The position:
Ecosource is seeking a Community Gardens Coordinator to support garden redevelopment activities to increase local food access & community engagement as well as support with strengthening community partnerships within the urban agriculture network in the Region of Peel. The Coordinator will work in close collaboration with members of the local food team to develop our capacity to support food production activities as well as expand opportunities for youth leadership and gardener, volunteer and partner engagement at our sites. A key focus will be to develop in-person programming to meet the diverse needs of local communities using anti-racist and anti-oppression principles.

Responsibilities:
Develops and fosters relationships with community partners, including social service agencies, food banks, schools, and residents.
Develops and delivers community education workshops, events and projects at Ecosource’s community gardens and with partner agencies.
Supports garden redevelopment activities and infrastructural site improvements using an accessibility-focused design lens.
Tracks program-related statistics, budgets and expenses, and supports reporting activities as required.
Supports with regular written, verbal and in-person communications with community gardeners, volunteers, local partners, and residents, including for program reporting and evaluation.
Supports administration processes for Ecosource’s 12 community gardens, including monitoring garden safety, maintenance and repairs, and troubleshooting in-garden issues.
Leads outreach activities and engagement of local community members, with a focus on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, English language learners, people with accessibility needs, and more.
Designs programming that meets the diverse needs of the Peel community using an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens.

Qualifications:
Minimum two years of experience coordinating environmental, education, or community-based projects.
A passion for food security principles, organic gardening and/or related environmental issues.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and anti-oppression principles, and an understanding of food system inequities and intersectionality.
Excellent communication skills and experience in community outreach and engagement.
Experience coordinating and planning community events.
Strong project monitoring, tracking, and evaluation skills.
Willingness to undertake physical tasks in an outdoor setting, in a variety of weather conditions.
Skilled in using computer applications and online communication tools.
Familiarity with the environmental sector and programming in the Region of Peel, an asset.
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle required.

Application Information:
This is a full-time contract at 35 hours per week, from August to end of December, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding. Some evening and weekend work will be required. Salary for this position is $47,000 to $53,000 prorated to the length of the contract and commensurate with experience. The position includes access to a comprehensive benefits package, with 5 personal days and 7.5 days of paid vacation for the contract term. In addition, Ecosource offers generous statutory and non-statutory holiday time, including flexible paid holidays to promote an inclusive workplace.
Deadline for applications is Monday, July 24th, 2023, at 10:00 am. A Police Vulnerable Sector Check will be required upon hiring.

Ecosource offers a great work environment with excellent opportunities for skills expansion. In alignment with our organizational value of inclusivity, it is our aim to have a staff team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal opportunity in employment and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ persons, and others. We value and welcome applicants to outline any relevant community involvement and/or lived experiences in their applications.
If you are interested, please send a personalized cover letter (maximum 1 page) and resume (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position by email to Monika Bianco, Community Food Systems Manager, at hiring@ecosource.ca with Community Gardens Coordinator in the subject line.