Employment

Beyond-Organic Vegetable & Fruit Farm Supervisor

Now Accepting Applications

As a Beyond-Organic Vegetable & Fruit Farm Supervisor at Elk Root Conservation, you will play an essential role in working in our certified organic Regenerative Educational Community Food Gardens (RECFG), a groundbreaking food production design that addresses hunger relief in a ‘beyond’ organic regenerative way. At Elk Root Conservation we believe that local food security and protecting the planet go hand-in-hand.  ERC’s ‘beyond’ organic regenerative agriculture practices, which we have named ‘BORA’ are innovative techniques including climate change adaptive and chemical-free approaches to create biodiverse, productive and environmentally regenerative food garden environments.  

As part of your job you will be growing, harvesting, packing and distributing fresh food for our Community Food Box Program in collaboration with Circle of Indigenous Nations (COINS) and other social service organizations, to serve the Kootenay region. Your job will involve a diverse array of tasks related to this innovative project. 

Tasks & Responsibilities  

Specific tasks and supervisory duties include: 

• Directly assisting with all tasks related to the RECFG and the Community Food Box Program.  

• Supervising, training, and delegating tasks to Beyond-Organic Vegetable & Fruit Farm Workers.   

• Planning and building various on-farm structures, such as wildlife protective fences, irrigation systems, greenhouses, and garden plots.   

• Collaborating with and working alongside Beyond-Organic Vegetable & Fruit Farm Workers in diverse tasks related to invasive plant removal, planting trees, compost building, applying plant nutrition, mulching, mowing, weed whacking, and non-toxic organic pest management.  

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting flowers, bushes, and shrubs  

• Wheelbarrowing, compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, and mulching   

• Assisting with ERC’s environmental education program delivery on-site for the community from children to seniors.  

• Preparing for and interacting with the public at Farmer’s Markets and other community events on and off-farm.  

• Perform general farm tasks including but not limited to the production, storage, and distribution of farm produce. 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to supervise and participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.  

Education & Experience 

• At least two years in a supervisory role

• Previous farm experience required  

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently 

• Strong verbal communication skills 

• Proven leadership experience 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification 

• Ability to perform physical work for the season

  Reports to: Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director  

  Renumeration: $22-24 per hour, commensurate with experience  
  Status: full-time contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
  Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

  Anticipated Start date: mid-late April, 2025 

Beyond-Organic Vegetable & Fruit Farm Worker

Now Accepting Applications

As a Beyond-Organic Vegetable Farm Worker at not-for-profit Elk Root Conservation (ERC), you will play an essential role working in our certified organic Regenerative Educational Community Food Gardens (RECFG), a groundbreaking food production design that addresses hunger relief in a ‘beyond’ organic regenerative way. At Elk Root Conservation, we believe that local food security and protecting the planet go hand-in-hand.  ERC’s ‘beyond’ organic regenerative agriculture practices, which we have named ‘BORA’ are innovative techniques including climate change adaptive and chemical-free approaches to create biodiverse, productive and environmentally regenerative food garden environments. 

You will be growing, harvesting, packing and distributing fresh food for ERC’s Community Food Box Program in collaboration with Circle of Indigenous Nations (COINS) and other social service organizations, to serve the Kootenay region. Your job will involve a diverse array of tasks related to this innovative project.   

Tasks & Responsibilities 

• Directly assisting with all tasks related to the RECFG, the Community Food Box Program, and CSA Program. 

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting starts, shrubs, transplants, and fruit trees. 

• Pruning, deadheading, wheelbarrowing, mowing, weed wacking, edging, etc.  

• Garden ground prep such as garden bed digging, compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, mulching, and non-toxic organic pest management.  

• Food harvesting, washing and packing.  

• Erecting greenhouses, fencing, trellises, and other farm structure construction.  

• Assisting with ERC’s environmental education program delivery on-site for the community from children to seniors.   

