Mushroom Cultivation and Farmers Market Attendance (Markstay, ON)

The Ugly Barn Farm 

Job Location:

Mushroom Farm and various Farmers Market locations

Job Type:

Temporary, Full-Time/Part-Time with potential for full-time employment

Contract Duration:

8 weeks with the possibility of extension to full-time employment based on performance and operational needs.

Responsibilities:

Mushroom Cutivation:

1. Preparation of Growing Media: Prepare substrates and other growing media for mushroom cultivation under the supervision of senior growers.
2. Inoculation and Maintenance: Assist in the inoculation of substrates with mushroom spawn.  Monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity to ensure optimal growth.
3. Harvesting: Carefully harvest mushrooms at peak maturity, ensuring the quality and integrity of each specimen.
4. Cleaning and Sorting: Clean and sort harvested mushrooms according to size, type, and quality.  Discard or set aside inferior products.
5. Pests and Disease Control:  Identify and report any signs of pest infestations or diseases affecting the crops.  Apply organic pesticides and other control measures as directed.

Farmers Market Attendance:

1. Transportation:  Safely transport mushrooms and other farm products to and from farmers markets.  Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
2. Market Setup and Display: Set up the market stall or booth in an attractive manner, ensuring products are displayed prominently and informatively.
3. Sales and Customer Service: Engage with customers, explaining the benefits and varieties of mushrooms offered.  Handle sales transactions and maintain accurate records of sales.
4. Promotional Activities: Participate in promotional activities to boost sales, which may include social media creation or email newsletter creation – market day.  Ensure all unsold products are appropriately stored or transported back to the farm.

Canada Summer Jobs Program Criteria:

• Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

Compensation and Work Hours:

• Wage: $17.00 per hour
• Weekly Hours: 35 hours
• Mileage paid to and from farm to markets

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in farming or retail sales is beneficial but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective customer interactions.
• Basic mathematical skills for handling transactions.

Skills:

• Attention to detail and meticulous work ethic
• Capability to follow instructions and operate within a team.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and some holidays as required by market schedules.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and walking throughout the day.

Please send your resume and cover letter to info@theuglybarnfarm.com.  Position will be posted until the candidate is found.