Published by City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture
Jobs, Jobs, Job!
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 June 26, 2009
Sustainable Community Gardens (SCG)
Executive Director Job Description
Sustainable Community Gardens (SCG) is a community–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to the renewal of local, sustainable food systems throughout Silicon Valley. Our local sustainable farms, gardens and integrative educational programs empower youth and adults to grow food and inspire them to form communities dedicated to healthy living and environmental responsibility.
SCG was founded in 2006 with the establishment of Charles Street Gardens. Located on one acre of City of Sunnyvale land, Charles Street’s volunteer-built plots and gathering spaces are the only community run gardens in Silicon Valley, and families from all walks of life grow fruits and vegetables in 92 large plots using organic methods. SCG’s second project, Full Circle Farm (FCF), is an 11–acre farm and educational garden in the heart of Silicon Valley. Nestled in a residential neighborhood on the back half of a local middle school, Full Circle Farm is a community-focused, educational project dedicated to providing fresh local food and environmental and nutrition education. FCF is actively creating a model system of locally growing healthy food for the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) and immediate community. It also serves as an inspiring green open space for the diverse urban community that showcases the importance of a healthy local food system, good nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. More on the web at: sustainablecommunitygardens.org.
We are seeking an Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization and execute our strategic objectives. If you have strong leadership skills, are experienced in fund raising and fiscal management, have passion in community food systems and education, want to work on a beautiful farm with dedicated people making positive change in a community ripe for transformation, then this is THE opportunity for you. This is a pivotal time for the organization, with the addition of eight Americorps staff this Fall.
Executive Director Job Description and Responsibilities:
The ED reports to SCG Board of directors (BOD). The following duties are either completed by the ED or potentially delegated to other staff or contract workers when the budget permits. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate. SCG is an equal opportunity employer.
LEADERSHIP
• Provide leadership and confidence to staff, volunteers, community and stakeholders
• Work with the BOD to refine mission and vision of the organization as appropriate
• Serve as spokesperson for the organization in the community, at professional conferences, and with media
• Build alliances and partnerships with like minded organizations for greater impact
FUND DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS
• Responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fund development plan that includes corporate, individual, government and foundation support in cooperation with the BOD
• Lead the development and execution of an individual giving campaign in cooperation with the BOD
• Lead the development and execution of a multi-year capital campaign for permanent structures
• Lead the development and preparation of government and foundation grant proposals and reports
• Serve as lead author of all communications including giving letters, flyers, reports and other collateral
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with appropriate community, government and nonprofit agencies
• Provide a presence for SCG in the community
• Develop relationships with appropriate organizations to build awareness of community needs and SCG’s role in serving those needs
MANAGEMENT, PLANNING, AND PROGRAM EXECUTION
• Provide sound fiscal management / financial planning, decision making, and SCG accountability
• Coordinate the preparation and implementation of the yearly budget including the development and implementation of adequate financial controls, monitors and practices
• Maintain a climate which attracts, retains and motivates a diverse and high caliber team of staff, volunteers, and Board members
• Oversee the recruitment, employment, development, and release of all personnel
• Ensure that good human resource practices are in place including the development of position descriptions and implementation of regular performance evaluations
• Ensure that SCG complies with all relevant laws and applicable policies / permits set forth by the Board, regulators and stakeholders
• Negotiate and ensure accountability for all contracts and grants
• Oversee the development, execution and evaluation of SCG’s programs, facilities and resources consistent with its mission, values, goals and obligations
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the issues and stakeholders
• Develop a process for planning, implementing, and evaluating progress towards meeting short and long-range goals for SCG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Create effective lines of communications and linkages between Board and staff
• Report regularly to the Board regarding organizational objectives, financial status of the organization, and other issues relevant to the Board
• Attend as an active participant all Board meetings and serves as a member of all task forces and committees as needed
