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JOB OVERVIEW:  AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANT 

This position provides support and assistance to the Farm Manager with the overall operation of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Teaching Farms (including facility and equipment operation and maintenance, stock inventory, and general upkeep of the grounds and crops).

The KPU Sustainable Agriculture program will be hiring Assistants to work closely with the Farm Manager and faculty in the Sustainable Agriculture program in the operation of the teaching & research farm sites. The Assistants will be involved in the growing, care and harvesting of fruits and vegetables at the following three farm sites: KPU Richmond campus terraces, Garden City Farm, and south Richmond Orchard. The Assistant position will involve a substantial amount of work outdoors in all weather conditions as well as physically demanding tasks. The Assistant will report to the Farm Manager and liaise with other staff, students and Faculty as needed throughout the season. The position will provide a variety of farm-related experiences and the opportunity to work with Faculty and students in ongoing research projects.  Responsibilities include:

Farm Operations

• Crop management: seeding, planting, weeding, vegetable and fruit crops
• Pest/disease management: application of organic amendments and pest/disease control agents
• Operation of mechanical equipment for field preparation
• Site management: mowing with the use of both a small tractor and weed trimmer, removal of brambles, maintenance of sheds and storage
• Assist with the monitoring and maintenance of appropriate climate, irrigation and fertilization controls for crops grown in the fields and high tunnels as directed by the farm manager
• Tool maintenance: sharpening and cleaning of tools and implements
• Under supervision, apply or use, store and dispose of pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, biological control agents, fuels and lubricants as required, and as per pest management plan, and in compliance with WHMIS, MSDS and WCB standard

Position Hours:

• April 14 to August 31, 2025 full-time 35 hours per week
• September 2 to 26, 2025 part-time 14 hours per week
• September 29 to November 22, 2025 part-time 7 hours per week

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Completion of KPU Sustainable Agriculture course(s): At least 3 AGRI courses.
• Equivalent transfer courses from other institutions or equivalent experience; however, preference will be given to KPU students.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic working knowledge of crop production areas and activities
• Possession of a valid driver’s license recommended
• Physical fitness sufficient for moderate manual labour (lifting, climbing, disassembly of machines).
• Must be a self-starter
• Must be able to work independently
• Must own steel toed boots, rain gear

Click here for a more detailed job description

Salary Information

Annual salary increases are based on hours worked and anniversary dates.

Please note: As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by 11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more! Note: eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary if the position is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.