Agricultural Assistant; SustAg - Competition

Overview

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

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Competition : 4466
Internal Closing Date: 13 February 2026
External Closing Date: Open Until Filled
# of Openings: 3
Salary Information: 2 - BCGEU Pay Grid - $25.63 to $27.91 per hour
Employment Type: Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group: Support Staff (BC General Employees Union)
Days of Work (BCGEU): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Hours of Work (BCGEU): 8-9am 4-5pm hrs/day vary
Hours per Week (BCGEU): up to 35

We are currently seeking an Agricultural Assistant to join the Faculty of Science (Sustainable Agriculture) team.

The Agriculture Assistant provides support and assistance to the Farm Coordinator with the overall operation of the KPU Farm (including facility and equipment operation and maintenance, stock inventory, and general upkeep of the grounds and crops).

The KPU Sustainable Agriculture department will be hiring Assistants to work closely with the Farm Coordinator and faculty in the Sustainable Agriculture program in the operation of the KPU Farm. The Assistants will be involved in the growing, care and harvesting of fruits and vegetables at the KPU Farm as well as the KPU Richmond campus terraces. This position will involve a substantial amount of work outdoors in all weather conditions as well as physically demanding tasks.

The Assistant will report to the Farm Coordinator and liaise with other staff, students and Faculty as needed throughout the season. The position will provide a variety of farm-related experiences and the opportunity to work with Faculty and students in ongoing research projects.

• Farm Operations
• Crop management: seeding, planting, weeding, vegetable and fruit crops
• Pest/disease management: application of organic amendments and pest/disease control agents
• Operation of mechanical equipment for field preparation
• Site management: mowing with the use of both a small tractor and weed trimmer, removal of brambles, maintenance of sheds and storage
• Assist with the monitoring and maintenance of appropriate climate, irrigation and fertilization controls for crops grown in the fields and high tunnels as directed by the Farm Coordinator
• Tool maintenance: sharpening and cleaning of tools and implements
• Under supervision, apply or use, store and dispose of pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, biological control agents, fuels and lubricants as required, and as per pest management plan, and in compliance with WHMIS, MSDS and WCB standard

• April 20 to Sep 4 full-time 35 hours per week
• Sept 7 to Oct 2 part-time 14 hours per week
• Oct 5 to Nov 27 part-time 7 hours per week

• Completion of KPU Sustainable Agriculture course(s):
  At least 3 AGRI courses
• Equivalent transfer courses from other institutions or equivalent experience; however, preference will be given to KPU students

• Basic working knowledge of crop production areas and activities
• Possession of a valid driver’s license recommended
• Physical fitness sufficient for moderate manual labour (lifting, climbing, disassembly of machines)
• Must be a self-starter
• Must be able to work independently
• Must own steel toed boots, rain gear

Please remove placeholder link text as needed for final posting.

As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by 11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.

Salary Information
Salary and wage…