Published by City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture
Jobs, Jobs, Job!
Thanks to Libby J. Goldstein for providing many of the job announcements found below.
People regularly contact us looking for work in urban agriculture. These jobs are few and far between. On this page we will experiment by listing a variety of positions which might be of interest to our readers.
We hope employers will send us job openings as they come up. Unfortunately we won't know when the positons are filled and will remove the listings every so often.
Resources:
Sustainable
Farming Internships and Apprenticeships
This resource
list has been published by ATTRA since 1989 as a networking tool for
farmers and apprentices to connect with each other for learning
opportunities in sustainable agriculture.
Educational and Training Opportunities in Sustainable
Agriculture
USDA, 10th Edition, January, 2000
Alternative
Farming Systems Information Center
National Agriculture Library,
Room 304
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville MD 20705-2351
Ph:
301-504-6559
Fax 301-504-6409
afsic@nal.usda.gov
National Agriculture Library
Organic Agriculture Internships and
CRAFT Ontario
Farms offering internship/apprenticeship
positions for the 2005 season are working together as CRAFT Ontario
(Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) to provide interns
with on-farm training in sustainable small scale agriculture production.
Posted May 2, 2008
Position: EarthWorks Growing Healthy Kids Program Coordinator (part-time 30-35 hours per week)
Location: Meldrum Kitchen
Position to start June 1, 2008
Brief Description The EW Growing Healthy Kids Program Coordinator is responsible for ongoing development of the program curriculum. The Coordinator is also responsible for supply acquisition, program preparation and implementation and program assessment. The GHK Coordinator will work directly with the EarthWorks Program Manager and the Greenhouse/Field Production Coordinator in joint program implementation. The Coordinator will supervise one assistant and the volunteers. Skills needed 2 years post secondary education required; bachelors degree relative to child education or human services preferred Experience and/or advance education in nutrition or child education preferred Demonstrated excellent communication and planning skills Requires operation office equipment: Fax, phone, copy machine, digital camera, Microsoft and excel computer programs.
Requires working in gardens in the weather variances of the State of Michigan (heat and rain in the spring & summer and cold in the winter), exposure to soil, organic soil & plant pest control materials
Job Grade: 11 Beginning Salary Range: $13 - $17 per hour
If you would like additional information before applying, please contact Human Resources at 579-2100, ext. 221. To apply, please submit an application to Human Resources at the Meldrum Soup Kitchen by May 9, 2008. The hiring process will include an interview for all qualified applicants, and any persons hired must complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Also:
Position: Temporary EarthWorks Urban Farm Worker
(part-time 25 wks - 30 hours per week)
Location: Meldrum Kitchen
Position to start mid-May 2008
Brief Description The Temporary Urban Farm Worker is responsible for helping develop and implement new programming components and assisting with produce market days. This position also will assist in field production and maintenance, recycling and composting and product distribution. Will also work with volunteers and other agencies on Earth Works related projects.
Skills needed High School grad or GED required Vegetable farming and greenhouse experience preferred Basic understanding of organic farming methods and principles Basic working knowledge of hand and power tools Demonstrated effective communication skills and computer capabilities Requires operation of greenhouse and garden tools and equipment Requires ability to stoop, bend and maneuver over uneven ground and lifting and carrying up to 80 pounds
Job Grade: 8 Salary Range: $9.50 – 11.50 per hour
If you would like additional information before applying, please contact Human Resources at 579-2100, ext. 221. To apply, please submit an application to Human Resources at the Meldrum Soup Kitchen by May 9, 2008. The hiring process will include an interview for all qualified applicants, and any persons hired must complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
The Capuchin mission is based on service and nurturing of the human spirit. Employees of the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order will exemplify the values of this mission in the performance of their responsibilities. Employees are expected to demonstrate and support the Capuchin mission, vision and values throughout all professional responsibilities and activities by acting at all times towards clients, volunteers, vendors, benefactors and co-workers with hospitality, joyful service and compassion; and to partner with all for empowerment and justice. The Soup Kitchen ministry serves meals at our two soup kitchens, assists with groceries, clothing, and furniture items on an emergency basis at our warehouse services center and provides a men’s residential substance abuse recovery program.
The Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order is an equal opportunity employer. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is a ministry within the Province. Neither the Province nor the Capuchin Soup Kitchen will discriminate against any otherwise qualified employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability or other legally protected status.
Posted April 18, 2008
Organization: Local Food Plus http://www.localfoodplus.ca Location: Toronto, Ontario
One-year contract, Full-time, based in Toronto, Ontario
Local Food Plus (LFP) is a non-profit organization committed to growing environmentally, socially and economically sustainable local food systems, in order to foster vibrant regional economies.
Job Description:
Local Food Plus (LFP) works in three main ways to help grow local sustainable food systems -- through a certification system that identifies farmers and processors who are producing local food in ways that are environmentally and socially sustainable, a market development program that opens new markets for certified farmers and processors, and a public education program. The primary tools for communicating these goals are the LFP website, targeted newsletters, and news releases. The job of the Communications Manager is to ensure that all materials are of top quality -- dynamic, credible, current, accessible to a wide public, informative, and smart.
Responsibilities:
* Manage media and public relations for LFP events
* Produce regular newsletters for LFP stakeholders
and the general public
* Work closely with the President to develop a strategic
communications plan
* Write, edit and post material for the LFP website
Qualifications:
* Excellent journalistic skills; ability to write in an
accessible and engaging manner
* Three to five years experience in media and public
relations
* Excellent research and interviewing skills
* Excellent communication, organizational and computer
skills
* Knowledge of agricultural and food system issues
* Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
* A strong commitment to growing local sustainable food
systems according to LFP principles.
* Knowledge of the Ontario Greenbelt an asset
Compensation:
$45,000 - $50,000 annually, plus a full benefits package
Local Food Plus is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from all interested individuals.
Please submit a detailed cover letter, resume and three references by email only to hr@localfoodplus.ca . Please put "Communications Manager" in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but advise that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Posted April 18, 2008
HEAD GARDENER JOB AVAILABLE
ORGANIZATION: TLC The Land Conservancy of BC (www.conservancy.bc.ca) POSITION: Head Gardener, Lower Mainland, Burnaby, BC
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Part-time position (Start 3 days/week)
DESCRIPTION:
Primarily, the Head Gardener will develop and implement comprehensive plans and strategies for the on-going restoration, maintenance and development of the Eagles Estate Heritage Garden, and its associated structures/buildings. This includes an annual workplan, schedule and budget. As well, the Head Gardener will undertake basic garden maintenance at the Baldwin House, Kogawa House and other properties, as required.
The Head Gardener will be in charge of recruiting, supervising and directing volunteer gardeners, specialists and contractors, to ensure that the work is carried out in an appropriate manner. Also, the Gardener will develop and maintain key partnerships with local government, community organizations etc. at each of the heritage sites.
The Head Gardener provides support and advice for the provision of a range of visitor services at the Eagles Estate Site, and for the day-to-day operations of the Site. This includes giving tours, organizing workshops and greeting visitors. The Head Gardener is also responsible for the development and delivery of content for educational programming, and for participating in fundraising/promotional activities for the Eagles Estate. While the focus is on the Eagles Estate, some of these duties will also occur at the other heritage sites (such as giving garden tours, hosting workshops and greeting guests interested in the gardens).
Requirements:
Must be a skilled gardener with previous experience.
The job requires manual labour, so being in good physical shape is essential.
Must have basic construction skills.
Must have excellent writing and organizational skills.
Must be comfortable in leading tours and public speaking.
Experience with volunteers and volunteer coordination is recommended. Interest in working with volunteers is needed.
Experience with fundraising is recommended.
Must be comfortable working with computers and MS Office.
