Organic vegetable farmers, Spring/Summer/Fall 2023, BeetBox Co-operative Farm, Ottawa, Ontario

Farm description

This is a complete farm in the city, yet surrounded by conservation area wetland and forest, with river access. Since the 1950's it has been rented to farmers by the National Capital Commission (https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/agriculture-in-the-greenbelt). This farm, now known as BeetBox Co-operative Farm, has been organic or biodynamic for at least 15 years, and was formerly known as Riverglen Farm. Our business focuses on organic vegetable production and direct-to-customer marketing. We are also quite rooted in the community through various initiatives and partnerships. Please check out our website for more info - www.beetbox.ca We would like to gradually grow the farm operations, either more vegetables or a more diverse set of ecologically responsible enterprises, in order to make better use of the land!

Farm opportunity

Hiring: Organic Vegetable Farmers Eligibility: 30 years or younger Position 1: Start of April to end of November, 40 hrs/week Position 2: Start of May to end of October, 32 hrs/week About Us: BeetBox is looking for committed workers and potential future co-op members to join our small horticulture team of young, enthusiastic organic vegetable farmers this 2023 growing season! Come work hard doing something good in a beautiful setting close to home — we're only 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa! Started in 2017, Beetbox Co-operative Farm is located on a 120-acre property bordering the Ottawa River in the North Kanata area. We grow a diversity of vegetables on a 4.5-acre rotation using organic growing methods. The farm sells its produce to local customers in the Ottawa region via our on-line and on-site farm stores and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. We consider ourselves to be part of the local community and we regularly host a large team of volunteers as part of our work force! PURPOSE OF BEETBOX: The purpose of BeetBox is to contribute to driving a cultural shift towards sustainable food production, consumption, and democratic ownership. MISSION OF BEETBOX: -Produce agricultural and food products organically -Sell products locally -Provide fair employment and liveable wages in farming -Provide co-op ownership and housing opportunities to workers, and -Provide opportunities for our community to engage with our activities and the land we steward. VISION OF BEETBOX: A world where humans participate harmoniously in our local ecosystems by enjoying the process of feeding ourselves sustainably. CULTURE OF BEETBOX: BeetBox looks to create a culture where workers and customers alike find themselves smiling more than frowning. We aim to support each other for mutual achievements. We strive for open, transparent communication among the team. We deeply respect each other, ourselves, and the land. We build community, we smash racist colonial patriarchy, and we have fun! About the Job: Tasks All of the steps of organic vegetable production including but not limited to: -Harvesting, washing, and packing vegetables. -Transplanting, seeding, weeding, pruning, trellising and irrigating crops in the field and greenhouses. -Set up and potential work at the farm store -Volunteer coordination / supervision -Friendly interaction with our customers during CSA pick-up and farm store hours -Property and equipment maintenance, fixing stuff -Other varied tasks around the farm as needed Schedule and Remuneration -Position 1: Start of April until the end of November, 5 days/wk or 40 hrs/wk -Position 2: Start of May until the end of October, 4 days/wk or 32 hrs/wk -Occasional weekend/evening work will be required -Work hours: 8:00 - 5:00 April-June & October-November, 7:00 - 4:00 July-September, 1 hr lunch unpaid -$16.50/hour Requirements -Good attitude, enthusiam and sense of humour :) -Experience in farming or other outdoor physical work is an asset -Experience working with and/or coordinating volunteers also an asset -Happy working solo or in a team -Good physical fitness and stamina - lots of bending, crouching, and lifting required (up to 50lbs) -Ability to do repetitive tasks quickly and precisely -Resilience to working in all weather conditions -Clear and concise communication skills -Creative problem solving skills -Willingness to adapt to change in a dynamic environment -Keenness to improve efficiency in all our systems and processes -Bilingualism is an asset Preference given to: -Interest in future co-op membership -Experience marketing vegetables or other products -People with social media skills -Store and re-sale products management Eligibility We require that our two 2023 workers be eligible and willing to be part of an application for certain wage subsidy grants which include the following criteria: -Aged 30 years of age or younger -Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or Canadian refugee status -Certain other eligibilty criteria may be required Benefits -Our farm is surrounded by forest, right beside the Ottawa river, in Ottawa’s Greenbelt between Nepean and Kanata North -Learn how to grow food with and for the local community -Stay in shape without going to the gym -Benefits include the equivalent of approx. one small weekly CSA basket, a 25% discount at the farm store, and access to non-marketable vegetables -Opportunity for future employment beyond the 2023 growing season -Eligibility to become a member of the co-op (farm co-owner) following one season of employment leading to greater involvement -Housing opportunities available (please let us know if you are interested in housing). How to apply If the above appeals to you and you'd like to be part of the 2023 Beetbox team, please send your resume with a brief introduction/cover letter email to csa-asc@beetbox.ca We will be reviewing applications starting in December 2022 and will be contacting interested candidates starting in early January 2023.