Job Description

Title: Garden Skills Coordinator


Reports to: Director, Community Food Centre & Family Services


Compensation: Starting at $21.30/ hr.


Schedule: Some weekend or evening work is required

Position Term: 9-month Contract


Hours of work: 35 hours/week




About Us



Since 1986, Neighbour to Neighbour (N2N) Centre has been working to lead our community to an improved quality of life. What started as a small food bank has evolved into an indispensable part of Hamilton's social fabric. N2N gets to the very root of our community's needs, offering access to healthy food, skill building programs, tutoring for children, utility support programs, counselling and a host of other interventions.




Position Summary



Neighbour to Neighbour (N2N) is looking for an experienced, energetic and organized team member to lead garden skills programs for the community.






This candidate will be responsible for planning, maintenance, and program delivery for garden skills programs in the Communal Garden (310 Limeridge Road West) and Allotment Garden (28 Athens St.) programs. This role reports to the Manager, Food Skills & Children's Programs.






The Hamilton Community Food Centre is a department of Neighbour to Neighbour Centre, and one of 15 Centres connected through the Community Food Centres Canada network. Learn more about our work through our webpage here: https://www.n2ncentre.com/hamilton-community-food-centre/




RESPONSIBILITIES


• Ensure the safety, comfort, learning opportunities, and food access of garden skills program participants
• Direct the onboarding, training, scheduling and leadership of volunteers to assist with garden skills programs in collaboration with N2N's Volunteer Engagement department
• Ensure that garden areas are well-maintained and thriving outside of program times
• Conduct ongoing crop-planning to ensure adequate supply of produce for participants
• Facilitate programs with an equity-based approach
• Administrative work for programs including participant tracking and registration
• Promote justice and equity through food programs. Our programing is focused on community development, food education, community care, and food justice for a diversity of groups
• Contribute to the development of new program evaluation tools in collaboration with an external consultant, program participants, and the Manager, Garden Skills & Children's Programs
• Work within a small and dynamic team that supports one another's programs occasionally and as needed
• Other duties as required




QUALIFICATIONS


• Minimum 1 full growing season spent cultivating food crops outdoors
• Experience working with diverse communities (people of different ages, gender-identities, abilities, backgrounds, and incomes) in a respectful and affirming manner
• Experience and/or willingness to ensure health and safety standards are met in outdoor settings for participants of different ages (children to seniors)
• Motivated to build community connections, sense of belonging, and improve community members' access to fresh garden produce
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities and desire to connect with program participants through phone, email and face-to-face interactions
• High level of planning and organization and ability to manage competing priorities
• Willingness/ability to respond to participant feedback
• Interest and/or experience in researching and growing crops that may be unfamiliar, but that are culturally important to community members
• Familiarity and enjoyment of outdoor work in all weather conditions (using appropriate safety protocol as needed)
• Ability to work with minimal guidance
• Strong knowledge of self and ability to ask for help proactively
• Strong computer skills and experience with Google and Microsoft suites




ASSETS (ideal but not required)


• Experience working with volunteers and community members in a leadership capacity
• Familiarity with community-based programs or work, either as a participant, organizer or facilitator
• Knowledge of, lived experience of, and/or commitment to issues of hunger, poverty, social justice
• Ability to speak a language relevant to the neighbourhood (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or Kurdish)
• Valid First Aid certificate
• Drivers license (Class G) and willingness to do occasional driving for supplies





To apply for this position, please send your cover letter including the job title, description of interest in community food, and summary of skills as well as your resume via email to resumes@n2ncentre.com . Please put "Garden Skills application" in the subject header. No generic applications will be considered. All applications must be received by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 pm.





Neighbour to Neighbour is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for next steps will be contacted.





Neighbour to Neighbour Centre is committed to employment equity and encourages applicants from equity seeking and deserving groups. We are dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to embody and best demonstrate equity, inclusivity, and diversity. We celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees.





If you require accommodation during the application and recruitment process , please contact Human Resources at 905-574-1334 Ext 209 as soon as possible.