Organization: Strathmere Farms http://www.strathmere.com
Location: North Gower, Ottawa, Ontario
FOOD PRODUCTION STAFF REQUIRED AT STRATHMERE:
Strathmere is looking for support staff for its fruit and vegetable
farming operations. Strathmere is a country estate in Rural South
Ottawa for weddings, conferences and events.
Since 2004, Strathmere has been developing a fruit and vegetable farm
to supply its banqueting kitchens w
ith fresh, seasonal fruit,
vegetables, herbs, edible flowers and honey. Currently, there are
about 2 acres of fruits, vegetables, and flowers as well as a 1500 sq
ft greenhouse and 3 beehives. The farm and gardens are not certified
organic, but are managed primarily in accordance of organic standards.
Strathmere is seeking 1 full time (35 hours per week) and 1 part time
(15 hours per week) staff to work in the farming/gardening operation
under management of its lead grower.
Candidates should be:
• Able to work hard physically, outside, under a variety of climatic
conditions.
• Focused and able to adapt to stressful situations.
• Enthusiastic about growing food and motivated/committed to strive
and work efficiently.
• Prior knowledge and experience with growing food using organic
methods are an asset but not required.
• Able to follow instructions and carry out tasks to completion while
attaining a high standard of quality in an efficient amount of time.
• Able to work well in a team as well as independently.
• A good communicator:
• Communicating when a task is completed and a new one needed.
• Asking questions about the proper completion of tasks.
• Working with Strathmere Chefs to ensure they have the produce needed each
week
• Welcoming Strathmere visitors into the garden and answering their
many questions.
• Having a valid drivers licence and own transportation is required
(Strathmere is not accessible by public transit).
The work season is approximately from the end of April to the end of
October, though there is flexibility in this so candidates who are not
available for this full period are still encouraged to apply.
Working hours are predominantly Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Tasks on the farm include: Seeding, bed preparation, transplanting,
irrigating, weeding, pest management, harvesting, pruning, seed
saving, composting, processing/packing, using and caring for
tools/equipment, record keeping, among other tasks associated with
fruit and vegetable farming. Other possible tasks include beehive
management and operating a small tractor (based on assessment).
In return, Strathmere’s lead grower will provide:
• All the tools needed to complete tasks given.
• Training and guidance.
• Mentorship and education about organic food production and management.
• An amicable, understanding, and safe work environment.
In addition, Strathmere will provide:
• A wage for employment commensurate of experience.
• The starting rate is minimum wage, up to $15/hour for someone with
substantial prior experience in ornamental gardening and fruit and
vegetable farming.
• Additional training required of Strathmere staff.
To apply, please send a resume, including cover letter noting if you
are interested in the full time and/or part time position, and at
least two references, to:
Glenna Camposarcone, Chief Operations Officer, Strathmere
email: glennac@strathmere.com
phone: 613-489-2409 extension 221
fax: 613-489-2630
