More here:
Moncton Social Inclusion Summit: Building Belonging Together – NB Media Co-op
Farm Manager is paid $24 per hour.
Julia Feltham lists "Open Sky Co-op" on her LinkedIn account:
Facebook page here: Open Sky Co-operative | Sackville NB | Facebook
Donations here: open-sky-co-operative-ltd | CharityProfile | Donate Online
Instagram: Open Sky Co-operative Ltd. (@openskycoop) • Instagram photos and videos
"Non-profit... Open Sky provides home, community and vocational support to adults who experience barriers ... fostering inclusive communities"
"Fostering inclusive communities where people thrive, contribute and have a sense of hope, value, and belonging." Open Sky Co-Op has received only good press and boosting.
It has to be a good thing... right? Who funds this place? Who owns this place? Who founded this place? What is social enterprise?
More here: Open Sky fills gap in education system - The Argosy
and here: A safe and welcoming farm space - Saltscapes
WE ARE HIRING!! We are currently seeking a wonderful candidate for the position of Farm Manager at our charitable non-profit. For those interested in applying, the posting will be open for 2 weeks, closing at the end of the day September 28th. Please send your resume (CV) and a cover letter to director@openskyco-op.ca. Only those who get an interview will be contacted.
Farm & Operations Manager, Open Sky Co-operative
Job Description
The Farm & Operations Manager works year-round to plan, develop and maintain the farm and gardens for the benefit of Open Sky programming, as well as training and supervising activities of participants, volunteers and staff while working outside on the farm, in the barn and gardens. Depending on the needs of the organization, this position will most likely be a full-time, year-round position with the possibility of it being seasonal. The Farm Mentor and Maintenance Staff report directly to the Farm & Operations Manager
Qualifications:
• Experience/Certification
o Minimum 2 years experience in farming, intensive gardening, and/or animal husbandry
o Criminal record check (vulnerable populations); Social Development Check
o Experience and/or training to work with neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism spectrum or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, mental health challenges, and/or developmental challenges
o Experience in facility and grounds management
o Staff management experience
o Demonstrated capacity for large project management
o Assets include: a valid Driver’s License; CPR/First Aid and Mental Health First Aid training; non-violent crisis intervention certification
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
o Organic market gardening and farming
o Knowledge of regenerative agriculture processes and sustainability farming
o Working with the Farm Mentor - creating a produce marketing plan and process
o Animal management, including poultry (laying hens), rabbits, and donkeys
o Knowledge of current challenges and opportunities related to mental health, disability, employment, and farming
o Openness to continuous learning needs and opportunities
o Ability to creatively work with and teach skills to people with unique learning styles
o Ability to supervise others for safety purposes
o Ability to exude a trusted physical presence, making others feel respected and safe
o Ability to do physical work outdoors throughout the growing season
o Ability to assist with, and work within, a budget, as well as write simple reports
• Personal Characteristics
o Patience
o Flexibility
o Adaptability
o Behaving ethically
o Good interpersonal skills
o Communication skills
o Innovative thinking
o Good and timely decision-making
o Problem solving
o Calm demeanour
o Resilience
o Good organizational skills
o Attention to detail
o Creativity
Hours:
The Farm & Operations manager will work weekdays, with the occasional weekend day for a special event/market, and have most weekends and statutory holidays off. They will graciously adapt their work schedule, working irregular hours and/or beyond regular hours when necessary.
Wages:
• Starting wage is $24.00 an hour
• Snacks are provided twice daily, and lunches are provided twice weekly with Program.
• Vacation = 2 weeks per year accrued (during the summer season, in a way that does not conflict with Program needs).
• Sick/personal days = 4 per year (one per quarter)
• Local travel is reimbursed at $3 per trip, and out-of-town travel is reimbursed at $0.50 per kilometre.