Send resume to TLC Lower Mainland office
Attention: Ms. Tamsin Baker, Lower Mainland Regional Manager.
E-mail: Tamsin@conservancy.bc.ca
Mailing address: 5655 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5E 2T2
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 23, 2008
Posted April 2, 2008
Associate Director for Resource Development
Angelic Organics Learning Center - Chicago, IL
Angelic Organics Learning Center, an educational nonprofit working to build local food systems, seeks a versatile, highly organized, team player to join our Chicago office as Associate Director for Resource Development. This full-time, leadership position is responsible for developing and implementing the organization's resource development and communications strategies. The position's primary focus is on increasing and diversifying the revenue and donor base of the Learning Center. The position requires an individual who is committed to our mission and who can communicate effectively with donors and funders. The Associate Director must be a self-starter who can manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and supervise a small staff team. Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years experience in the nonprofit sector, including three years demonstrated success in creating and leading resource development programs. This position is ideal for a development professional who has gained valuable skills at larger organizations and is ready to take on a leadership role in a community-based nonprofit. The Learning Center, now celebrating our 10th anniversary, is a dynamic and growing organization offering candidates the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a positive social mission. Benefits include a health insurance plan, paid vacation and holidays, and a weekly share of our farm's vegetables at a discounted price. Applications must be received by 4/28/08.
Visit www.learngrowconnect.org/about/staff/employment for job description and application info.
Posted April 1, 2008
JOB POSTING: EGP Volunteer Coordinator
CONTRACT: 15 hours/week for 16 weeks, mid-May to September (flexible)
CLOSING DATE: April 16, 2008
COMPENSATION: $13.50/hr (plus 14% in lieu of benefits, $15.39/hr total)
The Edible Garden Project (EGP) is a non-profit group operating on the North Shore of Vancouver, British Columbia building a community network to grow, harvest and share local food on the North Shore. By actively increasing land used for food production, encouraging people who grow gardens to plant an extra row, and building knowledge and skills around food gardening and healthy eating the EGP is helping to achieve a food secure community. www.ediblegardenproject.com
The Volunteer Coordinator will be the first point of contact for people interested in getting involved in the Project. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with the EGP Coordinator and Steering Committee to coordinate and promote volunteer opportunities and events.
Responsibilities:
• Organizing and attending food collection events (food-drives, and tabling events)
• Creative promotion and publicity around EGP events.
• Recruiting and mobilizing both volunteers to staff events, and garden volunteers.
Skills and Experience:
• Knowledge and demonstrated commitment to the connection between gardening and health; knowledge of local food security issues.
• Experience in community engagement and special events coordination.
• Skills in innovative and creative approaches to volunteer coordination.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to respond creatively and flexibly to new opportunities.
Other Assets:
• Access to a vehicle (mileage will be compensated)
• Familiarity with the North Shore community and community services.
• Skills and knowledge around ecological food gardening.
• Experience working in the non-profit sector.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume with two references. All applications must be received by 5:00pm on April 16th, 2008 (electronic submissions preferred). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit enquiries and applications to:
Heather Johnstone, EGP Coordinator
edible@vcn.bc.ca
P: 604-987-8138 ext. 209
North Shore Neighbourhood House
225 E 2nd Street, North Vancouver
V7L 1C4
Thank-you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants that are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Posted March 26, 2008
Cultivating Community (CC) Melbourne’s lead agency in supplying Community Garden Services is excited to have a number of employment opportunities within its expanding Public Housing Community Gardens project.
We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
Team Leader Community Garden Project
CC is seeking a highly motivated individual to work within its Community Garden Project as a Team Leader. The position is a combination of Team Leader duties and Community Garden Support Worker duties. The successful applicant will lead the project and ensure service delivery standards are met; in addition they will work in a number of Community gardens providing support to the gardens and residents that use them.