• Provide the Board with information / support to help reach sound decisions and establish policies and assist in their roles and responsibilities
• Assist the Board in identifying, recruiting and utilizing Board members with the essential skills to help support the mission and vision of SCG
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Create an annual plan to develop or strengthen essential skills critical to the Executive Director’s and staff success
Minimum Qualifications:
• BA/BS, Masters degree preferred, with minimum 3-5 years of relevant work experience
• Experience and success raising money and developing / executing fund development plan
• Success building an organization, driving growth and building a strong team culture
• Minimum 3-5 years managing a budget and staff for a company or non-profit
• Solid foundation and understanding of sustainable agriculture and local food systems
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and work as a team member
• Organizational skills and basic computer skills
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience and sensitivity working with culturally & economically diverse populations
• Capital campaign experience
• Proven successful grant-writing record
• Knowledge of the local philanthropic community
• Marketing and media relations experience
• Direct volunteer and/or professional experience with organic farming, urban agriculture, local food systems, outdoor education, youth development, and/or community organizing
Compensation:
• Starting Salary range $45,000-55,000 DOE
Application Process:
• Send cover letter along with resume to: Lubab Sheet, Board Chair, Sustainable Community Gardens
Email: jobs@sustainablecommunitygardens.org
• Provide three professional references (name, address, phone number and email)
• Application deadline is July 31, 2009
• Phone / On-site Interviews will be scheduled in late July - Early August (no relocation is provided)
• Start Date: Mid-September or sooner
Thank you for your interest.
Posted June 23, 2009
JOB POSTING
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.
Position: Earthworks Education Coordinator
(full-time 30-35 hours per week)
Location: Meldrum Kitchen
Position to start: August 8, 2009
Brief Description
The Earthworks Education
Coordinator is responsible for ongoing development of the program
curriculum, supply acquisition, program preparation and implementation
and program assessment. Additionally the Coordinator will be working in
the gardens and kitchen with the youth in the program and will supervise
one assistant and the volunteers. The Coordinator will also work
directly with the Earthworks Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator in
joint program implementation. Skills needed
2 years
post secondary education required
Experience and/or
advance education in nutrition or child education preferred
Cooking and gardening skills required
Demonstrated excellent communication and planning skills
Excellent driving record
Valid Michigan
Chauffer’s license (or willingness to obtain)
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: 13 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 resumes to Human Resources at 1820 Mt. Elliott,
Detroit, MI 48207 prior to July 1, 2009.
The hiring
process will include an interview and extensive background check for
qualified candidates, and any individual hired must complete a
pre-employment drug and alcoho
Posted June 6, 2009
FoodShare Toronto is seeking an Urban Agriculture Youth Engagement Facilitator to join the dynamic Community and School Food Programs team. FoodShare Toronto is a non-profit organization that works with communities to ensure that everyone has access to healthy and affordable food. At FoodShare we work on food issues "from field to table" - meaning that we focus on the entire system that puts food on our tables: from the growing, processing and distribution of food to its purchasing, cooking and consumption.
The Urban Agriculture Youth Engagement Facilitator will work with
high school students and youth program participants to build urban
agriculture demonstrations and will organize a forum to bring youth
together to discuss food issues and action. The successful applicant
will have some gardening experience and will have basic building
capabilities. Detailed job description:
- Design,
plan, build, and maintain an organic vegetable garden
-
Design, build and maintain a fish and food growing (aquaponics)
system
- Design, build and maintain a greenhouse
greens production system
- Organize a food event
for youth
Qualifications and skills:
- Some gardening
and food growing experience
- Experience working
with youth
- Experience working with diverse
populations
- Well organized
-
Conflict resolution skills
- Interest in
working on food security issues
- Basic carpentry
knowledge and abilities
- Basic plumbing skills
an asset
- Event planning experience an asset
Successful candidate will receive on-the-job training in
some urban agriculture methods
All applicants must be
eligible for employment insurance or employment insurance or have
reachback status. If applicants are unsure about their current status,
please check with your employment insurance counsellor.
Hours and compensation:
37.5 hours per week; this
is a Job Creation Partnership position with a pay rate of $423 a week or
a higher rate based on the current employment insurance rates that the
applicant is eligible for.
