Responsibilities:
From May to the end of June, the School Gardens Program Assistant will work with the School Gardens Program Coordinator to help facilitate garden lessons at various schools (engaging with school-aged children, leading an activity station, helping with set up and take down, providing admin support, capturing photos and statistics, sourcing grants and in kind donations and maintenance of gardens after school).
From July to the end of August, the role transitions to garden maintenance over the summer months (watering, weeding, garden planning: documenting changes in the garden, keeping records and capturing photos, succession planting for fall harvests, pest management, and communicating with summer school staff) and assisting with summer/out of school care programs (leading activities and or facilitating some garden lessons).

Skills and Qualifications:
Must be passionate about working with school aged children, have an interest in gardening, farming, nutrition and environmental education or studying in that field.
Preference for candidates that:
Meet eligibility criteria for Canada Summer Jobs
Must pass a Criminal Record Check to be able to work with children and vulnerable populations
2 – 3 years strong proficiency and knowledge of organic gardening methods
2 – 3 years expertise of growing food and flower crops
Leadership: able to work with a team and independently
Time management: able to manage multiple priorities, scheduling of lessons, organization,
Communication/Public Speaking: with various members of the public, school staff, SPEC staff, students and community groups.
Previous experience working with school aged children and youth
Outreach and or engagement experience
Access to transportation for travel to and from schools (car, bike or public transportation).
Capable of heavy lifting including garden implements, hoses, etc.

Additional Requirements:
Second Language is an asset
Skills development and career enhancement opportunities for student intern
For an individual looking to work in Vancouver’s environmental and community development non-profit communities, education, nutrition or within the field of urban agriculture this will be an invaluable opportunity for networking and skill building.

Eligibility
This position is funded by a Canada Summer Jobs grant. To be eligible, the individual must:
be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act* and
be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations.
*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.

How to apply:
Please include both a cover letter and resume describing your interest, your skills, what you hope to gain from the opportunity by email to admin@spec.bc.ca by April 22, 2022. SPEC is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.