Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Non Union Farm Workers

Job Title Field Assistant

Department Field Technicians | Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm | Faculty of Land and Food Systems (Timothy Carter)

Posting End Date December 15, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.


Job End Date Oct 30, 2024

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
The Field Assistant performs routine crop production and land stewardship activities of limited complexity.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Lead Field Coordinator. Crop production and land stewardship activities performed by the Field Assistant indirectly support on-site research, teaching, community programs. Works closely, in a collaborative environment, with other field staff.

Work Performed

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  Performs a range of land stewardship and/or production activities of limited complexity under supervision.
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  Land stewardship and production activities performed by the Field Assistant may include (but are not limited to) day-to-day crop care and harvest forecasting, creating draft planting plans, harvesting, weeding, hoeing, seeding, transplanting, irrigating, mowing, pesticide application, nutrient application, hoop house construction, pruning, trellising, poultry care, field scouting, invasive species control, compost management, data collection, and record keeping.
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  May occasionally perform essential site staffing duties such as seedling watering and poultry care on weekends.
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  Performs other operational duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Field Assistant is a representative of the CSFS and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. This individual\xe2\x80\x99s approach and delivery of information in dealing with the general public and a variety of site users present at the UBC Farm site reflect on these units. Therefore, ensuring a high regard for professionalism, safety, and adherence to UBC policies is of considerable importance. When dealing with equipment, the Field Assistant will need to critically assess each operation before proceeding in order to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. When using high-powered equipment, poor judgment of the operating conditions and context can result in operator injury or death. Safety orientations and training will be provided before the assignment of tasks that require the use of such equipment. Poor judgment, failure to defer problems to supervisors, and failure to abide by standard procedures could also adversely impact research projects at the farm.

Supervision Received
Reports to and works under the supervision of the Lead Field Coordinator. The Field Assistant is expected to perform routine tasks of limited complexity independently according to established procedures and guidelines and to exercise a moderate degree of autonomy. Refers most problems to their supervisor. Receives training and close guidance when undertaking new activities.

Supervision Given
The Field Assistant may demonstrate or explain work sequences to and oversee the work of students, volunteers, or other employees engaged in simple farm tasks.

Working Conditions
Work takes place both indoors and outdoors at the UBC Farm. Duties are performed in all kinds of weather conditions and in hoop houses with passive heating and ventilation., They involve manual field work and may entail the use of a limited range of farm equipment like tractors, brush cutters, backpack sprayers, pressure washers, powered shop tools, hand tools, and small lawnmowers. Potential hazards include falls, cuts, burns, exposure to vibrating and/or noisy equipment, repetitive motion injuries, exposure to pesticides, exposure to stinging insects, and exposure to inclement weather.
When special events or circumstances require, work will be performed after normal business hours. Because of the seasonal nature of the UBC Farm work, a heavier workload is the norm from April through November. A rotating or non-standard work schedule (e.g. Tuesday through Saturday) may be required.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum of 1 year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one\xe2\x80\x99s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one\xe2\x80\x99s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

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  Experience working within a large public-sector organization i.e. a university or government organization is an asset.
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  Familiarity with the UBC Farm site, and the CSFS at UBC Farm vision, mission and operations is an asset.

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  Skills in the areas of horticultural production, soil and landscape management, farm equipment use and maintenance, computer use, and/or animal care in a mixed farm setting.
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  Demonstrated ability to work quickly, efficiently and calmly in high-stress settings for long hours in any weather and bring tasks to completion on time.
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  Must be in good physical shape and must be able to lift and carry 45 lbs. repetitively.
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  Valid Class 5 driver\xe2\x80\x99s license is an asset.