Field Coordinator I

Job Category

Non Union Farm Workers

Job Title

Field Coordinator I

Department

Field Technicians | Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Posting End Date

December 15, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Nov 30, 2024

Job Summary

The Field Coordinator supports on-site research, teaching, and community programs in two complementary ways:

• coordinating and performing a variety of moderately complex land stewardship and crop production activities;

• providing basic agricultural services and consultation to other site participants (e.g. researchers, instructors, and community program leaders).

Organizational Status
Reports to the Lead Field Coordinator. Interacts daily with other UBC Farm Field and Sales staff. Works in a collaborative environment with other staff at the UBC Farm, the CSFS, and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. May supervise 2 or 3 seasonal field workers or assistants. Provides in-field task supervision and practical training to other student employees, students, and volunteers.

Work Performed

Coordinates and oversees day-to-day land stewardship and production activities for a defined range of agricultural crops.

Provides basic agricultural services and consultation to other site participants (e.g. researchers, instructors, and community program leaders).

Occasionally assists other field staff with the production of other field grown annual fruits and vegetables, field grown perennial fruits and vegetables, greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables, forest products, herbs, cut flowers, vegetable seeds, and/or poultry.

Land stewardship and production activities coordinated or performed by the Field Coordinator may include (but are not limited to) plant propagation, field cultivation, irrigation installation, irrigation management, mowing, pesticide application, nutrient application, hoop house construction, pruning, harvesting, poultry care, field scouting, invasive species control, compost management, data collection, and record keeping.

Provides practical training and limited theoretical instruction to student workers, practicum students, student interns, and volunteers.

Assists the Lead Sales Coordinator with weekly crop harvest planning based on product supply and also with monitoring the quality and safety of crops. Occasionally assists with the sale and direct-marketing of crops.

Assists with general operational tasks such as selection, procurement, maintenance, and repair of field equipment, tools, and supplies.

Conducts all site activities in alignment with standard operating procedures and record keeping systems. Occasionally assists with the development and refinement of these procedures and systems.

Assists the Lead Field Coordinator and the Farm Operations Manager with annual farm plans detailing cropping decisions and production trends.

May occasionally perform essential site staffing duties such as seedling watering and poultry care on weekends.

Performs other operational duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Field Coordinator is a representative of the CSFS and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. This individual’s approach and delivery of information in dealing with the general public and a variety of site users present at the UBC Farm site reflect on these units. Therefore, ensuring a high regard for professionalism, safety, and adherence to UBC policies is of considerable importance. When dealing with equipment, the Field Coordinator will need to critically assess each operation before proceeding in order to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. When using high-powered equipment, poor judgment of the operating conditions and context can result in operator injury or death. Safety orientations and training will be provided before the assignment of tasks that require the use of such equipment. Day-to-day decisions regarding crop planting, care, and harvest have a considerable impact on crop quality and timing, which in turn impacts the financial viability, teaching quality, and research capacity of the farm.

Supervision Received
Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Lead Field Coordinator. Must show a significant degree of autonomy and be able to make day-to-day decisions independently, but refers unusual problems and high-impact decisions to superiors.

Supervision Given
May oversee and direct the work of a small group of junior staff or student employees. May provide input into seasonal staff selection and performance evaluation. Trains and supervises new employees, students, and volunteers; and is responsible for the accuracy, production and control of the work.

Working Conditions

Work takes place both indoors and outdoors at the UBC Farm. Shared indoor office space is provided at the UBC Farm, though the incumbent will be required to communicate with other UBC Farm staff to avoid space conflicts. Outdoor duties are performed in all kinds of weather, involve manual field work and entail the use of a wide variety of equipment and machinery. Large heavy machinery includes tractors, discs, rototillers, ploughs and compost spreaders. Smaller equipment includes brush cutters, backpack sprayers, pressure washers, powered shop tools, hand tools, and small lawnmowers. Potential hazards include falls, cuts, burns, exposure to vibrating and/or noisy equipment, repetitive motion injuries, exposure to pesticides, and exposure to inclement weather. When special events or circumstances require, work may be performed after normal business hours and on weekends. Because of the seasonal nature of work at the UBC Farm, a heavier workload is the norm from April through October. A rotating or non-standard work schedule (e.g. Tuesday through Saturday) may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a technical program and a minimum two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a university degree is an asset.

A valid BC Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate is an asset.

Training and work experience in diversified, organic vegetable and/or fruit production preferred.

Experience working within a large public-sector organization (e.g. a university or government organization) is an asset.

Experience with UBC, the UBC Farm, other regional organic farms, and/or other research or educational farms is an asset.

Demonstrated technical competence with and theoretical understanding of a broad range of horticultural and land management techniques.

Ability to safely and efficiently operate and maintain a broad range of hand tools, power tools, tractors, field implements, and other agricultural equipment.

Intermediate computer skills and an ability to record, manage, and manipulate data using Microsoft Excel.

Effective verbal and written communication, leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Ability to work efficiently and safely both independently and within a team environment.

Ability to multitask, exercise sound judgment, and solve minor problems independently.

Must be physically fit and enjoy hard work outdoors in all weather conditions for long days.

Must have the ability to lift 45 lbs repetitively and 70 lbs occasionally.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and have experience operating manual transmissions.

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