Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
About New Siberia Farms
New Siberia Farms is a certified organic dairy farm on Fairfield Island in Chilliwack, BC (1.5 hours east of Vancouver by car) in the midst of the Upper Fraser Valley surrounded by beautiful views of the Cascade and Fraser Mountain ranges. It has been a family-run operation since 1925 when the Balakshin family first arrived, fleeing Russia. The farm has endured challenges such as the Great Depression, the 1948 flood, and the collapse of the chicken hatching market in the 1960s, but it has remained resilient. Today, a hundred years later, New Siberia Farms Ltd. is still a small, family operation and the only organic dairy farm in Chilliwack. Our secret: not only do we measures success in the health of our soil and the comfort of our animals, we hire good people who stay with us for decades. Our employees stay for the competitive wages, the relaxed/stress free working environment, and the flexibility to work around life.
About You
As a farm that is passionate about what we do, values are important to us. You are someone who is interested in certified organic agriculture and food security in a changing environment, animal welfare, and interest in an occupation in the fresh air where stress is minimal. You want to live a life of simplicity, you work hard, and you treat everyone with respect and kindness.
The most important requirements for this position are primarily value-based:
- You have a love of animals and you treat them with respect
- You are calm and display low-stress
- You don’t mind spending the odd late night with cows when they are sick and need you
- You are comfortable working/learning to work with large machinery
- You are comfortable working a physically demanding job
- You don’t mind working alone sometimes (but the cows will keep you company)
Technical requirements:
- Valid driver's license; comfortable operating farm equipment (tractors, trucks etc.)
- This is a full time position, outside employment or other business activity is not permitted without prior written approval from farm owner
Other qualifications we would like to see:
- You have an interest in soil science, farming and food production, agricultural science, technology, and/or land and foods management
- You are passionate about organic systems and regenerative agriculture
The Role
We are searching for the perfect fit to our farm and someone we can trust. Everything about our operation can be taught (read: we’re not necessarily looking for extensive experience) and would need someone who can oversee day-to-day operations of our dairy herd and pasture system. This is a role for someone who is passionate about organic food production, animal welfare, and wants to play an active role in the daily operations of a small farm.
Management
- Oversee daily herd management: herd health monitoring, breeding program, and calving
- Milking coverage for staff illness/leave
- Manage rotational grazing plans and pasture health across the farm
- Ensure ongoing compliance with organic certification standards, ProAction, and animal welfare protocols
- Management of 2–4 farm staff and seasonal help
- Maintain accurate herd, feed, and production records
- Manage equipment maintenance schedule and basic infrastructure upkeep
- Purchase on-farm inventory of supplies, tools and equipment
- Work with ownership on annual planning and budgeting
Milking & Animal Care
- Carry out regular milking shifts
- Monitor cow health during milking (checking for mastitis, injuries, or unusual behavior)
- Clean and sanitize milking equipment and parlour after each shift
- Ensure cows are handled calmly and safely when moving to and from the parlour
- Assist with feeding, bedding, and watering cows as required
Calf & Youngstock Care
- Responsible for calf health, debudding and vaccination/weaning schedule
- Feed and monitor calves, including bottle or pail feeding when necessary
- Maintain clean, dry, and safe housing for calves and youngstock
General Farm Work
- Clean barns, pens, and animal housing areas regularly
- Manage manure storage and field application
- Manage and support rotational grazing, fencing repairs, and general property upkeep and cleanliness
Health & Record-Keeping
- Report health concerns or injuries promptly to the farm owner
- Maintain written/digital records (milk production, treatments, calving, feed use, etc.)
- Follow all farm biosecurity, animal welfare, and safety protocols
Other Responsibilities
- Support with seasonal tasks (such as silage, haymaking, or herd moves)
- Assist other farm team members where needed in daily operations
What We Offer
- A supportive, small-team environment where your work directly shapes the land and animals you care for
- Salary – A competitive salary between the range of $60,000 - $80,000 per year commensurate with experience.
- Extended health benefits – Including dental, vision, prescription medical supplies, paramedical and visits to practitioners.
- Flexible work schedules – We would like to establish a strong relationship of trust where we can do rotational schedules with a yearly salary (5 on and 2 off, 10 and 4, 15 and 6, or otherwise).
- Vacation/stats – We would like to offer a base vacation policy of a generous 4 weeks paid vacation (8% vacation pay which is double the BC minimum) and all statutory holidays (either on the day or in lieu during the same pay period).
- Relief Bonus - When the owners go away, beyond the agreed upon schedule rotation, you will receive either a competitive daily stipend or time in lieu.
- Learning – We have benefitted from jobs where advanced learning was supported. We would love to support learning initiatives that you are interested in and would help you in your role (up to $2,000/year after your first two years).
- Location, location, location – Chilliwack offers some of the best hiking we have ever seen. The rivers offer renown paddling/fishing. Our area is circled by slow-moving sloughs perfect for afternoon paddles. We have amazing breweries, cafes, and restaurants (including the best Indian restaurant in BC!). The city is all river-valley flat, making cycling (for fun and transportation) super accessible. Our farm is nestled in a quiet area on the outskirts. Were a 10 min bike ride from town, but still far enough out that we enjoy peace and calmness.
How to Apply
Please send a resume and a short note to tom@newsiberiafarms.com about your farming background and why organic, pasture-based dairy work appeals to you. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
- New Siberia Farms is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.
