Field Assistant

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

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

Performs a range of land stewardship and / or production activities of limited complexity under supervision.

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.

May occasionally perform essential site staffing duties such as seedling watering and poultry care on weekends.

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’s 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’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working within a large public-sector organization i.e. a university or government organization is an asset.

Familiarity with the UBC Farm site, and the CSFS at UBC Farm vision, mission and operations is an asset.

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.

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.

Must be in good physical shape and must be able to lift and carry 45 lbs. repetitively.

Valid Class 5 driver’s license is an asset.