Job Description

Job description

Important: Read Before Continuing

Please note that this position is partially funded through the Student Work Placement Program. To be considered eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Currently enrolled as a student in an accredited post-secondary institution program in Canada.
Be either a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Not hold the status of an international student with a work permit.

Applicants must fulfill these eligibility requirements prior to applying for the role.

URBAN GOURMET MUSHROOM FARM TECHNICIAN

At Trafford Farms, our mission is to advance access to sustainably grown food by creating a platform that connects communities, preserves cherished memories around meals, and supports local farmers and producers. We strive to educate and inspire individuals to make healthier food choices while promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a global movement of conscious consumption.

Trafford Farms is a sister company and shares a location with Deepwater Farms, a pioneering indoor vertical farm that specializes in the year-round cultivation of premium baby leafy greens, using controlled environment agriculture (CEA) indoor vertical farming technology to ensure the highest quality and sustainability of our produce.

Our mission is to nourish both people and planet. As a leading supplier to top Alberta restaurants and grocery stores, we're committed to delivering exceptional, locally grown mushrooms and greens while minimizing our environmental footprint. Through innovation and a relentless pursuit of sustainability, we're redefining the future of farming.

As an Urban Farmer you have a passion for mushrooms and top-quality food and are an ambassador for Trafford Farms and our mission. Moreover, having high attention to detail, being well organized and time management are among your strongest skills.

Qualities:

You're excited about our vision to redefine the food/farming industry.
You believe diversity, collaboration and teamwork are key drivers for success.
You thrive in an environment where you can take ownership and solve hard problems.
You love a challenge and want to do well while doing good.
You want to expand your horizons and grow with us as we grow.

Responsibilities:

Harvest TF gourmet mushrooms from our container farms using a range of manual and automated processes, and package them for sale to our restaurant and grocery customers.
Follow defined workflows and production schedules to ensure daily required volumes meet our high-quality standards.
Record & track growth daily, along with other metrics and data entry.
Monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels.
Ensure a optimal growing environment is maintained by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPSs) and conducting daily cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Occasionally support Deepwater Farms processes such as, packaging, harvesting, cleaning, seeding, and other horticultural processes.
Conduct regular testing for optimizing crop yield, nutritional value and sustainability.
Collaborate with other team members to implement cultivation techniques.
Protect yourself and others by following health and safety guidelines.

Being part of a world-class team delivering high quality products to our customers with minimal waste.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to conduct physical tasks such as; picking up and carrying up to 50lbs, cleaning floors and hard to reach places, and be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Prior experience in horticulture, agriculture, or related field is an asset but not required.
Willingness to work one weekend day a week (totaling a 5 day week).

Project Specific Work for Students from Various Backgrounds:

At Trafford Farms, we recognize the value of diversity and welcome students from all academic backgrounds. We are committed to providing project-specific work tailored to the interests and career goals of our interns. Here are some examples of how students from different disciplines can add value in addition to fulfilling standard daily tasks:

Arts: Students studying arts or humanities can contribute to marketing and branding initiatives, including social media campaigns, website content development, and graphic design projects.
Business: Business students can assist with market research, sales analysis, and business development activities, including identifying new potential markets and strategic partnerships.
STEM: Students with a background in technology can explore opportunities to optimize our indoor farming systems through data analysis, automation, and software development projects.

Impactful Work

By joining Trafford Farms as an urban farmer, students will engage in meaningful work that contributes to the local economy, promotes sustainable agriculture practices, and provides access to fresh and nutritious food in our community. We are committed to supporting student employment, ensuring that this opportunity provides valuable experience and skills development for young professionals aspiring to make a difference in the agricultural industry.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal, Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $16.00-$20.00 per year

Benefits: