Agricultural Supervisor (Term)

FortWhyte Alive; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

FortWhyte Alive is seeking an Agricultural Supervisor to plan and manage market garden operations, livestock care, and community programs. You will oversee youth volunteers, staff and interns, and ensure smooth site infrastructure and safety. This term role runs Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends.

You will coordinate harvests, manage wholesale and CSA distribution, and work with Indigenous and community partners to support sustainable farming and educational programming.

Qualifications

• Experience in small-scale farming (horticulture and/or pastured livestock).
• 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 (standing, walking, crouching, carrying heavy objects).
• Valid Driver's License and access to transportation; Class 4 license an asset.
• Successful Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registry.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with underserved and diverse youth is an asset.
• Experience training and working with volunteers is an asset.
• Experience operating farm machinery (tractor) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and lead market garden operations, livestock care, and site infrastructure.
• Supervise field activities including bed prep, transplanting, irrigation, and pest control.
• Source seeds/equipment within budget and manage equipment upkeep.
• Oversee Solar Garden, Food Forest, and Indigenous Medicine Garden volunteers as needed.
• Coordinate weekly harvests, packing, and CSA/store/wholesale distribution.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Program to align crops with menu planning.
• Track production data, sales, and farm expenses; report findings.
• Directly supervise Farm Operations Assistants and volunteers; support program delivery.
• Coordinate site transport and logistics; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Small-scale farming

Staff training & supervision

Problem solving

Production tracking

Outdoor physical work

Driver's license

Police checks

Independent / team work

Youth program experience

Volunteer management

Farm machinery operation

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