Employment Opportunity: Urban Agriculture Coordinator (FT) at the Stop Community Food Centre

Author: Ravi Singh

Posted: March 25, 2013

Categories: Opportunities / Volunteer. Job and Writing Opportunities

The Stop Community Food Centre in Toronto is seeking a full-time Urban Agriculture Coordinator. More details from the Stop on this truly exciting opportunity below.

Via the Stop (full details on position and on how to apply after the jump):

The Stop Community Food Centre

Urban Agriculture Coordinator

(Full-time, permanent)

The Stop began over 30 years ago as one of North America’s first food banks, and has grown into a vibrant community centre, using food as a gateway to addressing many issues, including poverty, the environment, social isolation and health in one of Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods. The Stop’s mission is to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community and challenges inequality.

The role of the Urban Agriculture Coordinator is to help people who have experienced marginalization and poverty gain access to the land, skills and other resources they need to grow their own food, while also fostering   leadership and community development. We are seeking a dynamic, organized self-starter who is equally passionate and knowledgeable about growing organic food and supporting diverse community members. The UA Coordinator will work with a collaborative, professional team primarily out of our Green Barn location.

NB: This position is currently under review and specific duties may change.

 Responsibilities:

• Facilitate yard-sharing matches in The Stop’s catchment area in the YIMBY program
• Provide access to tools, workshops and other Stop resources to YIMBY gardeners
• Work with program participants and staff to develop garden plans, produce seedlings and ensure community garden sites are well-maintained and productive
•  Create a safe and welcoming environment for program participants
• Conduct outreach and recruit program participants
• Maintain good working relationships with program partners
• Orient and supervise seasonal staff, program volunteers and students
• Work with other staff to offer garden-related workshops and special  events
• Develop and implement tracking tools and program evaluations

Qualifications:

•  Excellent knowledge of organic vegetable production (minimum one full season of experience)
• Minimum 2 years experience with group facilitation and program coordination
• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse community (including working with seniors, youth and people with different abilities and cultural backgrounds.)
•  Experience supervising staff and volunteers/
• Post-secondary degree in a related area or the equivalent experience
• Self-motivated and a constructive team member
• Ability to speak a language relevant to the neighbourhood is an asset
• Valid driver’s license is an asset

Salary: $22.68 per hour plus benefits                      Hours: 37.5/week            Start date: immediately

Please submit your resumé and covering letter by April 5, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. to: Hiring Committee – Urban Agriculture Coordinator, The Stop Community Food Centre, 601 Christie St. Box 181, Toronto, ON M6G 4C7 or jobs@thestop.org. No faxes or phone calls please. The Stop Community Food Centre is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from equity seeking groups.  We regret that only those applicants being considered will be contacted.