Community farms, Sustainable and organic

Hiring: Farm Manager

Farm: Edwin Binney’s Community Farm and Education Centre

Employer: United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes

Location: Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Edwin Binney’s Community Farm and Education Centre (EBCFEC) is a collaborative initiative to address food insecurity in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

The 3.5-acre farm located in Lindsay, Ontario is run by United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes on land provided by Crayola Canada. The objectives of the EBCFEC are to contribute to the Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. The community-scaled vegetable production at the EBCFEC is designed to increase the community’s access to fresh produce and will go directly to individuals and families through programs such as the good food box, food banks, collective kitchen programs and other food programs. The farm is also a place for learning about sustainable farming practices, food security and community development through workshops, co-op placements, job training and volunteer opportunities. The EBCFEC is the result of people caring about people and taking action together. For more information about Edwin Binney’s Community Farm please visit our website at https://ckl-unitedway.ca/edwin-binney-community-farm/

We are seeking an enthusiastic, organized and self-motivated person to provide leadership, farm project management and training for this community-based food security initiative.

General Responsibilities The farm manager required to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Manage the running of a small-scale farm from crop planning, seed organization and ordering, seedling propagation through harvest and post-harvest handling using sustainable, organic, regenerative techniques. Including:

• Create the crop plan for the site based on input from the United Way and the needs of partner organizations.

• Protect and renew soil fertility and health through use of composts, cover crops, mulches etc.

• Integrate natural controls in managing weeds, insect pests and disease.

• Promote pollinator activity in order to maintain habitats.

• Organize and implement an appropriate irrigation system for the site, including fields, hoop houses and raised planter boxes.

• Integrate hoop house and other season extension technologies to increase and expand seasonal fruit, vegetable and herb production.

• Organize the harvest systems and schedule for the farm, including food safety protocols for harvest, post-harvest handling and storage.

• Ensure proper yield tracking and efficient coordination with distribution channels and partner organizations.

• Plan for and problem-solve for the day-to-day events and operations of the farm, including maintenance and repair of equipment, economy in use of resources, and organization of site in a manner that is fit for public use.

• Provide skills training and supervision, including work plans and safety instructions for farm coop students, staff and volunteers.

• Based on farm plan identify and source required equipment and resources needed and build a farm budget with input from United Way.

• Contribute to the financial planning aspects of this project including project planning, budget and proposal writing.

• Oversee the creation, integration and maintenance of onsite spaces for community gatherings, educational opportunities and volunteer engagement.

• Provide leadership to assist in the growth of this project through collaboration with United Way staff and partner organizations.

• Be a spokesperson for the farm project.

Qualifications And Skills

• Degree/Diploma in sustainable or organic agriculture or horticulture, environmental science/studies, food system studies, community development or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3-4 years experience in market gardening, sustainable, organic, regenerative vegetable production and community-scaled growing practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of small scale, diversified, gardening including greenhouse production, fruit orchard maintenance, seed saving, permaculture design and ecological gardening principles and practices.
• Understanding of food system politics and the role of community farms and gardens created to address food insecurity.
• Experience with crop planning for vegetable production, seedling production, soil science and composting, and integrated weed, insect and disease management.
• Proven experience in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment commonly found in the small-scale farm operation including hoophouses, cold frames, irrigation, hand tools, power tools, rototillers and weed control implements. Experience with using a tractor would be an asset.
• Demonstrate an understanding of small-scale farm operation including seed selection, plant propagation, tillage, cultivation and irrigation.
• Experience with post-harvest food storage, safe handling and preserving, and seed saving.
• Must have first-aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to keep detailed and accurate records.
• Strong leadership and team building skills in a farm/garden/community environment and ability to take initiative.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as an effective member of a team.
• Organized and adaptable and the ability to manage changing priorities effectively and adjust personal and crew workflow accordingly.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and competencies using Microsoft office and related software.
• Project planning and grant writing would be an asset.
• Teaching or training experience would be an asset.

This position requires a current police check. Visit the Kawartha Lakes Police Service website for more information. The successful candidate must sign and adhere to the United Way’s confidentiality agreement as well as the Farm Operations Manual and act with best practices in regard to work ethics and procedures. They must exercise standard safety practices. This will include approved work safety boots, protective clothing and sunscreen.

Reports To The successful candidate will report to United Way HKL’s Co-executive Directors.

Please Note: Some farm activities and meetings will require attendance outside of the traditional office hours of 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Due to the nature of the work, some weekend or evening work will be expected and/or flexible start and end times due to weather.

Full-time Position : 37.5 hours per week

Rate of pay : $23 /hour

Estimated start date: of March 30, 2026 with a 6-month probationary period.

Deadline to apply : Thursday, March 12, 2026.

If you are interested in this position and feel that you possess 80% or more of the qualification listed, we encourage you to apply.

How To Apply Interested candidates are required to email their resume and cover letter package to Shantal Ingram, United Way HKL Co-Executive Director, at: shantal@hkl.unitedway.ca

Emails should be titled “Farm Manager Position Application_ with your name”. They must be received by Thursday, March 12, 2026, by midnight. Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca .

We thank all candidates in advance for taking the time to apply. However, please note the United Way will contact those candidates selected for interviews directly.