Job Description

Employee Group:
Support Staff (BCGEU)

Hours of Work (BCGEU):
8-9 am 4-5 pm hours vary

# of openings:
3

Hours Per Week (BCGEU):
35

Pay Level:
2 - BCGEU Pay Grid

Days of Work (BCGEU):
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Employment Type:
Temporary Full Time

Internal Closing Date:
February 6, 2023

Travel Frequency:
Occasional travel between campuses is required.

External Closing Date:
February 17, 2023

Competition ID:
2269
Kwantlen Polytechnic University KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU\xe2\x80\x99s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. JOB OVERVIEW: Agricultural Assistant - Competition ID: 2269 This position provides support and assistance to the Farm Manager with the overall operation of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Teaching Farms (including facility and equipment operation and maintenance, stock inventory, and general upkeep of the grounds and crops.

The KPU Sustainable Agriculture program will be hiring Assistants to work closely with the Farm Manager and faculty in the Sustainable Agriculture program in the operation of the teaching & research farm sites. The Assistants will be involved in the growing, care and harvesting of fruits and vegetables at the following three farm sites: KPU Richmond campus terraces, Garden City Farm and south Richmond Orchard. The Assistant position will involve a substantial amount of work outdoors in all weather conditions as well as physically demanding tasks. The Assistant will report to the Farm Manager and liaise with other staff, students and Faculty as needed throughout the season. The position will provide a variety of farm-related experiences and the opportunity to work with Faculty and students in ongoing research projects. Responsibilities include:

Farm Operations

• Crop management: seeding, planting, weeding, vegetable and fruit crops
• Pest/disease management: application of organic amendments and pest/disease control agents
• Operation of mechanical equipment for field preparation
• Site management: mowing with the use of both a small tractor and weed trimmer, removal of brambles, maintenance of sheds and storage
• Assist with the monitoring and maintenance of appropriate climate, irrigation and fertilization controls for crops grown in the fields and high tunnels as directed by the farm manager
• Tool maintenance: sharpening and cleaning of tools and implements
• Under supervision, apply or use, store and dispose of pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, biological control agents, fuels and lubricants as required, and as per pest management plan, and in compliance with WHMIS, MSDS and WCB standard

Position Hours:

• April 3 to September 1, 2023 full-time 35 hours per week.
• September 4 to 29, 2023 part time 14 hours per week
• October 2 to November 24, 2023 part-time 7 hours per wee

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of KPU Horticulture and/or Sustainable Agriculture course(s): At least 3 AGRI courses
• Equivalent transfer courses from other institutions or equivalent experience; however, preference will be given to KPU students

QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic working knowledge of crop production areas and activities
• Possession of a valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s license recommended
• Physical fitness sufficient for significant manual labour (lifting, bending, kneeling, climbing, disassembly of machines).
• Must be a self-starter
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Must own steel toed boots, rain gear

click here for a detailed job description Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don\xe2\x80\x99t check every box? We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply. Note to Applicants: Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.