GREENHOUSE, HORTICULTURE, COMMUNITY GARDENS

Position: Community Food Security Coordinator
Organization: The Environment Network
Location: Collingwood, Ontario (Hybrid / work from home with regular work/meetings on site at garden locations)
Eligibility: ages 18-30; recent post-secondary graduate

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our team as the Community Food Security Coordinator. In this role, you will coordinate activities at our commercial greenhouse and community gardens, oversee food programming, and guide a team of food volunteers. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs aimed at improving the sustainability of our food systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Environment Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable practices at the nexus of food security and environmental stewardship. With the construction of a new commercial greenhouse in the Collingwood area and the management of two thriving community gardens, we are at the forefront of promoting local food production and energy efficiency initiatives. Our mission is to maximize benefits to the environment, residents, businesses, and overall communities in our service areas.

Job Title: Community Food Security Coordinator
Position Type: Contract, Full-time: 9 months, 35 hours a week
Location: Collingwood, Ontario

Start Date: May 1, 2024
Salary Range: $23.00 per hour
Reports to: Executive Director

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Assist with the design and set up of a new greenhouse operation.
2. Ensure soil pH levels are suitable for food production.
3. Collect and plant local/heritage seeds in the greenhouse and community gardens.
4. Design horticulture plans and oversee seed planting.
5. Care for and maintain two existing community gardens.
6. Maintain watering schedules for greenhouse and gardens.
7. Monitor water usage and recommend efficiency improvements.
8. Calculate greenhouse gas emissions produced by the operation of the new greenhouse.
9. Identify opportunities to reduce emissions through improved practices and tools/systems.
10. Conduct educational tours for community members and school groups.
11. Supervise volunteers as needed for daily tasks.
12. Prepare summary reports with findings and recommendations after the harvest season.
13. Educate the public on home food production.
14. Record and maintain environmental parameters for indoor hydroponic plants.
15. Manage pest control measures for food production.

Qualifications:

• Must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old.
• Must be a recent post-secondary graduate in related field of study.
• Passion for nature, gardening, and sustainable practices.
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations, horticulture, and food production or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with sustainability principles and environmental conservation.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask, think creatively, and problem-solve.
• Experience working with diverse groups of people.
• Self-motivated, exceptional time management skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to plan and execute projects from start to finish.

Benefits of working with Environment Network:

• Develop a network of connections in the business, hospitality and environmental sectors.
• Be part of an amazing team and have direct impact on the success of the program by participating in strategy and planning sessions and community engagement efforts.
• Learn about environmental sustainability, food security and climate change issues from community leaders.

This position is supported by funding from ECO Canada, and the chosen candidate must meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the organization.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Kerri MacDonald, Executive Director at info@environmentnetwork.org . Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), The Environment Network strives to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free. If you require accommodation, please advise in advance of attending an interview.