Community Garden Support Worker
CC is seeking a highly motivated individual to work within its Community Garden Project as a Community Garden Support Worker. The role is to support and assist the development of community gardens on public housing estates
Administrations Assistant
CC is seeking a highly motivated individual to work as an Administrations Assistant to support a growing number of projects. The tasks include financial systems management, data entry and general office duties
Attached are the Employment Information Kits which contain detailed information on all the positions.
Ben Neil
Chief Executive Officer
Cultivating Community
P.O. Box 8 Abbotsford
Victoria 3067
Office: 03 9415 6580
Fax: 03 9415 6507
Mobile: 0404 255 317
www.cultivatingcommunity.org.au
Posted March 19, 2008
URBAN FARM SENIOR YOUTH INTERN (Mar 31)
Job Announcement: Urban Farm Senior Youth Intern
Applications due: March 31, 2008
About Afri-Can FoodBasket
Afri-Can FoodBasket is a non-profit organization promoting the sustainable development of Urban Farms and Community Gardens by nurturing a new generation of young leaders. We work towards this goal by creating opportunities for the youth of North-West Toronto to expand their knowledge base, develop new skills and positively engage with their community through the operation of socially responsible urban farming enterprise and Garden Animation.
About our Cultivating Youth Leadership: The Urban Farm Project (CYL)
Youth begin their experience with Afri-Can FoodBasket in the seven-week Summer Youth Program, during which participants work each day on the urban Farm and in the community. Working under the supervision of our staff, interns and Senior Youth Interns, new participants develop a strong sense of self and community while learning the skills necessary to grow food from seed to sale. Additionally, youth participants are introduced to the social context of our work, the food system, issues of community wellness, and social justice.
Job Description
The senior youth Intern (SYI) will join Afri-Can FoodBasket staff, Senior Youth Interns, and fellow Interns in facilitating our Cultivating Youth Leadership Program. In this program, approximately 15 Junior Youths Interns from Toronto are employed to grow food, and are introduced to urban agriculture and the intersections of food, health, and social justice.
The Senior Youth Interns will take part in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of daily programming¡X leading Junior Youth Interns in farm/garden work and community-building activities. The Senior Youth Interns will have the opportunity to develop skills in urban agriculture, teamwork, facilitation and leadership development, and will be encouraged to pursue additional individual learning goals while working within a supportive, energetic community. SYI will also be encouraged to share their individual skills, knowledge, and perspectives with youth participants through specific projects or trainings.
Responsibilities will include:
- Working directly with Junior Youth Interns and volunteers on the Farm and
in Community Gardens by facilitating farm work/garden animation and
community-building activities (in partnership with Afri-Can FoodBasket
Staff, Senior Youth Interns, and other Interns)
- Motivate, encourage, and support 15 youth participants in what may be
their first work experience
- Bring positive energy to the work
- Setup and cleanup of materials and site
- Dependable attendance
- Provides positive outdoor farming/gardening and camp experiences for
children and youth
- Track, monitor and evaluate programs; including developing program
workplans, keeping statistics, recording activities and outcomes, as well as
producing regular reports
- Completes related administrative duties and written evaluations
- Works with other staff and attends training sessions
- Liaises with area schools, community agencies and the public
- Coordinates and delivers programming at community events
- Assist with other youth leadership related duties
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience working with youth
- Interest in, and willingness to learn about, farming and food justice
- Strong communication skills
- Self-motivated and able to work within a fluid environment
- Experience in working independently as well as in groups
- Ability to work with and supervise people of all ages, especially children
and youth
- Administrative, organizational, research, and program skills
- Good communication and public relations skills
- Current Standard First Aid/CPR C
- Willing to work up to 36 hours per week
Period of Employment Contract - From April to June (and optional November to December), 20 hours/week @ $14/hr - From July to October, 36 hours/week @ $14/hr - Some evening or weekend work may be required
Application Deadline: March 31, 2008 is the deadline for all new applicants submitting applications.