How to apply:
Please email, deliver or fax your
resume and a cover letter explaining why you would like this job and why
you would be good at it.
Send to attention of: Ravenna Barker
Email:
ravenna@foodshare.net
Fax: (416) 363-0474
Address: FoodShare, 90 Croatia Street, Toronto Ontario M6H
1K9
Deadline for all applications: Wednesday June 17, 2009 at 5pm
Start Date: July 2, 2009
Posted May 30, 2009
Executive Director
Application deadline: Thursday
June 11 2009 @ 5:00 pm EST
Start date: July 2009
Location: Parkdale, Toronto
Exceptional opportunity to lead a small, dynamic community-based organization The Board of Directors of Greenest City is seeking a dynamic, passionate and results-oriented Executive Director to guide and build on its recent growth and success. The ideal candidate will possess the skills and interest to continue to build a strong organizational foundation, to lead and develop staff, and have a vision for future growth and development.
Greenest City is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to creating solutions that inspire diverse communities to green Toronto. Greenest City has three integrated program streams: Urban Agriculture, Youth, and Healthy Communities. Our innovative programs connect people to local food, to each other, and to opportunity. In the past three years Greenest City has focused on growing local food and local youth leaders as keys to enhancing the health and sustainability of the Parkdale community. In 2008, Greenest City was one of 10 organizations chosen to receive The Wellesley Institute's "10 in 10" Urban Health Award that recognizes the "unsung" heroes that have made a significant contribution to the health of urban communities in the GTA from 1998-2008.
Job Description:
The Executive Director is
responsible for providing excellent overall management and
leadership of Greenest City.
Key
Responsibilities:
. Guide the design, implementation,
evaluation and direction of programs.
. Work with the
Board on strategic planning and mission alignment.
.
Support the Board's continuous learning and development.
. Lead Greenest City's fundraising efforts to enhance the
financial sustainability of
the organization. This
includes grant writing, building individual and corporate
support and ensuring sound financial management of the
organization.
. Recruit, select, train, empower,
inspire, manage and evaluate staff.
. Build Greenest
City's reputation and be a compelling public voice for our goals.
Reach out to, engage and empower diverse communities to
participate in
programs and the organization.
Qualifications:
. Five years professional
experience in an NGO management role
. Proven ability
to secure and grow funding
. Experience and training in
human resource and financial management
. Experience in
initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating programs
. Excellent facilitation and community development
skills
. Highly motivated, resourceful and passionate -
demonstrated commitment to
issues of environmental,
social and economic justice
. Demonstrated ability to
connect to and work within diverse communities
. A
positive and kind way with staff, participants and partners
. Outstanding writing and interpersonal skills
. Interest in food security, sustainable communities and
youth development
. Ability to speak a language
relevant to the South Parkdale neighbourhood
considered
an asset
For a full job description and to see our latest annual report,
which describes our current work, please go to www.greenestcity.ca
Board of Directors
Greenest City
c/o Masaryk Cowan CRC
220 Cowan Ave, Toronto ON, M6K 2N6
EMAIL:
hiring [at] greenestcity dot ca
We will not accept late
applications.
Greenest City is committed to Employment
Equity and encourages applicants from
equity seeking
groups to self-identify. We regret that only those applicants being
considered for the position will be contacted.
Posted May 22, 2009
Not Far From The Tree Hub Coordinator – Ward 21, Toronto
Application deadline: June 5th, 2009 @ 5:00 pm EST
Start date:
mid to late June, 2009 Location: Ward 21, Toronto
Pay and hours:
$20/hour, 20 hours a week for 23 weeks (June-November)
Not Far From The Tree, a project of The Catalyst Centre, is Toronto’s very own fruit tree project. We ensure that the fruit growing in Toronto is picked, shared, eaten, and enjoyed. The core of our programming is our residential fruit-picking program, where we pick fruit from trees that would otherwise go to waste. When fruit tree owners cannot harvest their trees, we send team of volunteers to do it for them. 1/3 of the fruit goes to the fruit tree owners, 1/3 to the volunteers, and 1/3 is distributed (by bicycle or cart) to community organizations in the neighbourhood who can make good use of the fresh fruit.
