Farm Worker Operations

Salary Rate: $17.00/per hour
- Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package

Location: Cedar Glen YMCA 160 Downsview Park Blvd, North York, ON M3K 0C8 (multiple locations)

Work Hours: 37.5 hours/per week

Employment Type: Part Time Hourly Contract

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: July 15, 2023 (3 month contract)

Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2023 at 5:00pm

**Be the Spark** Join our passionate team of and help us to achieve great things in our community

YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is a year round operation, opened 7 days a week, which delivers outdoor education programs to school groups, youth and adult retreats, a day camp and an overnight camp focused on leadership development during the summer months. The centre also operates a 4 acres organic vegetable farm with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, Farm Camps, and farm stands.

Reporting to the Farm Coordinator, the Farm Worker Production is responsible for following the farm plan, organizing and carrying out the day-to-day tasks related to crop production with the key objective to maximize productivity while utilizing organic farming practices. The position provides the highest quality vegetables to all customers (Harvest Share members, Food Service staff, and on-site and off-site farm stand customers).

**In this role, you will**:

- Implement the annual farm plan, created with the Farm Coordinator, by planting seedlings in the greenhouse, transplanting, maintaining and harvesting successions of fruits vegetables on our 4-acre organic farm. At the end of the season, prepare the farm for the winter season by clearing the fields and storing farm supplies
- As a team effort, plans expected harvests and organizes distribution of actual harvests
- Lead a crew of helpers (assistant farm workers, interns, volunteers, visitors) on a day-to-day basis in an efficient and supportive manner. Supports farm operations and education on a regular basis based on needs of the farm
- Proactively supports Farm Coordinator, Farm Workers, and other farm team members. Positively participate in group meeting and coaching sessions throughout the duration of the contract
- Ensure that the daily operations of the farm as set by the team is carried out and recorded (i.e. tilling, planting, irrigating, weeding, harvesting, washing and to market, cleaning farm spaces and supplies) according to organic practices provided by Ecocert
- Track and record all farm production related activities in farm log. Monitors and follow planting and harvesting calendars as prepared by the Farm Coordinator
- Identify and propose techniques and tools to Farm Coordinator for analysis and approval. Source prices for inputs on the farm and purchase according to decisions made by Farm Coordinator
- Imagine and trouble shoot farm compost system and use of available resources or potential infrastructure to ameliorate soil health
- Follow work schedule developed by Farm Coordinator to include occasional travel between farm locations
- Perform other duties as assigned

**What you need to succeed**:

- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

**You bring**:

- Formal or informal training in organic agriculture, horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or a related field
- Minimum of 2 full seasons in a leadership role with a team of employees and using practical skills for organic market gardening
- Demonstrated leadership in leading a farm crew and providing superior customer service
- Ability to build successful communication with the Farm Coordinator to ensure continuous and efficient production
- Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with staff team, members, customers and volunteers
- Excellent written communication skills
- Routinely perform hard physical labour on a regular basis
- Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays
- Must have valid driver’s license for Harvest Share deliveries
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

**Why work for the YMCA?**

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 165 years of providing opportunities for peopl