City : Vancouver

Category : Full time

Industry : Educational Services

Employer : University of British Columbia

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Farm Workers

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - UBC Farm Staff Coordinator

Job Title

Practicum Field Coordinator

Department

Educational Programming | Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm | Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Compensation Range

$4,617.85 - $5,377.32 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

March 10, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

November 30, 2026

 

 

 

 

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
The Practicum Field Coordinator plays a vital role in delivering the 6-month UBC Farm Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture by coordinating field operations, supporting curriculum delivery, and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. This position works collaboratively with the Practicum Lead, the Education Manager, and UBC Farm staff to ensure a high-quality practicum experience for adult learners.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Education Manager. Provides seasonal field supervision to 10-20 adult community learners via the Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture Program. Works closely, in a collaborative environment with the Practicum Lead, and with other UBC Farm staff.

Work Performed
Program Support & Instruction

• Support the Practicum curriculum by demonstrating technical procedures and techniques in field and classroom settings.

• Support the Practicum Lead in scheduling and organizing weekly program activities, rotations, and learning sessions.

• Facilitate cohort meetings, discussions, and reflective learning activities.

• Assist with student support at activities like the UBC Saturday Farmers’ Market.

Field Operations & Land Stewardship

• Plan, coordinate, and perform day-to-day agricultural tasks in Practicum fields, including propagation, cultivation, irrigation, weeding, harvest, and pest management.

• Coordinate and support student field work and facilitate the progressive handover of responsibilities to students throughout the season.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of shared farm spaces and learning environments.

Collaboration & Communication

• Liaise with the Practicum Lead and wider UBC Farm staff to plan operational activities and troubleshoot field challenges.

• Participate in weekly planning meetings and contribute to program development.

• Communicate clearly with a diverse cohort of learners and staff.

Operational Support

• Assist with the procurement, setup, maintenance, and repair of equipment, tools, and supplies.

• Follow and support the development of standard operating procedures.

• Support end of season clean-up and program wrap-up.
  
  Consequence of Error/Judgement
  The Practicum Field Coordinator exercises independent judgment in coordinating field operations, delivering hands-on learning, and supporting adult learners in a mixed production and educational environment. Errors in scheduling, crop planning, safety protocols, or instructional decisions can lead to fieldwork delays, reduced crop yields, equipment damage, safety incidents, and diminished learning outcomes and student experience. Misjudgments in communication or inclusivity may negatively affect cohort climate and participant well-being. The role regularly prioritizes competing tasks (e.g., harvests vs. teaching time) and must escalate complex issues (e.g., significant safety concerns, policy compliance, or program deviations) to the Practicum Lead and Education Manager. Sound judgment, adherence to UBC Farm policies and procedures, and timely documentation are required to mitigate operational, safety, and reputational risk.
  
  Supervision Received
  Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Education Manager and the Practicum Lead. Must show a significant degree of autonomy and be able to make day-to-day decisions independently but will review major decisions with and defer high-impact decisions to the supervisor. Evaluation of the performance of major job responsibilities will include reviews of quality and effectiveness in achieving program objectives and financial viability, as well as adherence to the CSFS at UBC Farm’s mission, vision and guiding principles.
  
  Supervision Given
  Provides seasonal supervision to 10-20 adult community learners as the Practicum participants. It is expected to provide mentorship and direct supervision to learners during fieldwork as well as some classroom sessions and assignments. This role contributes directly to instructional quality, field production outcomes, and the overall learner experience. Decisions around operational safety, crop scheduling, and field priorities influence program effectiveness and participant satisfaction. The coordinator must apply sound judgment to balance instructional needs with safe operational practices.
  
  Minimum Qualifications
  Completion of a technical program and a minimum of 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline is an asset.

• Several seasons of experience in diversified, organic vegetable and/or fruit production is required.

• Experience with UBC, the UBC Farm, other regional organic farms, and/or other research or educational farms is an asset.

• Teaching experience; able to comfortably provide hands-on group and individual instruction to students and community members of diverse ages and backgrounds.

• Ability to model the knowledge, skills, and work habits required to successfully operate a viable farm enterprise.

• Technical competence with and theoretical understanding of a broad range of crop production and land management techniques.

• Supervisory, communication verbal/written, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; able to work both independently and within a high-energy team environment; able to resolve interpersonal conflicts professionally; good collaboration and group leadership skills.

• Ability to safely and efficiently operate a broad range of hand tools, power tools, tractors, field implements, and other agricultural equipment.

• Intermediate computer skills and an ability to record, manage, and manipulate data using Microsoft Excel.

• Effective verbal and written communication, leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work efficiently and safely both independently and within a team environment.

• Ability to multitask, exercise sound judgment, and solve minor problems independently.

• Must be physically fit and enjoy hard work outdoors in all weather conditions for long days.

• Must have the ability to lift 45 lb. repetitively