• Interacting with the public at the farm stand, food delivery, farmer’s markets and other community events on and off-farm.   

• Perform general farm tasks and related inventory management, including but not limited to the production, storage, and distribution of food. 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.  

Education & Experience  

• Previous farm experience an asset 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently  

• Strong verbal communication skills  

• Problem-solving abilities  

• Passion for environmental stewardship   

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback   

• Adaptable  

• Technical knowledge of plant identification an asset 

• Ability to perform physical work for the season   

Reports to: Habitat Restoration, Farm& Apiary Director  

Renumeration: $21.82 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start Date: Last week of April or 1st week of May, 2025 

Anticipated End Date: 16 weeks of employment

Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Supervisor

Now Accepting Applications

As the Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Supervisor at Elk Root Conservation, you will play a crucial role working on the upkeep of ERC’s incredible Educational Demonstration Farm, including the Pollinator Gardens, Orchard & Apiary. ERC’s gardens are designed to highlight environmental stewardship, and our innovative bee wellness and organic regenerative agriculture practices.  

The outcome is a nutritional pollinator buffet of blooms and fruit for our diverse community to enjoy…furry, finned, winged, web-footed and human alike! In caring for our gardens, you will also gain experience with the Horticultural Pollinator and Bee Gardens, integrated orchard/gardens food forest, bee forage cropped landscape, and Native Plant Educational Demonstration Garden. The role is a supervisor role at Elk Root Conservation, supporting and leading our Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Helpers. 

Tasks & Responsibilities 

• Supervising, training, and delegating tasks to the Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Helpers.  

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting starts, shrubs, transplants, and fruit trees.  

• Pruning, deadheading, wheelbarrowing, mowing, weed whacking, edging, etc.  

• Garden ground prep such as garden bed digging, compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, mulching, and non-toxic organic pest management. 

• Erecting greenhouses, fencing, trellises, and other farm structure construction.  

• Assisting with ERC’s environmental education program delivery on-site for the community from children to seniors.   

• Preparing for and interacting with the public at Farmer’s Markets and other community events on and off-farm.  

• Essentially, doing everything required to help develop our educational outdoor spaces and to create and maintain a beautiful, integrated farm-garden ecosystem. 

You will perform independent work while also receiving mentorship and instruction from ERC’s founder and Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director Kate Mizenka. You will be interacting with other members of ERC’s Board, ERC management team, community members, partners, and other employees on a daily basis. You will work on-site at the Demonstration Farm in Vallican, BC and at local community events and pop-ups as needed. 

Education & Experience 

• At least two years in a supervisory role

• Previous farm and/or garden experience required 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently 

• Strong verbal communication skills 

• Leadership 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Acceptive/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable 

Reports to: Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director 
Renumeration: $22-24 per hour, commensurate with experience 

Status: full-time contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat) 

Anticipated Start date: mid-late April 2025 

Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Helper

Now Accepting Applications

As a Beyond-Organic Farmscape, Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Helper at Elk Root Conservation, you will play an essential role working on the upkeep of ERC’s incredible Educational Demonstration Farm, including the Pollinator Gardens, Orchard & Apiary. ERC’s gardens are designed to highlight environmental stewardship, and our innovative bee wellness and ‘beyond’ organic regenerative agriculture practices.  

The outcome is a nutritional pollinator buffet of blooms and fruit for our diverse community to enjoy…furry, finned, winged, web-footed and human alike! In caring for our gardens, you will also gain experience with the Horticultural Pollinator and Bee Gardens, integrated orchard/gardens food forest, bee forage cropped landscape, and Native Plant Educational Demonstration Garden.  

Specifically, your tasks and responsibilities will include:   

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting starts, shrubs, transplants, and fruit trees.  

• Pruning, deadheading, wheelbarrowing, mowing, weed wacking, edging, etc. 

• Garden ground prep such as garden bed digging compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, mulching, and non-toxic organic pest management. 

