Employment

Community Food Gardens - Lead Farm Worker

The ERC Community Food Gardens Lead Farm Worker at Elk Root Conservation (ERC), will play an essential role in working in our certified organic Regenerative Educational Community Food Gardens (RECFG), a groundbreaking food production design that addresses hunger relief in an organic regenerative way. At Elk Root Conservation we believe that local food security and protecting the planet go hand-in-hand.  ERC’s Organic Regenerative Agriculture Advancements, which we have named ‘ORAA’ are innovative techniques that include climate adaptive and chemical-free approaches to create biodiverse, productive, and environmentally regenerative food garden environments.  

As part of the job, the candidate will be growing, harvesting, packing, and distributing fresh food for our Community Food Box Program (CFBP) in collaboration with Circle of Indigenous Nations (COINS), our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and other food related social enterprise activities. The job will involve a diverse array of tasks related to ERC’s food security and sovereignty-related activities. 

Tasks & Responsibilities  

Specific tasks and duties include: 

• Directly assist with all tasks related to the i) RECFG; ii) the Community Food Box Program; iii) the CSA program; iv) market garden and apiary social enterprise revenue generation; and v) related planning, budgeting, administration, and record keeping. After spring training, be capable of keeping the RECFG, Community Food Box Program, and CSA Program operating on-farm without supervision during the summer and fall season. 

• Working closely with the Community Food Gardens Farm Worker Assistants, and after training, supervising to ensure smooth operation and execution of day-to-day tasks. 

• Planning and building various on-farm structures, such as wildlife protective fences, irrigation systems, greenhouses, and garden plots.   

• Maintenance of farm infrastructure, systems, and equipment. 

• Collaborating with and working alongside other ERC farm workers on diverse tasks including but not limited to invasive plant removal, planting trees, compost building, applying plant nutrition, mulching, mowing, weed whacking, and non-toxic organic pest management.  

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting, and harvesting, veggies, flowers, bushes, shrubs and trees.  

• Wheelbarrowing, compost building, irrigation, plant nutrition, and mulching.   

• Assisting with ERC’s Inclusionary Education program delivery on-farm for members of the community, ranging from children to seniors.  

• Preparing for and interacting with the public at Farmer’s Markets and other community events on and off-farm.  

• Perform general farm tasks including but not limited to the production, storage, and distribution of farm produce. 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to supervise and participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.  

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity is reflected in our hiring practices. We welcome ALL interested youth aged 18-30 to apply. 

Education & Experience 

• At least two years farm experience required 

• Supervisory experience is an asset 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated 

• Highly organized, punctual with the ability to manage time effectively 

• Strong verbal communication skills 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship and feeding community 

• Proven leadership skills 

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced workplace 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification and insect identification 

• Ability to forecast and time planting and harvesting  

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work in all weather conditions for the entire season 

• Can-do attitude, willing to support and pitch-in to assist team members as needed 

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Excel  

  
  Renumeration: $25 per hour, commensurate with experience 

Status: full-time contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat) 

Anticipated Start date: April 27th, 2026

Community Food Gardens - Farm Worker Assistant 

As the ERC Community Food Gardens - Farm Worker Assistant at not-for-profit Elk Root Conservation (ERC), you will play an essential role in working in our certified organic Regenerative Educational Community Food Gardens (RECFG), a groundbreaking food production design that addresses hunger relief in an organic regenerative way. At Elk Root Conservation we believe that local food security and protecting the planet go hand-in-hand.  ERC’s Organic Regenerative Agriculture Advancements, which we have named ‘ORAA’ are innovative techniques including climate adaptive and chemical-free approaches to create biodiverse, productive and environmentally regenerative food garden environments. 

As part of the job, the candidate will be growing, harvesting, packing and distributing fresh food for our Community Food Box Program (CFBP) in collaboration with Circle of Indigenous Nations (COINS) and our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The job will involve a diverse array of tasks related to these projects. 

Tasks & Responsibilities 

• Directly assist with all tasks related to the RECFG, the Community Food Box Program, and the CSA Program. 

