Farm Hand

**Farm Hands**

Opa's Farming Huis is a new venture that brings together experienced local farmers who share a passion for regenerative agriculture. Working from two locations in Ottawa West, our mission is to offer the highest quality food: organically-grown vegetables; all-natural beef, pork and chicken products; and local honey - at prices that are accessible to consumers.

We are looking for two Farm Hands to help with our vegetable crops for the 2024 growing season. One full-time position is available from ~April 1 to the beginning of December (based on weather). The other full-time position is available from ~April 1 to September 1 (ideal for post-secondary students).

Most of the work will take place at our Carp Rd. location (operated in partnership with KOTT Inc.), however you may be asked occasionally to work at Opa’s Dunrobin location.

**What’s the opportunity?**

Working under the direction of our Lead Vegetable Farmer, you will be involved with all aspects of getting our vegetable subscription boxes ready for consumers, from growing to packaging.

This is labour-intensive, physical work and is an outdoor job - you will work outside 90% of the time (rain or shine)

Your regular schedule is Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. The wage range for this position is $18.00-$20.00/hour.

**Your day-to-day responsibilities**
- Helping set up for the 2024 growing season - including preparing the fields, seeding, potting up plants, transplanting into the field, setting up trellising, and irrigation
- Regular vegetable garden maintenance - weeding, watering
- Harvesting - picking and washing vegetables, and preparing vegetable boxes for delivery each week
- Preparing eggs for sale at the Farm Stand
- Serving customers at the Farm stand
- General groundskeeping and lawn maintenance
- Other related duties at either location, as required by the Farmers or Site Manager
- Preparing the fields for winter, taking down the farm set up

**What you need to succeed**
- Previous experience with growing vegetables or farming is a strong asset
- Familiarity with regenerative farming methods - or a willingness to learn about them
- Capable of heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.), and able to stand for long periods
- Quality and detail oriented
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Ability to communicate well in English

**In this position, you will be an employee of Opa’s Farming Huis partner KOTT Inc. Why join KOTT?**
- Employee recognition program - $6000 in prizes awarded/year
- Community support - $100/year given to a community organization of your choosing
- KOTT Store - employees get 50% off branded clothing
- Paid uniforms for customer-facing employees
- Annual boot allowance for Operations employees
- Employee & Family Assistance Program - free counselling, self-help resources available 24/7
- Hiring referral bonuses - $250 for each successful hire you recommend
- Performance assessments held twice/year
- Employee & family events
- Five core values guide the way we run our business
- Occupational Health & Safety is a priority

**Applicants please note**
- Reliable transportation is essential - our location is not on a bus route
- Pay will be based on skills and experience
- You must be legally eligible to work in Canada
- KOTT Inc. is an equal opportunity employer

**Job Types**: Full-time, Seasonal

**Salary**: $18.00-$20.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Dunrobin, ON K0A 1T0: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Growing vegetables: 1 year (preferred)

**Language**:

- English (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-04-01