Agricultural Assistant (SustAg)

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada's only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC's Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

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

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

Job Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Position Hours

• 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

Education and Experience

• 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 [click here] for a more detailed job description

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 increments are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU's workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.