Please send your resume AND cover letter (Microsoft Word) by mail, e-mail or in person to:
Hiring Committee c/o
Afri-Can FoodBasket
59 Heathrow Drive,
North York, Ontario M3M 1X1
E-Mail info@africanfoodbasket.com
Posted February 16, 2008
Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project
BC, Canada
2008 JOB POSTING for SHARING FARM COORDINATOR POSITIONS (3)
Background
The Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project (RFTSP) is a non-profit community organization that grows vegetables on donated lands for the Richmond Food Bank and other agencies. The Richmond Fruit Tree’s Sharing Farm grows organically and is located in Terra Nova Rural Park at the west end of Westminster Hwy. Successful candidates will report to a team of volunteer Board Directors and a Farm Manager. The Sharing Farm site is not on a direct bus route. It is accessible by bus with about a five minute bicycle ride from the nearest bus stop. For more information about the Sharing Farm please visit www.richmondfruittree.com
Duties and Responsibilities:
. Plant seeds/transplants, cultivate, water, weed and harvest
. Keep records and a farm journal
. Assist with the supervision and training of volunteers
. Assist with educational programs, tours and special events
. Assist with the transportation and distribution of vegetables
. Keep farm and storage areas organized and tidy
Qualifications:
Must be currently a full-time student who will be returning to college or university in the fall of 2008 and be 18 to 30 years of age. (Service Canada requirements.)
.Have farming or gardening experience
.Be self-motivated, flexible, willing to take initiative, work well on own and in a team environment
.Be physically fit and enjoy working outside in all kinds of weather
.Proven ability in working effectively with volunteers
.Strong record-keeping ability
.Valid driver’s license
.Ability to operate and maintain tools and equipment
Salary: $12 per hour + benefits - 35 hour work week, Tuesday – Saturday. Approx.14 weeks depending on final HRDC approval (will know by late April).
Start Date: Mid May. End Date: before August 30th, 2008
Please submit resume and a cover letter to:
Email : info@richmondfruittree.com
Applications must be received no later than March 31, 2008.
Posted February 4, 2008
Assistant CSA Farmer
Ignatius Farm CSA
www.ignatiusguelph.ca/csa.html
Position: Project Development Coordinator, Extending the Harvest Organization: Ignatius Farm Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) http://www.ignatiusguelph.ca/csa.html Location: flexible, must be able to travel to Guelph, Ontario Application deadline: Feb 7, 2008
Ignatius Farm Community Shared Agriculture is a 250-household CSA project, a 6-acre certified organic vegetable operation, which supplies produce to our CSA members and offers internships in organic agriculture. It is part of Ignatius Farm at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph, which includes the Farm Store, apple orchards, a spirituality centre, wooded and natural areas, and hiking trails.
Ignatius Farm CSA is expanding its operations to include new crops and to extend its current season of production. In keeping with our desire to learn together and train others in sustainable agricultural methods, we plan to make our expansion a collaborative learning experience with other small organic vegetable farms also wishing to expand their enterprises. Our 'Extending the Harvest' project will focus on information exchange and sharing related to crop expansion, season extension, and other issues facing small-scale organic farms. The primary purpose of the Project Development Coordinator is to ensure that this project will meet the needs of farmers, and to lay the plans for this project.
The Project Development Coordinator will work with
the farmers at Ignatius and networks of farmers to:
* Establish a database of ecological vegetable farms,
and particularly CSA farms
* Survey these farms for barriers to expansion and their
learning needs
* Establish core participating farms for the Extending
the Harvest project
* Synthesize survey data and compile farmer needs
* Write up the plan for Extending the Harvest. This
includes timelines, content and activities for both the
farming plans and the training/sharing plans
* Complete funding applications towards the actualization
of the Extending the Harvest project
The Project Development Coordinator position is part-time for 15 weeks, beginning as early as February 18. The position is pending confirmation of funding, which may delay the start date. It is a consulting position, i.e. the contractor will be responsible for their own income tax etc... The individual reports to the CSA Farmer. The position may be extended based on funding approvals.
We are seeking individuals who...