Specific Responsibilities:
• Report directly to the Executive Director
• Collaborate daily with Program Coordinator on farm-oriented programming as well as Participants’ goals and plans
• Manage Day of Caring plan and execution of same
• Meet weekly with Farm Mentor regarding garden needs
• Collaborate with Retail Greenhouse Manager to ensure site needs and requirements are fulfilled
o Activities in this area mainly revolve around operational needs of the larger site, including coordination of spaces, grounds care, maintenance of infrastructure, tools, and equipment, such as the pellet stove
• Update Open Sky’s Board of Directors monthly on Facilities and Grounds needs/activities and send a report to the Executive Director upon request
• Other Team Leadership:
o Participate in weekly meetings with Management Team (Executive Director, Program Manager, Program Behaviour Specialist Program Coordinator, and Kitchen Coordinator) to ensure the safety and stability of Open Sky Co-operative
o Work with the Program Manager and Program Coordinator to identify and enable group activities and outings
o Meet with the Executive Director in November to review and evaluate the current season and discuss planning for the next year
o Act as Manager on Site when neither the Executive Director nor the Program Manager is at the farm, whether due to sickness or time off
• Operations:
o Responsible for overall Farm/Site Plan
Maintain and update quarterly as required
Engage in the planning and implementation of future farm projects
o Plan and direct all farm-related program activities in the following areas:
Ensure that the farm is organised, beautiful, and safe
Landscaping & hardscaping (tree-planting, flower beds)
House and outbuildings (barn, tool shed, mower shed, Maker’s Space, greenhouses) as well as fencing
Assist (backup) Farm Mentor with market gardens, Farmer’s Market/CSA/Farmgate, and other tasks as required
o Order materials, stock, etc. in a timely manner, and within budget
o Oversee general maintenance and upkeep of all grounds and buildings, ensuring that the farm buildings and premises (including farm equipment, infrastructure, tools and supplies) are productive, safe, and well-maintained in good working order
Complete minor repairs as needed, and maintain log of items needing repairs/replacements etc.
Liaise with maintenance folks (including, but not limited to, our in-house Cool Maintenance Guy, house painters, contractors, carpenters, etc.)
Ensure lawn care is attended to regularly
Coordinate with tenants at Open Sky's rental unit and Maintenance Mentor to ensure the building is in good repair, and grounds are looked after (lawn and gardens)
o Work with the Executive Director on budgeting and issues related to anticipated staffing, resources, and time
o Maintain records of farm activities, budgets, and other reports as needed
o Manage rental requests from external community groups/members, and invoice as needed
o Maintain records of storage options and plans
Farm (harvest/produce as well as summer equipment and tools, construction projects and materials, lumber, etc.)
House (canned, pickled, and preserved harvest items; dry goods including lightbulbs, plumbing and electrical supplies)
Maker’s Space (cold room, tools in the workshop, art supplies, seasonal decorations)
Miscellaneous: find homes for items and listing them for easy finding/retrieval
o Provide a written report at the end of the season, outlining
Highlights of “what happened this year”
Issues arising; what needs to be addressed for next year
Tasks to be covered by winter program and volunteers (if seasonal)
Updated Farm Plan for the coming year
• Program
o Ensure all Participants working outdoors have meaningful roles and activities
o Lead/coordinate farm-related skills and safety training for staff, volunteers, and Participants
o Collaborate with Program Coordinator to ensure all Participants at Open Sky are adequately supervised by a mentor or responsible volunteer when working outdoors
o Coordinate external activities with assistance from Program (including, but not limited to catering gigs, volunteer opportunities, Open Sky ambassadorship)
• Human Resources & Staffing
o Provide necessary Health & Safety training, and ensure that these practices are followed
o Create and maintain communication systems that help foster a work environment that is open, kind, considerate, respectful, positive, and fun
o In partnership with the Program Coordinator and Farm Mentor, organise day-to-day operations: this may include managing task lists, coordinating the crew, demonstrating skills, providing instruction, answering questions, offering tips, and generally ensuring smooth processes
o Complete performance reviews for summer students
o Assess needs (with input from the Management Team) regarding volunteers, conduct intake, and train
Maintain an up-to-date database
Liaise and coordinate with volunteers through the growing season to ensure both farm and volunteer requirements are met
o Work with the Executive Director and the Program Manager on staffing requirements and hiring
Hire, orient, train & supervise summer students (and/or MTA interns)
Interview mentors as needed to fill gaps in Program/on the farm
• Community
o Engage in public outreach through social media with regards to farm activities and offerings
o Build relationships and partnerships with community groups and individuals who work with Open Sky
o Plan, execute, and host events that raise awareness of Open Sky’s mission and vision throughout the local community, such as Yard/Plant Sales, Open Farm Days
o Work with Farm Mentor and Program Coordinator to train Participants to successfully be able to volunteer or participate in paid employment opportunities outside of Open Sky
• Risk Management
o Ensure all tools and other equipment are in safe, working order
o Pay attention to all activities at Open Sky and act upon any risky activities
o Contribute to policy development to ensure safety in all areas of the farm
o Complete Incident Reporting Forms as needed
• Finances
o Work with the Executive Director in February/March to develop a realistic annual farm budget (inclusive of the garden, infrastructure, and animals) that harmonizes with staffing plans
o Plan for repairs, replacements, and upgrades of farm buildings and equipment, infrastructure, tools, and supplies, including capital projects
o Report all expenses to Executive Director/bookkeeper "
Former local entrepreneur/businessman and town councillor/Mayor of Tantramar Andrew Black is the Executive Director of Open Sky Co-Op as of April 2026, announcement here:
Dear friends, It is with great... - Open Sky Co-operative | Facebook
Dear friends,
It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors of Open Sky Co-operative Ltd. announces that Andrew Black has been hired as our new Executive Director and will begin June 1st.
