Farmer Is Urgently Needed In Fresh City Farms North York, ON

Complete job description
About us
Fresh City is an award-winning urban agricultural and omni-channel retailer. Led by founders, we are on a mission to help people improve the world through their food choices. More than a decade since we first started, our belief in it is even stronger. Every day, we deliver organic produce, chef-inspired and scratch-prepared foods, bespoke meats and more to Greater Toronto Area families. We farm at Downsview Park, where we also run a farmer incubator program.
In 2018, Fresh City acquired Mabel’s Bakery, a leading bakery in Toronto producing artisan breads and pastries, and shortly thereafter in 2019 acquired The Healthy Butcher, a leader in organic and 100% grassfed beef. In 2022, subscription-based organic produce and grocery delivery company Mama Earth Organics was added to the lineup of brands, making Fresh City the largest organic online retailer in Ontario.
With five retail locations between our four brands and home delivery across the GTA, the Fresh City family of brands continues to bring together farmers, makers and eaters to deliver a food experience that honors our bodies, our planet and our shared tomorrow.
Food is our passion. We proudly employ over 300 employees across our four brands, including our farm, our two warehouses, our food production facilities, our offices and our retail locations. We are constantly evolving our culture where everyone feels seen, heard, valued and free to be their authentic self.
Character Summary:
Fresh City is looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join our team as a full-time, seasonal farmer. The candidate is expected to work with the farm team on all aspects of small-scale organic vegetable production, including planting, harvesting, weeding, seeding, greenhouse management and crop management. Experience in agricultural work is not required, but is a major asset. Fresh City provides job training and essential education. We hope to find someone who is a fast learner, hard worker and has a positive attitude. Efficiency, speed and stamina are musts to work and run a small farm. Any work experience in other labor or service positions is relevant. We have a small team on our farm and all employees are integral to making the season a success.
The position is considered full-time, seasonal. The start date is April 1, 2023 and the position ends on November 15, 2023. Fresh City also operates a warehouse, grocery delivery service, professional kitchen and bakery, and several retail locations, so winter work may be available for the right candidate if they are interested. As part of our long-term employment strategy, successful agricultural employees are encouraged to return the following growing season to further develop their skills and pursue a career in agriculture with Fresh City.
Our Commitment:
We thank all interested applicants; However, only those selected for interview will be contacted.
Fresh City is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, and indigenous status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We work with you to provide the most seamless recruitment experience possible.
We are hiring a farmer for our Downsview Park location!
What’s in it for you!

• Food discounts at Fresh City, Mama Earth, The Healthy Butcher & Mabel’s Bakery
• You’ll spend more food dollars on local farms so they can continue to grow the most nutritious and delicious produce while preserving Ontario’s farmland and biodiversity.
• You will support the creation of a local food system built on the principles of sustainability and biodiversity and demonstrate that it is economically sustainable for farmers and affordable for consumers.
• You will join a growing business led by an experienced leadership team that has built successful businesses
• You’ll join a team of talented, fun people who take pride in supporting the local food system

What you will do:

• Seedling care including seeding, watering, potting, fertilization
• Garden bed preparation like broadforking, hauling compost
• Exchange by hand
• weeding
• Harvest in the field and in greenhouses
• Wash and pack produce for sale on site or bulk deliveries
• Deliver products to Fresh City warehouse
• Site maintenance such as lawn mowing, weeding and general maintenance
• Irrigation management of field crops
• Assist in construction projects and establishment of agricultural infrastructure
• Interact with people often as our farm is in a public park.

What you bring to the table:

• Agricultural experience is an asset, preferably in a produce-oriented operation
• Labor, service, restaurant work experience is an asset
• Motivation to work hard and increase efficiency in agriculture
• Strong teamwork and communication skills – ability to give and receive direction and criticism on the fly
• Ability to work independently for long periods of time
• A positive attitude even when faced with challenges
• Attention to detail, quick worker and fast learner
• Physically fit and willing to work outside in all weather conditions including rain, cold and heat
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with people of different ages, genders, abilities, cultural backgrounds and marginalized groups
• A valid G driving license is an asset
• Experience with carpentry, irrigation and farm equipment is considered an asset.

Things you need to know:

• Employment Status: Full-time Seasonal
• Compensation: $18.00/ hour
• Schedule: 8am – 4pm 37.5 hours/week, some long days, occasional weekend work