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting starts, shrubs, transplants, and fruit trees. 

• Pruning, deadheading, wheelbarrowing, mowing, weed whacking, edging, etc.  

• Garden ground prep such as garden bed digging, compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, mulching, and non-toxic organic pest management.  

• Food harvesting, fluming, and packing.  

• Erecting greenhouses, fencing, trellises, and other farm structure construction.  

• Assisting with ERC’s environmental education program delivery on-site for the community from children to seniors.   

• Interacting with the public at the farm stand, food delivery, Farmer’s Markets and other community events on and off farm.   

• Perform general farm tasks and related inventory management, including but not limited to the production, storage, and distribution of food. 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.   

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity is reflected in our hiring practices. We welcome ALL interested youth aged 18-30 to apply. 

Education & Experience  

• Previous farm experience an asset but not necessary  

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated 

• Strong verbal communication skills  

• Punctual and self-organized 

• Problem-solving abilities  

• Passion for environmental stewardship and feeding community 

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback   

• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced work environment 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification an asset 

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work in all weather conditions for the entire season 

• Can-do attitude, willing to support and pitch-in to assist team members as needed   

Renumeration: $22 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start Date: April 27th, 2026

Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Lead

As the Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Lead at Elk Root Conservation, you will play a crucial role working on the upkeep of ERC’s incredible Educational Demonstration Farm, including our Pollinator Gardens, Food Forest & Apiary. ERC’s gardens are designed to highlight environmental stewardship, and our innovative bee wellness and organic regenerative agriculture practices.  

The outcome is a nutritional pollinator buffet of blooms and fruit for our diverse community to enjoy…furry, finned, winged, web-footed and human alike! In caring for our gardens, you will gain experience with the Horticultural Pollinator and Bee Gardens, integrated orchard/gardens food forest and bee forage cropped landscape.  This role is a supervisor role at Elk Root Conservation, supporting and leading our Pollinator and Native Plant Gardens Assistants. 

Tasks & Responsibilities 

• Supervising 

• Supervising, training, and delegating tasks to Pollinator and Native Plant Gardens Assistant.  

• Overseeing and delegating tasks to on-site volunteers 

• Pollinator Gardens:  

• Managing pollinator garden beds and pathways, ensuring ecological health and aesthetic appeal through irrigation, weeding, pruning, mowing, deadheading, etc. 

• Safeguarding pollinator habitat by controlling invasive species and identifying pests/pathogens that may impact the health of the garden and farmscape. 

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting starts, shrubs, transplants, and fruit trees.  

• Pruning, deadheading, wheelbarrowing, mowing, weed whacking, edging, etc.  

Garden ground prep such as garden bed digging, compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, mulching, and non-toxic organic pest management. 

• Erecting greenhouses, fencing, trellises, and other farm structure construction.  

• Apiary & Native Plant Gardens:  

• Learning about and becoming proficient in caring for the honeybees at ERC using ERC’s Sustainable Apiary Model of beekeeping. 

• Maintaining the Bee Barn and bee equipment. 

• Maintain and develop the Educational Demonstration Gardens and pathways, including weeding, invasive species removal, irrigation, pest identification, and management. 

• Inventory, start seeds, and care for horticultural plants in the nursery.  

• Collaborate with other organizations on pollinator habitat restoration projects and plant orders.  

• Organize plant and seed sale fundraisers, and other social enterprise activities. 

• Collaborate with the Native Plant Garden Nursery & Habitat Restoration Projects Lead on projects and may also be involved in caring for the Native Plant Gardens and Nursery.  

• Education and Community Outreach 

• Assisting with the development and delivery of ERC’s Inclusionary Education Program for the community from children to seniors.   

• Participate in ERC’s public outreach events and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation, project goals, and the importance of pollinators. 

• Assisting with community presentations, tours, and volunteer days. 

• Administration  

• Assisting with grant writing, and project reporting independently and in collaboration with the Native Plant Garden Nursery and Restoration Projects Lead. 

• Writing and updating SOP’s that relate to the Pollinator Gardens, Native Plant Educational Gardens, and other related on-farm operations. 

