Fresh Roots Farm Production Manager
The Position
The Fresh Roots Farm Team operates our educational farms towards our production, sales and educational goals. In this key role under the direction of the Director of Farm Operations (DFO), the Production Manager will be responsible for supervising the operation of Vancouver Schoolyard Farm sites and staff. This person should be able to “see the room” and identify what needs doing, when. We are looking for an ambitious, community-minded farmer who has strong vegetable production and leadership experience.
Key Details
Location: Metro Vancouver Schoolyard Farm sites. Ideal applicants will have their own transportation.
Dates: Contract Position, February 2, 2026 - March 12, 2027 with the possibility of extension for the right candidate (funding dependent).
Hours: Full-time, Average 37.5 hrs/week. Expect more hours during peak season (July - August) and less in the shoulders.
Schedule: Hours generally fall between 7:30am and 5:00pm on weekdays. Attendance may be required at some market shifts which operate 12:00-8:00pm on Wednesday evenings as well as some weekend dates.
Compensation: $23-28 DOE, plus 10 days’ vacation and 12 sick days. Health Benefits available after 3 months. Access to farm produce.
Note: Position is dependent on funding. Start and end dates may change.
Responsibilities
Lead the operation of Fresh Roots’ Vancouver Schoolyard Farms to meet our goals for low-impact practices, food production and youth learning.
Implement the established crop plan; log all plantings and challenges
Monitor and seek out solutions for crop failures or other farm obstacles
Write weekly work plans, delegate tasks, and supervise all hands on the farm (including youth), supported by the DFO
With the Market Lead, determine the harvest plan and monitor quality.
Oversee the tracking of all Harvest Activity (delegate as necessary).
Lead and delegate field work tasks.
Supervise the safe use and maintenance of infrastructure (ie. irrigation, truck, cooler) and farm tools (ie. hand tools, flame-weeder, weed eater).
Contribute to the year-end Farm Report, including relevant metrics to inform our fundraising strategies
Evolve and share FR protocols and manuals for farm operations
Punctually communicate across FR Departments using Slack and email
Steward good rapport with school workers (especially engineers)
Qualifications:
FR recognizes that applicants from oppressed groups, including folks who are Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) may be hesitant to apply for positions where they don’t perfectly meet the listed qualifications. If you are excited about the job description, believe you could learn to perform the responsibilities and can meet the essential qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
Essential Qualifications
Pass a criminal record check to be able to work with children and vulnerable populations
Meet Federal Wage Subsidy Requirements for Young Workers: ie. be between ages 15-30 and have Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee Status. If you are unsure of your eligibility, review these guidelines or contact us.
BC Driver’s License Type 5 and able to drive a large pickup truck in the city.
Able to lift and carry 50+ pounds (ie. a tote of carrots)
Equipped and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Access to reliable transportation for travel to and between FR sites
2 seasons in a leadership position on an urban farm or market garden and comfortable giving, soliciting and receiving feedback
Confidence leading large groups of peers and youth
FOODSAFE and Standard First Aid certification or commitment to obtain
Effective communication in English across various mediums
Preferred Qualifications
Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience in land and food systems, agriculture, ecology, or other related fields
Proficiency with digital tools and communication platforms, such as Google Suite, Slack, Keela, Canva, etc
Experience and/or training for working with vulnerable, underrepresented, BIPOC youth and youth with diverse abilities
Attention to detail and experienced in creating quality standards
Comfortable working independently and as part of a small team.
Proven ability to multitask, prioritize duties, problem-solve and remain flexible within a fast-paced and changing environment
Motivated to learn new skills and evolve the farm program