• Erecting greenhouses, fencing, trellises, and other farm structure construction. 

• Assisting with ERC’s environmental education program delivery on-site for the community from children to seniors.   

• Preparing for and interacting with the public at the Farmer’s Markets and other community events on and off-farm.  

• Essentially, doing everything required to help develop our educational outdoor spaces and to create and maintain a beautiful, integrated farm-garden ecosystem.  

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. We encourage and will support you to take the lead on tasks if you are comfortable doing so.   

At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team. 

Education & Experience 

• Previous farm experience an asset 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently 

• Strong verbal communication skills 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification an asset 

• Ability to perform physical work for the season  

Reports to: Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director  

Renumeration: $21.82 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start Date: Last week of April or 1st week of May 2025 

Anticipated End Date: 16 weeks of employment 

Wildlife Field Technician

Now Accepting Applications

As a Wildlife Technician at Elk Root Conservation, you will play a key role working on a variety of habitat restoration projects (from bats to bees), with a primary focus on our Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery, and Pollinator Highway Project (PHP). The PHP is an innovative 3-year pilot project that seeks to transform degraded roadside habitats, currently impacted by invasive plant species, into vibrant and sustainable environments for pollinators through the use of native flowering plants.  

Your work will involve contributing to second-year site maintenance and monitoring of the PHP, ensuring the successful establishment of native plants and the management of invasive species on-site, and at ERC. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data from monitoring efforts, which will inform adaptive management strategies and help develop best practices for future expansion of the Pollinator Highway. In addition to this, you will also assist with the development, care and management of Elk Root Conservation’s Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery and Pollinator Gardens, playing a key role in their ongoing maintenance. Additionally, you will participate in public outreach and education events to raise awareness about conservation and project goals. 

Specifically, your tasks and responsibilities will include:  

Pollinator Highway Project  

• Maintaining restoration sites by managing irrigation systems, identifying and managing invasive species, replanting and reseeding species as needed. 

• Ensuring wildlife fencing remains in place to ensure the successful establishment of native plant species in our pollinator restoration plots.  

• Monitoring restoration sites using photo plot monitoring and Daubenmire frame surveys to track the success of native plant establishment and invasive species removal.  

• Collaborating with consultants, and supervising youth team members and volunteers to ensure project goals are met efficiently and on time.  

• Planning, coordinating  and leading the Pollinator Highway Project open- house event. 

• Compiling data and preparing technical reports.  

• Planning for year 3, and Phase 2 expansion of the PHP. 

• Grant writing and project budgeting.  

  Native Plant Gardens  

• Collecting native plant seeds, plant propagation for restoration projects. 

• Identifying and cataloging native plant species.  

• Maintain and develop the gardens and pathways, including weeding, invasive species removal, irrigation, pest identification and management. 

• Inventory, start seeds, and care for native plant starts in the nursery.  

• Collaborating with other organizations on restoration projects and plant orders.  

• Updates to the ERC Native Plant Educational Field Guide.  

• Organize plant and seed sale fundraisers.  

  Pollinator Gardens 

• Managing pollinator garden beds and pathways, ensuring ecological health and aesthetic appeal through irrigation, weeding, pruning, mowing, deadheading, etc. 

• Safeguarding pollinator habitat by controlling invasive species and identifying pests/pathogens that may impact the health of the garden and farmscape.  

  Riparian Restoration Project  

• Development and installation of the Biodiversity Catchment Pond year two including habitat features. 

• Wetland restoration planning.  

• Maintenance and monitoring of the ERC Bat Condo, Brandenbark, and habitat trees and sonar equipment as required by project partners.  

  Public Outreach & Education  

• Participate in Elk Root Conservation’s public outreach events and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation, project goals, and the importance of pollinators.  

• Assist with community presentations, tours, and volunteer days.  

• Development of the Pollinator Highway Stewardship Program 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be responsible for the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.    

