Outdoor play, Outdoor learning

Position: Outdoor Garden & Environmental Education Program Lead
Organization: The Children's Garden Project Canada
Location: Gage Park, Hamilton, Ontario (in-person)

About The Children’s Garden Project Canada

The Children’s Garden Project Canada (TCGPC) is a child-centric, volunteer-driven not-for-profit located in Gage Park, Hamilton.

Our imaginative outdoor learning space allows children to play, garden, and form meaningful connections with nature. Built and cared for by children, families, and volunteers, the garden is a safe, accessible, barrier-free environment where young “gardeners in training” learn to become confident environmental stewards.

Our mission is to provide free, inclusive programming that fosters sustainable gardening practices, environmental responsibility, and community well-being—particularly for under-resourced families and high-needs school communities.

About the Role

We’re seeking an Outdoor Garden & Environmental Education Program Lead to design and deliver inclusive, hands-on environmental and garden-based programs. This role is ideal for someone with experience in horticulture, garden education, outdoor learning, or environmental programming who enjoys creative program design, confident facilitation, and community-building.

You’ll collaborate with staff, volunteers, and youth leaders to create engaging learning experiences for children and families, especially in equity-deserving and high-needs school communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Design & Delivery
• Develop and deliver fun, inclusive, curriculum-linked garden and environmental programs for children (ages 0-14) and families.
• Facilitate workshops both in the garden and in school settings using trauma-informed and sensory-aware approaches.
• Leadership & Team Collaboration
• Mentor youth leaders, volunteers, and program support staff.
• Coordinate with programming, community engagement, and operations teams to ensure smooth delivery.
• Community & School Relations
• Build positive relationships with families, teachers, schools, and community partners.
• Support outreach efforts to engage high-needs and under-resourced school communities.
• Program Innovation
• Contribute creative ideas and feedback to help shape and grow programming sustainably.

Who You Are

• Passionate about helping children connect with nature through hands-on learning.
• Skilled in gardening, horticulture, outdoor education, or environmental programming.
• A confident leader and facilitator with strong group leadership skills.
• Knowledgeable in inclusive, trauma-informed, and sensory-aware practices.
• Collaborative, flexible, and energized by working in a grassroots nonprofit environment.
• Comfortable mentoring volunteers and youth leaders.
• Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks and timelines.

Assets

• Experience supporting neurodivergent children or children with higher support needs.
• Background in curriculum development or early childhood/environmental education.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• French or additional languages are an asset (highly valued in our community outreach).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience working with diverse, equity-deserving, or newcomer communities.

Requirements

Police Check & Vulnerable Sector Check (required prior to start date).

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada and reside in Ontario, as this is an in-person role in Hamilton.

Qualifications

• Education or formal training in environmental studies, outdoor education, horticulture, biology, ecology, early childhood education, or a related field.
• Experience delivering outdoor or environmental learning programs in community, school, or recreational settings.
• Knowledge of nature-based, place-based, or experiential education approaches.
• Training in inclusive or trauma-informed practices is an asset.
• Understanding of Environmental Policy and Environmental Science principles.
• Strong Communication skills, including the ability to teach and connect with diverse audiences effectively.
• Experience in community engagement, program development, and leading environmentally focused projects is an asset.
• Ability to work on-site in Hamilton, ON, with a flexible, hands-on approach to program management.
• Proficiency in gardening or horticultural best practices and a passion for sustainability and environmental education are highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on children, families, and community wellness.
• Help shape programs in a growing, innovative grassroots organization.
• Work outdoors in a beautiful garden setting with a passionate, supportive team.
• Bring your creativity, environmental values, and leadership style to a role that truly matters.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this role.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Send your cover letter and resume to:
info@childrensgardenproject.com

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