’ market customer
expectations
• Maintaining records, preparing reports, and composing correspondence related
to work
• Maintaining open communication with Farm Managers
• Conduct regular staff evaluations to identify issues to be addressed and any
development/training needs, and ensuring that follow up is complete
• Ensuring proper labor relations and conditions of employment are maintained
• Performing related work as required

Work Schedule and Compensation

While the hours will vary through the season, one can expect to work 60 hours
each week.

Salary: $1160/month

In addition to a salary, managers also receive:
• Room (includes private room in shared house, utilities, phone, internet,
laundry)
• Board (organic food sourced as locally as possible)
• Shared access to the farm vehicles
• Two weeks paid vacation (one week between December and February and one week
between March and November)
• Four personal days (two days between December and February and two days
between March and November)

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent organisational, prioritization and time-management skills
• Clear understanding of the principles, methods, and techniques of organic
garden management
• Experience growing a wide diversity of vegetables
• Ability to change/adjust plans on the fly while delegating tasks to many
employees
• Ability to maintain records of time, production and costs, and to make
reports and recommendations for improvement in methods and equipment
• Ability to manage the use of materials and equipment efficiently and
economically
• Knowledge of greenhouse maintenance and management
• Ability to work fast, multi-task and lead by example
• Ability to supervise junior staff, including, but not limited to: assignment
of duties, evaluating work progress, and taking disciplinary action when
necessary
• Most work tasks are performed outdoors – must be able to work outside for
long hours in the peak of summer heat and winter cold performing various tasks
• Proficient with computer use, mobile technology and Excel spreadsheet program

Assets
• Experience in a comparable garden
• Experience growing for CSAs
• Experience growing for market
• Experience with tractors and garden implements
• Experience in a management role
• Experience with movable high tunnel/hoop house production
• Experience with Non-Violent Communication
• Experience with poultry, pigs and cattle

Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum two years agricultural experience.
• Experience with sustainable or organic farming is preferred.

Support Available
• Two Garden Co-Managers who are going into their fourth season at the farm
• Tested systems have been designed for the efficient operation of most garden
activities, managers simply need to maintain these systems
• Data from all activities have been collected into organised filing to assist
in future planning
• Former garden managers are available to incoming managers throughout the
spring for consultation
• The farm managers are available to guide managers in day to day operations

To apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and two workplace references to Johann Kleinsasser
(contact information below). The addition of two communal living references is
welcome but not required.

Contact: Johann Kleinsasser, Farm Founder & Manager
Email: johann@wholecirclefarm.ca
Phone: 519-856-1384
Website: http://www.wholecirclefarm.ca