• Updates to the ERC Native Plant Educational Field Guide as applicable. 

• Assisting with the development of SOPs, equipment refinement, scientific reporting, textbook writing, and other tasks related to the Sustainable Apiary Model and other projects. 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to supervise and participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team. 

Education & Experience 

• Diploma or Degree in an environmental related field, agriculture; or equivalent experience 

• At least two years' experience in a supervisory role 

• Previous farm and/or field work experience required  

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Technical knowledge of plant and insect identification 

• Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated 

• Highly organized with the ability to manage time effectively 

• Strong verbal communication skills 

• Experience with Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) 

• Experience with Canva an asset 

• Proven leadership experience  

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Acceptive/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced workplace 

• Proven ability to perform physical work in all weather conditions for the entire field season 

• Can-do attitude, willing to support and pitch-in to assist team members as needed   

Renumeration: $25 per hour, commensurate with experience  
Status: full-time contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start date: April 27th, 2026

Native Plant Garden, Nursery & Habitat Restoration Projects Lead 

As a Native Plant Garden Nursery & Habitat Restoration Projects Lead at Elk Root Conservation, you will be a member of the ERC leadership team and play a key role leading and working on a variety of habitat restoration projects (from bats to bees), with a primary focus on our Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens & Nursery, and Pollinator Highway Project (PHP). The PHP is an innovative 3-year pilot project that seeks to transform degraded roadside habitats, currently impacted by invasive plant species, into vibrant and sustainable environments for pollinators through the use of native flowering plants. Your work will involve contributing to third-year site maintenance and monitoring of the PHP, ensuring the successful establishment of native plants and the management of invasive species on-site, and at ERC. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data from monitoring efforts, including pollinator identification, which will inform adaptive management strategies and help develop best practices for future expansion of the Pollinator Highway. In addition to this, you will also lead the development, care and operation of Elk Root Conservation’s Native Plant Educational Demonstration Gardens, Nursery and Pollinator Gardens, playing a key role in their ongoing maintenance. Additionally, you will participate in public outreach and education events to raise awareness about conservation and project goals. 

Specifically, your tasks and responsibilities will include:  

• Pollinator Highway Project  

• Lead the maintenance of the project habitat restoration sites by managing irrigation systems, identifying and managing invasive species, replanting and reseeding species as needed. 

• Ensuring wildlife fencing remains in place to ensure the successful establishment of native plant species in our pollinator restoration plots.  

• Monitoring restoration sites using photo plot monitoring and Daubenmire frame surveys to track the success of native plant establishment and invasive species removal.  

• Collaborating with consultants and the Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Lead to ensure project goals are met efficiently and on time.  

• Planning, coordinating and leading the Pollinator Highway Project open-house event, with the support of the Administration & Project Coordination Lead. 

• Compiling project data and preparing technical reports and videos.  

• Planning for Phase 2 expansion of the PHP. 

• Developing and implementing the Pollinator Highway Stewardship Program. 

• Supervising and delegating to the Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Assistants and volunteers. 

• Grant writing and project budgeting.  

• Native Plant Gardens and Nursery:  

• Leading the management and social enterprise activities of the native plant gardens and nursery. 

• Coordinating spring and fall plant sales in collaboration with the Administration & Project Coordination Assistant, including the development of an online shop for native plant sales. 

• Collecting native plant seeds, and plant propagation for the nursery and restoration projects. 

• Identifying and cataloging native plant species.  

• Maintain and develop the Educational Demonstration Gardens and pathways, including weeding, invasive species removal, irrigation, pest identification, and management. 

• Inventory, start seeds, and care for native plant starts in the nursery.  

• Collaborating with other organizations on restoration projects and plant orders.  

• Attending and working at 3rd party restoration sites as required. 

Riparian Restoration Project:  

• Development and installation of the Biodiversity Catchment Pond Phase 2 including habitat features. 

• Wetland restoration planning.  

• Maintenance and monitoring of the ERC Bat Condo, Brandenbark, and habitat of trees and sonar equipment as required by project partners.  

• Grant writing and project budgeting. 

