Agricultural Supervisor (Term)

Fortwhyte-Alive; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

FortWhyte Farms is seeking an Agricultural Supervisor to lead market garden operations, oversee the greenhouse, and support youth programming. The role includes staffing, inventory, and ensuring sustainable production while engaging the community.

You will coordinate harvests, deliveries, and wholesale activities in a dynamic, hands-on environment. The position emphasizes leadership, program supervision, and adherence to safety and budget guidelines, with regular weekday hours and occasional

Qualifications

• Experience in small-scale farming including horticulture and/or pastured livestock.
• Ability to train, schedule, and lead staff in field activities.
• Initiative and problem-solving skills with hands-on approach.
• Track production metrics and manage operational farm expenses.
• Maintain stock inventory systems and perform routine maintenance.
• Physically able for outdoor work and variable weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
• Class 4 license an asset and may be required upon employment.
• Police and background checks including vulnerable sector and child abuse registry.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with volunteers and youth programs is an asset.
• Experience operating farm machinery (tractor) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual market garden plans, crop rotations, and soil health strategies.
• Oversee operation of greenhouse, seed starting, crop maintenance, and plant sales.
• Manage day-to-day field operations: bed prep, transplanting, irrigation, pests, and soil fertility.
• Source seeds, tools, and farming supplies within budget.
• Maintain farm equipment and infrastructure for safe operations.
• Coordinate harvest schedules, washing, packing, and CSA/store deliveries.
• Collaborate on wholesale operations, client communications, and logistics.
• Supervise Youth Programming and volunteers during hands-on activities.
• Track production data, sales performance, and farm expenses.
• Obtain Class 4 Driver's license for site transport and team logistics.

Skills

Small scale farming

Staff training & leadership

Problem solving

Production metrics tracking

Budget & expense management

Outdoor work readiness

Driver's license

Independent & team work

Tools

Farm machinery (tractor)

Job description

Job Summary:

The Agricultural Supervisor plans, organizes, and executes market garden operations while overseeing livestock care, site infrastructure, youth programming, and staff/volunteer engagement. This role provides direct leadership and support to ensure sustainable agricultural production and active community involvement. This term role is Monday-Friday, with the occasional evening and weekend.

Principal Tasks:

Agricultural Operations & Seasonal Planning

• Develop and execute annual market garden plans, crop rotations, and soil health management strategies.
• Oversee the operation of the cold-climate, passive solar greenhouse, including seed starting, crop maintenance, and annual Plant Sale.
• Manage day-to-day field operations, including bed preparation, transplanting, irrigation, pest and weed control, and soil fertility.
• Source and procure seeds, tools, and farming supplies within the operational budget.
• Maintain farm equipment, tools, and infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Oversee operations for the Solar Garden and Food Forest, while supporting Indigenous Medicine Garden volunteers as needed.

Harvesting, Distribution & Sales

• Establish weekly harvest schedules, wash and pack workflows, and crop logs to supply the CSA, Farm Store, commercial kitchen, and external buyers.
• Collaborate with the Kitchen Program Coordinator to align crop selection with culinary requirements and menu planning.
• Manage wholesale operations, including client communications, order fulfillment, and sales logistics.
• Partner with social enterprise, kitchen, and site leadership to maintain accurate inventory and stock management systems.
• Coordinate crop supply and logistical planning with staff and caterers for the annual Harvest Supper.

Youth Programming, Volunteers & Community Engagement

• Guide and supervise the Farm Operations Assistant
  with youth participants, corporate teams, and volunteers during hands-on field activities.
• Schedule, train, and supervise volunteers to assist with agricultural activities.
• Facilitate workshops and lead farm tours for university classes, community groups, and public visitors.
• Collaborate with the Farm Operations Assistant
  to evaluate and refine youth curriculum and program delivery.
• Provide coverage for general operational and program duties, including driving, sales support, and facility maintenance.

Site & Administrative Operations

• Directly supervise the Farm Operations Assistants.
• Track and report on production data, sales performance, and operational farm expenses.
• Obtain a valid Class 4 Driver's License to handle site transport, deliveries, and team logistics.

Qualifications:

• Experience in small scale farming (horticulture and/or pastured livestock)
• Demonstrated ability to train, schedule, and lead staff in hands-on field activities
• Initiative and proven problem-solving skills
• Ability to track production metrics, manage operational farm expenses, and maintain stock inventory systems
• Physically able to work outdoors for long periods of time (standing, walking, crouching, carrying heavy objects)
• Valid Driver's License and access to transportation (FortWhyte Farms is a 20-30 min walk from bus stop)
• Class 4 Driver's License an asset, and will be required upon employment
• Successful Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registry Check
• Ability to work independently/self-directed, as well as in a team
• Experience working with underserved and diverse youth an asset
• Experience training and working with volunteers an asset
• Experience operating farm machinery (tractor) an asset