UBC Farm Market Garden Coordinator

UBC Farm is a model farm at the University of British Columbia. A 1.2 hectare portion of the UBC Farm lands, and several greenhouses are dedicated to the production of vegetable crops using organic methods.

The Market Garden is the centerpiece of UBC Farm, and the Market Garden Coordinator is responsible for ensuring its success.

Duties:
The Market Garden Coordinator manages and coordinates all aspects of UBC Farm's Market Garden program.

• Crop planning, including selecting crops that will be economically profitable, are well-suited to the physical characteristics of the site, and integrate well with perennial plantings and long-term land use plans for the area 
• Manages field and greenhouse production, including purchasing necessary seeds and supplies, soil preparation, plant propagation, seeding and transplanting, irrigation, weed, pest, and disease management, and harvesting 
• Develops, coordinates and supervises organic farming internship program for international and domestic students 
• Trains and supervises market garden staff, practicum students, work study students, and community and student volunteers 
• Works with the Marketing Coordinator to coordinate harvesting and sales for weekly UBC Farm Market and on-campus food outlets 
• Provides regular and annual production and financial reports 
• In collaboration with other staff, provides assistance to other staff in their program areas and with UBC Farm public event coordination

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years experience managing all aspects of a small-scale, mixed organic farming operation 
• Familiarity with university environment, preferably a university degree specializing in Agriculture or similar life science 
• Experience training and supervising staff and volunteers or interns (intercultural communication skills an asset) 
• Proven interest in teaching and good teaching skills curriculum development experience an asset 
• Superior interpersonal skills 
• Must be comfortable working in all types of weather, physically able to perform heavy garden work, and operate large equipment and common field implements 
• Flexible and dynamic, able to work in a busy and demanding environment, with long hours required during critical periods of the year 
• Good written and oral communication skills, comfortable with basic computer operation 
• Highly organized 
• Strong understanding of food security, a commitment to the principles of organic farming, and an ability to communicate these concepts to a wide audience 
• Valid driver's license

Terms:

$2945 - $3479 per month, depending on experience

Dependent upon funding, this is expected to be a full-time position commencing February 16, 2004

The long-term continuation of this position depends upon
funding and market garden revenue.

Application Instructions:
UBC Farm Market Garden Coordinator Hiring Committee
c/o Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
2357 Main Mall,
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.