After a successful first season in 2008, Not Far From The Tree is now preparing to launch its 2009 season. To do so, we are seeking a highly organized and dedicated Hub Coordinator for our original neighbourhood base, Toronto’s Ward 21 (St. Paul’s).
Duties: Schedule residential fruit picks for all registered fruit
trees in Ward 21
Coordinate and provide support for volunteers who
will lead picks, attend picks, and help otherwise
Establish and
maintain the physical needs of the hub such as equipment and storage
Liaise with volunteers, fruit tree owners, partner agencies, media and
other interested partners
Assist with planning events for Not Far
From The Tree and arrange representation at outreach events
Report
to the Project Coordinator and team of Hub Coordinators regarding
progress and outcomes
Complete, maintain and manage all necessary
documentation related to the job (including financial records, narrative
reports, statistics, contact lists, etc.)
Qualifications:
Excellent organizational skills, including
program coordination
Excellent interpersonal, oral, conflict
resolution and written communication skills
A skilled team leader
with the ability to work independently
A thorough understanding of
food security and environmental issues, as demonstrated through the
achievement of an undergraduate level degree in a related discipline or
through equivalent work experience
Knowledge of environmental, food,
and community-based networks and social service agencies
A
demonstrated history of coordinating staff or volunteers
The ability
to communicate in languages which reflect the demographic of the hub
(e.g., Spanish, Italian, Tagalog, Portuguese) is an asset
Interested applicants who meet the above criteria are invited to
submit a cover letter and résumé to:
Laura Reinsborough, Project
Coordinator
Posted May 1, 2009
SUMMER PRACTICUM OPPORTUNITY
Position: Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Food Security Practicum
Opportunity
Organization: Renfrew Collingwood Food
Security Institute
http://www.cnh.bc.ca/foodsecurity/
Location: East
Vancouver, British Columbia
Description of Organization:
The Renfrew
Collingwood Food Security Institute is a non-profit organization
established in 2002. We support and encourage initiatives focused on
organic growing, healthful cooking, harvesting, sharing of knowledge and
resources, leadership development, and capacity building. The Institute
works in collaboration with Collingwood Neighbourhood House to develop
community learning, leadership and networking around the issues of food
security and food sovereignty through a community development model.
We believe that food is a human right, and that the "right to food" means more than meeting basic nutritional requirements. We use food as a meeting point for community capacity building, inter-cultural and inter-generational understanding, and making Renfrew Collingwood a place of safety and belonging.
Description of Roles and Responsibilities:
* Assist
the Coordinator in promoting and developing food and food growing
programs and resources, including rooftop gardening, community kitchens,
and mason bee monitoring
* Facilitate or co-facilitate
cooking and food preservation workshops with participants
* Work with volunteers and leadership teams to harvest
and/or collect locally produced fruits and vegetables for distribution
to low-income residents
* Document residents' food
traditions through photography, interviews, and storytelling
transcription. Examples include immigrants' gardening practices and
Aboriginal food traditions
* Help map community food
resources and facilitate participatory initiatives through volunteer
support and leadership teams
* Assist in hosting
community celebrations, food education, and events around organic food
growing and sustainable food systems
* Document and
evaluate progress of work through weekly reports to supervisor
Specific Qualifications:
Due to restrictions from
HRSDC funding, the suitable candidates must be 15-30 years of age,
legally able to work in Canada, and have been in full-time studies in
the previous year and be returning to full time studies in the fall of
2009.
Preferred Qualifications Include:
* Knowledge and
passion for food issues and urban agriculture
*
Familiarity with "food security" and "food sovereignty" issues
* Experience working with/leading
volunteer teams
* Organizational and time management
skills
* Willingness to work flexible hours including
weekends and evenings
* Preference will be given to
person living in the Renfrew-Collingwood Neighbourhood.
