Garden Assistant

**Position Summary: Position Pending Canada Summer Jobs Funding**

This position is a fixed term contract of 16 weeks. Position will start May 2024. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm with an expected 35 hours of work per week, days of work may vary due to the nature of the position and community farm. Rate of pay is $17.50 per hour.

As part of the team you will help SMUN meet its program objectives. This position has a variety of responsibilities.

**Responsibilities**:

- Support the Farm Manager in daily operations
- Assist with crop planning
- Insect and weed control, fertility monitoring and general field observation
- Cultivation activities
- Irrigation planning and implementation
- Care for seedlings prior to planting, field preparation, seeding and planting seedlings, watering, weeding, mulching, harvesting and record keeping
- Field observation with focus on quick resolution of disease and insect issues
- Grass cutting, and rototilling
- Help maintain farm with the help of staff and volunteers
- Cooperate with community partners
- Help with planning and implementation of weekly planting schedule
- Help harvest, market and deliver

**Qualifications**:

- Able to work in the field, outdoor classroom and office including hard repetitive physical work
- Some evening or special event hours may be required
- Current driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Comfortable operating farm equipment
- Good interpersonal skills
- Experience working in a team environment with proven leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with groups
- Demonstrated good organizational and record keeping skills
- Demonstrated farm experience and working knowledge of farm infrastructure
- Experience in growing using organic/biodynamic principles
- Experience working with farm machinery
- Basic carpentry skills
- Demonstrated good communication skills
- Ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds
- Self-motivated, cooperative and flexible

**Requirements**:

- Education in or volunteering in a front-line capacity in a community setting
- Education in working with persons facing barriers especially as related to mental health, substance use, and trauma
- Experience in employment services an asset but not required
- Excellent literacy in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills in English
- Demonstrated skills in problem solving and decision making under pressure
- Ability to work as a team and on your own with little supervision
- Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program
- Must be qualified to legally work in Canada
- Must be between the ages of 15-30

**How to Apply**:

- SMUN is an equal opportunity Employer. In compliance with AODA, this job posting is available in alternate format upon request. To request disability accommodation, please contact Start Me Up Niagara via telephone at 905 984 5310 ext 107.
- **Due to volume we will only be contacting those selected for an interview**_._

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Wellness program

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Work Location: In person