Farm Technician
We are seeking someone with a passion for hands-on farm work to join our team! This is a full-time, year round position with competitive pay and many perks.
Are you interested in organic orcharding on a nearby farm that produces award-winning cider? Do you love working outdoors and physical labour? Would friends describe you as a savvy trouble-shooter? Then we’d love to hear from you!
The Job
On a day to day basis you take hands-on responsibility for the harvest of everything we grow on the farm, as well as the maintenance of the gardens, the forest, and farm-related infrastructure and equipment. Your work week is generally 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, rain or shine. Farm work at Sea Cider covers everything from pruning and weed-eating to repairing the fence and feeding the chickens. The work varies by season.
About Us
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse grows certified organic cider apples and produces award-winning cider and sparkling juice near Victoria, BC. We strive to create exceptional cider experiences while supporting local food security, providing safe and fulfilling work for staff, and operating as a value-driven business. We have a sense of humour and a positive outlook; we are kind, conscientious and reliable; we enjoy collaborating and learning from one another; and we are tenacious in our efforts to produce award-winning cider and positive customer experiences. We offer competitive pay, extra perks, a flexible schedule and more.
About You
- Education: Post secondary degree, diploma or certification in horticulture, agronomy, agrology or similar preferred.
- Vocational experience in farming, orcharding, vineyards, horticulture, landscaping or similar required.
- Carpentry, facility maintenance, repair work, and experience with power tools are an asset.
- Machinery operation: experience with farming equipment preferred, and a willingness to learn how to drive a tractor and forklift and operate apple pressing equipment.
- Coordination: No experience necessary, but an aptitude for and an eagerness to learn skills in supervision, project management and inventory management.
- Software: familiarity with common software programs (eg Google Sheets) an asset
- Communication skills: good
- Personal aptitude: initiative and sense of accountability for meeting company goals. Curiosity, great listening skills and openness to feedback. Ability to work well with others and to jump in to help when needed.
- Ability to work independently and problem solve.
- Work week flexibility: Able to work a Monday to Friday “8:30 to 4:30” work week, but willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the business.
- The physical strength to safely and manually carry heavy harvest crates several times daily, prune trees, operate a weed eater and other physically demanding tasks for hours at a time. Willingness to work outside, even in cold and wet conditions.
- A valid Class 5 driver’s license.
- A desire to work for a business that is growing and seeking to continually improve
Compensation: $43,000 to $48,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food and beverages
- Extended health care covering dental care, prescriptions, disability insurance, life insurance, travel insurance and other medical services (after three months of employment)
- Free on-site parking
- Mileage reimbursement for work related travel
- No early mornings
- No late nights
- On farm staff housing (optional)
- Paid time off for sickness, bereavement or extreme weather events
- Paid vacation time
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities *
- Staff discount
- Technology allowance (computer, cell phone)
- Training in organic orcharding, project management, inventory management and leadership
* Must work at least 30 hours per week for one year to qualify
Schedule: Full time, four or five day work weeks, year round. Eg. Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm or Tuesday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Work remotely: no
How to Apply
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply in confidence with a resume plus a cover letter that describes how you meet the requirements for the position. Please email this information to hr@seacider.ca no later than Tuesday, Jan 31st 2023. We thank all applicants for applying; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.