Andrew has been working at Open Sky for the past 2.5 years. Over that time, he has developed a passion for the work that Open Sky does and for the people we serve. He embodies the traits of kindness, fairness, empathy and inclusivity that are at the heart of the core values of Open Sky. He will replace Laura Hunter, who will be retiring in early summer after 5 years in this leadership role. Working with Laura has been a privilege. We wish her all the best in her retirement and the adventures ahead. It is our hope that Laura will remain closely connected.
As incoming Executive Director, Andrew Black, brings experience from his background spanning the corporate, retail, and public sectors. He has served as Councillor and later Mayor of the Town of Sackville and Municipality of Tantramar since 2016. He has made many connections in the Tantramar community and in the government during his tenure as mayor and on Council. He also served in leadership roles (First Vice President and President) for the non-profit association the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick. From these roles he brings skills in management, financial accountability, networking and effective communication.
We are excited to welcome Andrew as our new Executive Director. Andrew’s deep roots in this community, combined with his passion for the mission of Open Sky, make him a natural fit for this role. Those who know Andrew know that he brings not just experience, but real energy and enthusiasm — a forward-looking spirit that we believe will open new doors and create new possibilities for the people we work alongside. Open Sky continues to grow and respond to the needs in the community, and we are confident Andrew is the right person to lead us in this next chapter.
Chair, Jane Braedley
for the Board of Directors of Open Sky Co-operative Ltd. "
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/andrew-black-70793a8b
Who are the people behind the scenes on the Board of Open Sky Co-Op? The current Board in 2026 has not been published at their website - 2024-2025 Board of Directors shown here:
Our Governance - Open Sky Co-op - Sackville, NB
Secretary of the Board, Pronoti MajithiaTreasurer of the Board, Craig EvansVice Chair of the Board, Jane BraedleyChair of the Board, Blaise DobbinAGM in JuneSarah Poirier, Scott Langille, Peter Irwin, Joanna Fisher, all Board Members at Large... former Executor Director Laura Hunter replaced by Andrew Black, former Mayor of Tantramar.
Co-ops are the new economy, social economy, kinder gentler business model... with a donation button and supportive community boosting the success its a win-win but who knows how much money they collect and where the money is going.. that's the burning question. It is a grift, a nannystate operation and its only "bad community members" who do not support it.. that's the con... donations and financial support are 'freely given' to their charity.
Where is the architect/originator of this farm charity grift now? Margaret Tusz-King, former Green Party provincial candidate and former Town Councillor in Sackville N.B., is possibly still the owner of the Folkins Drive farm acreage property.. but that's unclear at this point she and her husband Eric Tusz-King who is an active climate change agitator/grifter in town at Aster Group Environmental Services Co-Operative.. shown below in the Town Hall Youtube screen capture..CCAC is the Climate Change Advisory Committee in Tantramar .. the originating couple seem to be long gone from Open Sky Co-op since its founding days with Norm & Laura Hunter.The acceptance of 'social enterprise' grifting has been normalized in this region by the efforts of people like the Tusz-Kings who arrived here from Ontario a few decades ago and were instantly featured in the town newspaper "Sackville Tribune Post" with a progress series as they built their eco-home out on Fairfield Rd. Eric and Sabine Dietz [former failed candidate twice for Mayor, Town Councillor and Climate Change grifter with "Climatlantic" here: CLIMAtlantic | Facebook ] are now building a "funded eco village" at 106 Fairfield Road here:
Freshwinds Eco-Village Housing Cooperative | Sackville NB | Facebook
The truth is that the apparent answer to our awful "capitalist society" is the charity non-profit co-op enterprises... the description used to promote the non-profit model has become the preferred, boosted and promoted model of business operations and if you're in the university town you cannot swing a cat without hitting a non-profit minion.. it is grifting future with 'social entrepreneurs' being lauded, simple as... and more of these grifts appear every month it seems.. the latest being "Shelter Well" promoting "pocket housing"... more boosted here at the university website:
New nonprofit in Tantramar hoping to address housing issues with small-scale pocket communities » CHMA
More here: Sackville U.N.censored : Andrew Black of Tantramar Makes Announcement on Open Sky Co-Op