Education & Experience 

• At least 2 years in a related role 

• Diploma or Degree in environmental related field OR graduating in spring 2025 

• Previous farm experience an asset 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently 

• Strong verbal/written communication skills 

• Proven leadership experience 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification 

• Ability to perform physical work for the season  

Reports to: Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director  

Renumeration: $26.50 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start date:  Beginning to mid- April 2025 

Anticipated End Date: weather dependent, mid-November 

Wildlife Field Technician Assistant

Now Accepting Applications

As a Wildlife Technician Assistant at Elk Root Conservation, you will play a key role working on a variety of habitat restoration projects (from bats to bees), with a primary focus on our Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery, and Pollinator Highway Project (PHP). The PHP is an innovative 3-year pilot project that seeks to transform degraded roadside habitats, currently impacted by invasive plant species, into vibrant and sustainable environments for pollinators through the use of native flowering plants.  

Your work will involve assisting the ERC Wildlife technician, contributing to second-year site maintenance and monitoring of the PHP, ensuring the successful establishment of native plants and the management of invasive species on-site, and at ERC. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data from monitoring efforts, which will inform adaptive management strategies and help develop best practices for future expansion of the Pollinator Highway. In addition to this, you will also assist with the development and care of Elk Root Conservation’s Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery and Pollinator Gardens, playing a key role in their ongoing maintenance. Additionally, you will participate in public outreach and education events to raise awareness about conservation and project goals. 

Specifically, your tasks and responsibilities will include assisting the ERC Wildlife Technician with:  

Pollinator Highway Project  

• Maintaining restoration sites by managing irrigation systems, identifying and managing invasive species, replanting and reseeding species as needed. 

• Ensuring wildlife fencing remains in place to ensure the successful establishment of native plant species in our pollinator restoration plots.  

• Monitoring restoration sites using photo plot monitoring and Daubenmire frame surveys to track the success of native plant establishment and invasive species removal.  

• Collaborating with consultants and working alongside youth team members and volunteers to ensure project goals are met efficiently and on time.  

• Planning the Pollinator Highway Project open- house event. 

• Compiling data and preparing technical reports.  

• Planning for year 3, and Phase 2 expansion of the PHP. 

• Grant writing. 

  Native Plant Gardens

• Collecting native plant seeds, plant propagation for restoration projects. 

• Identifying and cataloging native plant species.  

• Maintain and develop the gardens and pathways, including weeding, invasive species removal, irrigation, pest identification and management. 

• Inventory, start seeds, and care for native plant starts in the nursery.  

• Updates to the ERC Native Plant Educational Field Guide.  

• Organizing plant and seed sale fundraisers.  

  Pollinator Gardens

• Managing pollinator garden beds and pathways, ensuring ecological health and aesthetic appeal through irrigation, weeding, pruning, mowing, deadheading, etc. 

• Safeguarding pollinator habitat by controlling invasive species and identifying pests/pathogens that may impact the health of the garden and farmscape.  

  Riparian Restoration Project 

• Development and installation of the Biodiversity Catchment Pond year two including habitat features. 

• Wetland restoration planning.  

• Maintenance and monitoring of the ERC Bat Condo, Brandenbark, and habitat trees and sonar equipment. 

  Public Outreach & Education  

• Participate in Elk Root Conservation’s public outreach events and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation, project goals, and the importance of pollinators.  

• Assist with community presentations, tours, and volunteer days.  

• Development of the Pollinator Highway Stewardship Program 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be responsible for the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.    

Education & Experience 

• Enrolled in, or a graduate of a Diploma or Degree program in an environmental related field.  

• Previous farm and/or field experience an asset 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently 

• Strong verbal/written communication skills 

• Proven leadership experience 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification 

• Ability to perform physical work for the season  

Reports to: Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director, and ERC Wildlife Technician 

Renumeration: $23 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start date:  Last week of April, or 1st week of May 2025 

Anticipated End Date: 16 week contract