• Public Outreach & Education  

• Participate in Elk Root Conservation’s public outreach events and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation, project goals, and the importance of pollinators.  

• Assist with community presentations, tours, and volunteer days.  

• Development of the Pollinator Highway Stewardship Program 

• Administration 

• Assisting with grant writing and project reporting independently and in collaboration with the Pollinator Gardens & Apiary Lead. 

• Writing and updating SOP’s that relate to the Pollinator Highway Project’s site maintenance and other ERC on-farm activities. 

• Updates to the ERC Native Plant Educational Field Guide. 

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work and leading collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be responsible for the ERC’s team’s cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team.   

Education & Experience 

• At least 2 years in a related role 

• Diploma or Degree in environmental related field  

• Previous farm or fieldwork experience  

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated 

• Highly organized with the ability to manage time effectively 

• Strong verbal/written communication skills 

• Experience with Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) 

• Experience with Canva an asset 

• Proven leadership experience 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced workplace 

• Technical knowledge of plant and insect identification 

• Ability to perform physical work in all weather conditions for the entire field season 

• Can-do attitude, willing to support and pitch-in to assist team members as needed  

Renumeration: $25 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start Date: April 27th, 2026

Pollinator and Native Plant Gardens Assistant 

As a Pollinator and Native Plant Gardens Assistant at Elk Root Conservation, you will play an essential role working on the upkeep of ERC’s incredible Educational Demonstration Farm, including the Native Plant Gardens & Nursery, Pollinator Gardens, Food Forest & Apiary. ERC’s gardens are designed to highlight environmental stewardship, and our innovative bee wellness and organic regenerative agriculture practices.  

The outcome is a nutritional pollinator buffet of blooms and fruit for our diverse community to enjoy…furry, finned, winged, web-footed and human alike! In caring for our gardens, you will also gain experience with the Horticultural Pollinator and Bee Gardens, integrated orchard/gardens food forest, bee forage cropped landscape, and Native Plant Educational Demonstration Garden.  

Specifically, your tasks and responsibilities will include:   

• Weeding (a lot), starting seeds, planting starts, shrubs, transplants, and fruit trees.  

• Pruning, deadheading, wheelbarrowing, mowing, weed whacking, edging, etc. 

• Garden ground prep such as garden bed digging compost building, irrigation, applying plant nutrition, mulching, and non-toxic organic pest management. 

• Erecting greenhouses, fencing, trellises, and other farm structure construction. 

• Assisting with ERC’s Inclusionary Education program delivery on-site for the community from children to seniors.   

• Preparing for and interacting with the public at the Farmer’s Markets and other community events on and off farm.  

• Essentially, doing everything required to help develop our educational outdoor spaces and to create and maintain a beautiful, integrated farm-garden ecosystem.  

You will engage in a dynamic blend of independent work, collaborative efforts in pairs and teams. We encourage and will support you to take the lead on tasks if you are comfortable doing so.   

At Elk Root Conservation, we all pitch in to maintain the order and cleanliness of the demonstration farm’s public spaces inside and out. As such, you will be required to participate in the cleaning and organization of personally designated tools, general tool and equipment maintenance, wash station clean-up, and washroom facility clean-up after your own personal use to ensure everyone’s safety. Organization and maintaining cleanliness of facilities including the Bee Barn, warehouse, shed spaces, wash station, washroom facility and public use spaces will also be a shared responsibility of the entire team. 

Education & Experience 

• Previous farm experience an asset  

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated 

• Strong verbal communication skills 

• Punctual and self-organized 

• Problem-solving abilities 

• Passion for environmental stewardship  

• Accepting/welcoming of positive constructive feedback  

• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced work environment 

• Technical knowledge of plant identification an asset 

• Ability to perform physical work in all weather conditions for the entire field season 

• Can-do attitude, willing to support and pitch-in to assist team members as needed 

Renumeration: $22 per hour 
Status: full-time seasonal contract, approximately 35-40hrs/week, bi-weekly payments 
Schedule: Monday to Friday (early start times in the summer season to beat the heat)  

Anticipated Start date:  April 27th, 2026