Summer Student - Agricultural Assistant

There are 4 positions available for 35 hours a week for a duration of 8 weeks.

To be eligible, youth must:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period*


• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment** and


• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

The Agricultural Assistant will support sustainable agriculture initiatives at Hope Farm Healing Centre, a 36-acre property in Duncan, BC. This role will directly support the ongoing agricultural development and expansion currently taking place at Hope Farm and will include tasks related to dry farming, crop planning, planting, propagation methods, composting, soils, growing and tending plants, harvesting, processing and preparing plants for market sales, building and maintaining a greenhouse, landscaping, grounds keeping and minor marketing practices.

 Key Responsibilities:

* Dry farming exploration and crop maintenance:

   - Assist in exploring and implementing dry farming techniques, including soil moisture monitoring, mulching, and organic matter enhancement.

   - Support development and maintenance of crop plans with consideration for sustainable water usage.

   - Participate in farm data collection and reporting, if trials are undertaken in collaboration with research organizations.

* General farm work:

   - Plant, harvest, and weed farm plots, including vegetables, berries, and other crops.

   - Feed, water, and care for poultry.

   - Build and maintain farm infrastructure, including greenhouses and irrigation systems.

Post-harvest processing:

    - Washing, sorting, and packaging produce for market sale or distribution.

    - Ensuring proper storage of harvested crops in alignment with sustainable practices.

* Farm and grounds maintenance:

   - Operate small farm and landscaping equipment.

   - Perform landscaping and general grounds keeping tasks to ensure the farm remains functional and welcoming.

* Requirements and Abilities:

   - Physical ability to stand, walk, stoop, crouch, or kneel for extended periods.

   - Ability to regularly lift 30 lbs or more.

   - Interest or experience in sustainable agriculture, particularly drought-resilient practices, is an asset.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture by exploring dry farming practices that address climate challenges, contributing to local food security initiatives by providing fresh produce to vulnerable populations in the Cowichan Valley, and learning innovative methods on a regenerative farm dedicated to building resilience against environmental pressures.