Market Garden Assistant

Milky Way Farm: A Small-scale Regenerative Organic Vegetable Farm

Milky Way Farm is an ecologically focused, 4 season mixed vegetable farm, owned and operated by Meghan Brandenburg & Jesse Way.

Location: ~5km south of Woodstock & the 401, Ontario (seeking candidates within commuting distance)

Position Details: Full-time seasonal, 35-40hrs/week.
Start Date & Duration: April – November 2025, option to continue through the winter for the right candidate.

Growing on 1.5 acres just south of Woodstock, Ontario, Milky Way Farm follows an agro-ecological approach striving to improve the health of the soil while providing fresh, nutrient dense, organically grown vegetables for our surrounding community. We utilize a variety of ecologically focused growing practices including cover cropping and diverse crop rotations, low and no-till soil preparation, and the incorporation of perennial fruit trees, berry bushes and flowers throughout the farm to enhance pollinator and beneficial insect habitat.

We are looking for a hard-working, motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team for the 2025 growing season.

Our ideal candidate is someone that has a demonstrated passion for food and farming, is physically fit and able to kneel, squat, bend and be on your feet for extended durations of time as well as be able to lift 50lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Previous farm experience is preferred but those with other outdoor work experience and an enthusiastic attitude to learn are also encouraged to apply. Bonus points for anyone hoping to geek out on soil biology!

The primary tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Seed starting and transplanting vegetable seedlings.
• Hoeing and hand weeding.
• Setting up irrigation equipment i.e. sprinklers and driplines.
• Setting up and maintaining crop and soil protection materials i.e. tarps, landscape fabric, row covers and insect netting.
• Pruning and trellising.
• Harvesting and washing vegetables.
• Preparing and packing customer orders.
• Assisting with vegetable bed preparation i.e. compost and amendment application, broadforking, tilthing, raking etc. to prepare beds for seeding and transplanting.
• Opportunities for fruit tree/perennials pruning and management, depending on interest.

• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a small team of 3-7 people depending on the time of the season.
• Ability to carry out repetitive tasks i.e. transplanting, weeding, harvesting.
• Attention to detail and efficiency.
• Self-motivated, and able to receive and implement constructive feedback.
• Be able to work calmly in a fast-paced environment, and motivated to improve over time.
• Be able to commit for the duration of the job position (April – November).
• Have dependable transportation to arrive at work on time. (Our farm is located ~5 minute drive south of Woodstock and a 401 interchange).
• Provide your own weather appropriate gear to work in. (Gear stipend available for certain items!)
• An interest in ecological food production and high quality food!
• Provide your own accommodation.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada