LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS & FOOD SECURITY

Position: Food Systems Coordinator
Organization: Ecotrust Canada
Location: Prince Rupert, BC

Start Date: February 15, 2021
Position Status: 1-Year contract, full time, with potential for contract renewal

About EC

Ecotrust Canada is an enterprising charity powered by the vision of people and nature thriving together. We develop innovative economic solutions that enable rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Canada to lead in the management of and benefit from, local resources – from fisheries to forests to housing and energy. Our on the ground work and systems approach is entrepreneurial, partnership based and relentlessly practical. Learn more at Ecotrust.ca.

About the Northwest Food Systems Initiative

2021 will be the inaugural year for the Northwest Food Systems Initiative (NWFSI), which aims to enhance food security and influence the food systems of the Northwest region through network building, piloting projects, and elevating existing food security projects. The initial pilot projects will be an urban demonstration farm in downtown Prince Rupert and the development of a Northwest Food Trade Network. Other pilot projects and initiatives may develop as time goes on and funding becomes available.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Skeena Programs Manager, the Food Systems Coordinator will work to establish the Kaien Island/Kxeen Urban Farm project – a multi-purpose pilot farm in downtown Prince Rupert. The successful candidate will have a passion for food security and food systems, coupled with strong project management skills. The Food Systems Coordinator is a natural collaborator and can easily build connections and relationships. It is paramount that the Northwest Food Systems Initiative is an inclusive project, and the Coordinator will work to ensure the project is carried out in collaboration with Indigenous perspectives and in a culturally appropriate way.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development of the pilot urban farm project in collaboration with Ecotrust Canada partners and community volunteers.
• Lead efforts of graduate student engagement, recruitment and administration with local and national academic partners.
• Day to day support and co-management of graduate student project coordinators.
• Develop and facilitate events and workshops with the local community to build knowledge and support for the urban farm initiative.
• Work to foster, create and deepen relationships with local and regional individuals, activators, and organizations interested and engaged with food security activities.
• Seek out sources of funding to continue the NWFSI projects, or to develop new projects/initatives that are in line with the food systems mandate

Qualifications and Skills

• Outgoing, mission driven and self-directed, with a passion for fostering resilient local communities.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and sustain relationships with a diverse group of partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent project management skills
• A results oriented mindset
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, as well as able to work independently
• Ability to be flexible in the style and scheduling of work
• Residing in Prince Rupert (or Port Edward) for over a year is an asset

How to Apply

Please submit one pdf including resume, cover letter, and references at http://ecotrust.ca/careers/food-systems-coordinator/ by midnight by January 22, 2021.

Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.