Summer Student, Garden Helper

Camphill Communities Ontario•Vancouver, BC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The summer student "Gardener Helper" will be an assistant as part of the Garden Team. Under the guidance and direction of the Garden Works Team Leader, the Helper will provide support with planting, weeding, harvesting, and other market garden activities required to maintain the garden as needed. This position provides an interested student with an opportunity to learn skills related to market gardening, animal care, learning to work with others in a collaborative team environment, learn from and with people with developmental disabilities. The student/helper will also learn the principals of organic farming and biodynamic farming methods, as well as direct learning in sustainable environmental, ecological and social enterprise practices. The Helper will work in a peaceful, rural environment working alongside friendly gardeners/farmers. This position is outdoors working alongside individuals with developmental disabilities.

Requirements

Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.
Must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred and is legally entitled to work in Canada.
Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions; exposure to sun, wind, rain, heat, and cold.
An interest in sustainable agriculture and market gardening.
Able to lift 50lbs.
Able to perform bending and repetitive movements with knees, lower back, hands and wrists.
Position involves sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing and pulling.
Safety conscious.
Effective communication skills verbal & written.
Able to work well within a team environment.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn and work with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Must be able to provide a recent, up to date and satisfactory criminal background check with vulnerable sector screening.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience and/or education in agriculture, environmental sustainability, or gardening.

Responsibilities

Provide support with planting, weeding, harvesting, and other market garden activities.
Maintain the garden as needed.
Learn skills related to market gardening and animal care.
Work with others in a collaborative team environment.
Learn from and with people with developmental disabilities.
Learn the principles of organic farming and biodynamic farming methods.
Learn sustainable environmental, ecological and social enterprise practices.
Work outdoors in a rural environment alongside gardeners/farmers and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Follow all safety guidelines, policies & procedures, and legislation.
Commit to full contract duration.