Job Description

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Urban Agriculture Specialist in Community Safety.



Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.



Reporting to the Food Policy Strategist, the Urban Agriculture Specialist guides the development and administration of initiatives that maximize municipal assets for food production, increase municipal and community understanding of urban agriculture, and grow capacity for community-based food production. These initiatives will promote community-level food access and sovereignty, prioritizing equity-deserving groups and communities at higher risk for food insecurity. The Specialist will oversee and work collaboratively with HRM staff and the Halifax Food Council to deliver urban agriculture programs such as the Urban Orchard, Community Plots, Community Gardens Program & Grants stream, and other municipally led priorities of the JustFOOD Halifax Action Plan. The Specialist will guide a network of community gardens and urban agriculture actors through the creation, curation and sharing of food production resources, and provide advice to both internal and external partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acts as a subject matter expert to HRM and community on urban agriculture best practices. Administers the Community Garden Program, including promoting the Program, intaking applications, and collaborating with internal partners to determine feasibility of proposed gardens or changes to existing gardens. Provides ongoing support to garden groups, including review and approval of new gardens and expansions, changes or upgrades to existing community gardens, as well as records management of community gardens' information, agreements and licenses. Develops, implements, and evaluates municipal food production programs and initiatives for HRM, in advance of the JustFOOD Halifax Action Plan and other municipal priorities. Manages program incomes (i.e. municipal funding, outside grants, etc.), disburses funds, tracks spending, and reports on program budgets. Reports program evaluation results and provides professional advice based on community engagement, field experience, trends, and best practices to inform decision making on direction/modification of current programs and creation of new programs. Conducts frequent evaluations to measure the progress of growing programs and provides technical guidance to increase viability, across a range of diverse initiatives, growing conditions, and partnerships. Collaborates with other business units, the Halifax Food Council, community groups, and other partners to provide advice and guidance on Municipal food production and related initiatives, as well as identify needs and priorities for future action. Supports equitable participation in our food system by prioritizing food production programs in communities that are most vulnerable to food insecurity and face disproportionately limited access to growing space. Writes and presents reports detailing outcomes, progress, partnerships, budgets, and recommendations to senior management, community groups, Regional Council, and internal and external boards/agencies. Establishes, maintains, and enhances strong cooperative relationships with community partners through timely and open communication and consistent customer service. May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

Post-secondary degree in Planning, Community Development, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related program. Three (3) years of experience in food production in a professional or community setting. Experience in project management and program development. Experience in community engagement and development, including coordination, facilitation, and event planning. Valid driver's license to operate a vehicle, experience in small farm equipment, and ability to move equipment and supplies are also required for this position. Food Safety Certified (or willing to become certified), with knowledge related to food preparation and cooking considered an asset. Suitable combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices. Working knowledge of suitable food crops for our Region and demonstrated proficiency in food production including success in the planning, planting, and harvesting of food crops. An understanding of the risks of climate change and ways to mitigate these, and knowledge of native species, would be considered an asset. Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills for community engagement Excellent communication and presentation skills Proficiency with computer applications and related software (i.e., Microsoft and Excel). Ability to plan, implement, evaluate and scale up programs Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion towards addressing the inequities within our food systems Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please Note:

Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES:

Analytical Thinking, Decision Making, Communications, Networking/Relationship Building, Organizing & Planning, Risk Management, Teamwork & Cooperation, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Conflict Management, Organizational Awareness

WORK STATUS:

Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK:

8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY:

NSGEU 222 level 8, $39.63 per hour

WORK LOCATION:

40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS. Work location can be changed according to operational requirements.

CLOSING DATE:

Applications will be accepted until

11:59 pm on Monday, July 7, 2025

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note:

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.



To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.



During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax



(position # 78640375)