Are:
* highly organized, creative and research oriented
* detail-oriented
* committed to promoting local, organic produce, small
business and community building
* approachable and able to engage positively and warmly
with farmers
Have Some Experience With:
* survey development and analysis
* small business management and/or organic farming
Have Working Knowledge of:
* the guiding principles behind Community Shared
Agriculture
* the guiding principles behind organic agriculture
Have:
* excellent interpersonal skills and a desire to work in
a diverse and dynamic environment
* a proven ability to see tasks through to completion
* a proven ability to work well independently and as
part of a larger team
To apply, please submit your resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to: Heather Lekx csafarmer (at) ignatiusguelph.ca* Deadline: February 7, 2008
Posted January 28, 2008
Job Announcement: Urban Farm Assistant
Added Value is hiring two Urban Farm Assistants for the 2008 agricultural season.
Posted January 25, 2008
Full Circle Farm is a brand new 11-acre nonprofit, educational farm in the heart of Silicon Valley (in Sunnyvale, CA). Nestled in a residential neighborhood on the back half of a local middle school, we are part of a community-focused, educational organization dedicated to bringing fresh local food and environmental and nutrition education to both students and community.
Full Circle Farm is seeking
A Farm Manager
AND
2 Skilled Organic Farmers
Posted January 24, 2008
MARKET GARDENING OPPORTUNITY AT KINDWOOD FARM
Victoria BC Canada
Kindwood Farm is a small, non-certified organic farm located in the District of Highlands, x hour from downtown Victoria. The 25 acre farm is part of a beautiful, forested 360 acre property and produces mixed fruit, vegetables and beef. The farm includes a x sq ft market garden which has been organically maintained since its’ development in xxxx. This area and the adjacent rustic cabin are available for someone interested in operating their own market garden, on a rent for labour basis. The x sq. ft. cabin has electricity, phone and wood heat. Cold running water and an outhouse are adjacent to the cabin.
In exchange for the use of land and accommodation, we are seeking x hours per week of assistance with farm maintenance and development tasks including; fencing, firewood cutting, animal husbandry, pasture development and general farm clean up. We are looking for someone with an agricultural background who can bring a practical problem solving approach, an ability to work in partnership with others and who is comfortable with strenuous physical labour. Experience in organic gardening/farming, chainsaw use, and rudimentary construction skills are required. Additional useful skills include basic mechanical maintenance, fruit tree pruning and use of farm equipment (tractor, splitter). While additional labour on a wage basis may be available, an independent income source is needed. As the farm is not located near a bus route, having one’s own transportation is necessary. The situation is suitable for an individual wanting to live in a beautiful, natural environment while pursuing a lifestyle of voluntary simplicity and environmental sustainability.
The garden and cabin are available April 1, 2008. If interested, please send a written description of your relevant skills and experience by February 22, 2008 to: Libby McMinn & Scott Richardson Kindwood Farm 499 Millstream Lake Road Victoria, BC V9B 6H5 or: libbymcminn@shaw.ca
Posted January 15, 2008
Organic Farmer
This position is a farmer position within the city limits of Monroe, MI.
IHM Sisters seek individual to perform all field and greenhouse preparation and work for small organic farm. Tasks include, but are not limited to: raise crops; compost; utilize seed saving techniques; maintain and care for all tools and equipment; provide reports; maintain computerized records; assist with farm web page, sustainable agriculture programs and tours; transfer produce to market; work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, CSA members and others. Qualifications: Bachelor degree, Associate degree or certification in ecology, agriculture, organic farming, master gardening or comparable experience; knowledge of and experience in organic farming and sustainability; experience working on an organic farm, operating/maintaining organic farm machinery and a desire to work the land using sustainable practices; strong organizational and communication skills; ability to learn, understand and support the IHM mission and values, work collaboratively and use Microsoft Office suite. This is a nine month position, February through October. Send cover letter, resume and compensation expectations to Human Resources, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162
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Revised May 1, 2008