Job Description

MAINTANENCE ASSISTANT

Part-Time | Onsite: Okanagan Falls, BC | 3 Days per Week

About Avery Farms

At Avery Farms, we're redefining what local agriculture can be, growing fresh, sustainable produce that nourishes communities and the planet. We believe quality starts from the ground up - in our products, our practices, and our people.Every member of the Avery team plays a vital role in maintaining the standards that make our food safe, clean, and consistent. The Maintenance Assistant supports this mission by ensuring the ongoing functionality, safety, and reliability of our farm infrastructure and equipment.

The Opportunity

The Maintenance Assistant is a hands-on role responsible for helping keep Avery's vertical farming facility running safely and efficiently. Working three days per week onsite at our facility in Okanagan Falls, this role supports the Facilities and Logistics Manager in maintaining the building and its critical systems, including pump systemsand HVAC systems, lighting, production, and sanitation equipment. This position is ideal for someone technically capable, organized, and detail-oriented -- yet proactive and collaborative. You'll work closely with Operations, Farming, and Production teams to anticipate and prevent issues before they arise. You'll also use tools like Microsoft Office and Slack to log work, track inspections, and support food safety compliance.

Key Responsibilities Facility & Equipment Maintenance

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Perform regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs across building systems, equipment, and production infrastructure.

? Support the Facilities & Logistics Manager in maintaining all equipment related to pump systems HVAC, lighting, and vertical grow systems.

? Identify maintenance needs proactively, escalating issues that could impact food safety or operational uptime.

? Assist in the installation, setup, or calibration of new equipment and infrastructure.

? Ensure all tools, parts, and supplies are safely stored, labelled, and inventoried.

? Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance equipment performance, reduce downtime, and improve workplace safety.

? Support general facility upkeep including waste management and outdoor grounds care as needed.

Preventative Maintenance & Documentation

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Complete and log maintenance tasks using Microsoft Forms, Excel, and shared drives to ensure transparency and accountability.

? Participate in the development and tracking of preventative maintenance schedules.

? Help update digital maintenance logs and reports to support compliance with CanadaGAP, CFIA, and other food safety programs.

Safety & Food Security

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Maintain a clean, safe workspace and uphold Avery's strict sanitation and hygiene standards.

? Report and address any potential hazards or non-compliance issues immediately.

? Collaborate with the Food Safety and Quality teams to ensure maintenance work supports Avery's compliance and inspection readiness.

Collaboration & Communication

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Partner with the Facilities & Logistics Manager to prioritize daily and weekly maintenance tasks.

? Communicate clearly with the General Manager, Production, and Farming teams about equipment or facility concerns.

? Provide input on how systems and workflows could be improved for greater reliability and efficiency.

Who You Are

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A hands-on problem solver who takes pride in maintaining a safe, efficient, and high-performing facility.

? Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

? Digitally capable, with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Forms).

? Collaborative and dependable, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

? Physically capable of performing maintenance tasks (lifting, climbing, operating equipment).

? Takes initiative and ownership -- you don't wait to be told when something needs attention.

Qualifications

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1+ years of experience in maintenance, facilities support, or a similar hands-on technical role.

? Familiarity with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and/or mechanical systems preferred.

? Experience in agriculture, food production, or manufacturing is an asset.

? Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation practices (training provided).

? Valid BC driver's license and reliable transportation.

? Ability and license to operate Skid Steer, scissor lifts, or other similar equipment considered an asset.

Why Join Avery Farms?

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Be part of a purpose-driven company at the forefront of sustainable food production.

? Work with a team that values respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

? Help ensure the reliability of a cutting-edge vertical farming operation that feeds communities with clean, fresh, locally grown produce.

Details

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Start Date: As soon as possible

? Schedule: Part-time (3 days per week, onsite)

? Duration: Permanent, with a 3-month probationary period

? Compensation: $23 to 25 per hour, commensurate with experience

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $23.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 - 30 per week

Work Location: In person