Training Provided:
* Program development and
delivery
* Community development models for sustainable
agriculture practices, food sharing, and related issues
* Skills around gardening, food preservation, leadership, and
participatory workshop facilitation
* Opportunity to
achieve Food Safe Level 1 certificate
Level of education: Post-secondary (relevant fields include planning, geography, sociology, social work, environmental sciences, agriculture/land and food systems, anthropology)
Projected start date: Flexible within the last week of June 2009.
Compensation: $11/hr + 17.72% MERCs (35 hrs/week; 10 weeks)
This position is subject to funding through HRSDC Canada.
Closing Date: May 15, 2009.
We thank all individuals who apply for this position, and will be contacting shortlisted candidates directly. No phone calls please.
Please send resume and cover letter to foodsecurity@cnh.bc.ca Attention: Stephanie Lim.
Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute
c/o
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
5288 Joyce. St,
Vancouver BC V5R 6C9
Posted March 13, 2009
Calypso Farm and Ecology Center
School Garden
Supervisor
Job Location:
Fairbanks North Star Borough -
Ester/Fairbanks, AK, United States
Job Description:
Come immerse yourself in an
Alaskan school garden! As a School Garden Supervisor, you will work with
a group of teenagers to prepare, plant, harvest and sell vegetables to
the surrounding neighborhood. You will also assist teachers and students
in using the garden when school resumes in the fall. This is a paid
internship, which also provides housing within walking or biking
distance of the school. You will be one of four supervisors working in
the community. Please visit our website to learn more!
www.calypsofarm.org
Job Requirements:
• Excellent communication
skills
• Strong leadership skills
•
Experience working with teenagers
• Small-scale farming
experience (preferred, not required)
• Strong
organizational skills
• Enthusiasm!
How To Apply:
Visit
http://calypsofarm.org/employment.htm for more information and
application guidelines!
Contact Information
Contact: Katrin
Schoolyard Garden Initiative Coordinator
Calypso Farm and Ecology Center
Box 106
Ester, AK, United States 99725
Phone:
(907) 451 0691
Email: info@calypsofarm.org
WWW: http://calypsofarm.org/
Posted March 10, 2009
Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project
2009 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 2009 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.14-16 weeks depending on final HRDC approval
(will know by late April).
Start Date: Early - Mid May.
End Date: before August 30th, 2009
Please submit
resume and a cover letter to:
Email :
info@richmondfruittree.com
Posted March 10, 2009
Title: Garden Educator
Reports to: Director of Environmental Education
Location: West Farms
Program Name: Greening
Qualifications:
The candidate must have a Baccalaureate degree with experience and training in environmental science, horticulture, and education. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Candidates must enjoy working outside in garden environments.
Primary Function:
The Garden Educator works closely with the Director of Environmental Education to develop and teach programs that increase young people’s knowledge of botany, gardening, nutrition, and environmental issues. The Garden Educator has direct responsibility for programming in the area of gardening, environmental and nutrition education including developing lesson plans and working in collaboration with classroom teachers and after school program staff to deliver lesson plans to children and adolescents.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Creates written environmental science curricula for youth and adolescents Teaches hands-on, age appropriate gardening, environmental education and healthy living classes to children and adults in a variety of Head Start, after school and community center sites Prepares materials for lessons Writes and/or contributes to written reports as needed Assists staff and community garden members in maintaining garden facilities and equipment Communicates with the Director of Environment Education as needed about program goals, program delivery and outcomes Provides technical assistance related to environmental and nutrition education to Phipps CDC teachers, program directors, program staff and volunteers Represents Phipps CDC at meetings with organizations relating to environmental issues Communicate with all staff, parents, children and community members in a polite and respectful manner so as to represent the program in a professional way. · Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Desired Qualifications:
· Fluent in Spanish and English
· Familiarity with Best Practices in Early Childhood Education and Youth Development
To Apply:
Please forward a resume and cover letter to jplewka@phippsny.org. Please specify where you learned about this job posting.
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Revised June 26, 2009