Student Jobs / Co-op Jobs

Position: Organic Value Chain, Certification & PHOS Coordination Support
Organization: Organic Council of Ontario
Location: Ontario-based. Candidate must be located within reasonable travel distance of Guelph, Ontario

Term: January 6 to April 30, 2026
Hours: 20 hours per week (0.5 FTE)
Compensation: $22/hour
Additional requirement: Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

About Ontario Organic

Ontario Organic works to strengthen environmentally sustainable agriculture by supporting organic farmers, businesses, certifiers, and partners. Our work builds trust in organic systems, supports climate-resilient farming practices, and strengthens coordination across Ontario’s organic value chain.

Position Overview

Ontario Organic is seeking a student currently enrolled in a post-secondary program to support organic value chain coordination, certification system engagement, and the growth and coordination of the Post-Harvest Organic Sector (PHOS) network.

A key part of this role is identifying and engaging additional processors, handlers, manufacturers, brands, and service providers to strengthen PHOS participation and ensure the post-harvest segment is represented in sector dialogue.

This position is funded through an ECO Canada student wage subsidy program and supports environmentally sustainable agriculture through organic integrity, certification system coordination, and strengthened collaboration across the organic value chain.

For the first three weeks of the term, this role will also provide support for the Guelph Organic Conference, after which responsibilities shift fully to core program work.

Subject to performance, funding availability, and mutual interest, there may be an opportunity for continued part-time work beyond April 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Organic Value Chain and PHOS Coordination

• Expand the PHOS network by identifying and reaching out to processors, handlers, value-added businesses, manufacturers, brands, and relevant service providers
• Maintain PHOS contact lists and support meeting coordination, agendas, notes, and follow-up
• Support broader organic value chain mapping and relationship tracking as needed

Certifier Engagement and Meetings

• Organize and support certifier meetings, including scheduling, agendas, reminders, notes, and follow-up
• Support documentation and coordination related to certification and standards topics impacting Ontario organic businesses
• Assist with preparation of summaries or resource materials to support alignment across certification bodies

Program Coordination and Sector Support

• Support planning and coordination for Feet on Farms, including host outreach and early planning work
• Provide administrative and coordination support for sector-facing initiatives as needed
• Assist with documentation, follow-up, and internal tracking to support program continuity

Eligibility Requirements (ECO Canada)

• Must be currently enrolled in a recognized post-secondary program (undergraduate or graduate)
• Field of study related to environmental studies, sustainability, agriculture, food systems, policy, business, supply chain, or a related discipline
• Must be eligible to work in Canada
• Must be based in Ontario and located within reasonable travel distance of Guelph
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

Graduate students, Master’s candidates, and students with experience in stakeholder engagement, coordination, agriculture, certification systems, or value chain work are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Gain

• Applied experience supporting organic value chain coordination and certification system collaboration
• Opportunity to work directly with Ontario’s organic processors, handlers, and certifiers
• Experience supporting sector infrastructure that advances climate-positive agriculture and sustainable food systems

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A resume
• A short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

Email applications to: erica@organiccouncil.ca

Application deadline: December 24, 2025

Please indicate “Organic Value Chain, Certification & PHOS Coordination Support” in the subject line.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.