Lead Farm Hand / Field Operations Supervisor

at  Silver Rill Corn Ltd

Silver Rill Corn has been operating in Saanichton for almost 100 years.
Each year we grow approx 60 acres of premium quality non-GMO sweet corn that is hand-picked daily. Additionally, we grow 20 acres of other vegetables such as carrots, beets, peas, beans, kale, swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, cantaloupe, squash, watermelon, pumpkins, strawberries, loganberries, tayberries, and marionberries. The majority of our produce is sold directly to customers in our market that is open 7 days a week from June to October. This year we also plan to take on a couple wholesale partnerships with select grocery stores.
Planting begins in March and we use row covers to ensure a significant amount of corn is ready for harvest in the early summer. Harvesting initial crops begins in early May, but ramps up significantly by early July when corn is ready. During peak periods, up to 10,000 cobs are picked by hand daily in addition to other produce.
The Lead Farm Hand / Field Operations Supervisor is responsible to ensure that the best possible product is picked and that we’re keeping up with the demand for products in the market. This requires managing a field crew of up to 5 and on 2-4 different plots of land. It will be essential to provide the crew with hands-on guidance, feedback, and supervision/management. It’s important that everyone operates as a team and contributes to the running of an organized, efficient, and positive environment.

DESIRED QUALITIES

We are looking for a positive and motivated individual to take this important role. As the second-in-command in the fields, the incumbent will work closely with the Lead Grower / Owner and Market Manager. Tasks will include but are not limited to managing two field crews, driving vehicles to transport product and employees, small landscaping jobs, harvesting including picking and washing, and manual farm operations such as shoveling or hoeing. Everyone rolls-up their sleeves to get the work done. Tasks vary and change throughout the 8 months; few days are the same!

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• 2+ year’s experience in farming, preferably in a supervisory or leadership role
• Physical ability to carry out farm tasks (crouching and bending for long periods, shoveling, lifting totes of product, etc).
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Legally permitted to work in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or approved work permit)
• Ability to work efficiently independently as well as in a team setting
• Strong communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to uphold quality standards
• Flexible to changing priorities
• Passion for farming!

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience in machinery or irrigation is an asset
• Ability to speak conversational Spanish is an asset

• Why do you want to work with us?
• What is your background that you think contributes to making you the best person for the role? Include any farming experience.
• Please include two references who can speak to your abilities
• Include your most recent resum