Summary:
The position will oversee the development and operations of Morningside Heights Urban Farm and coordinate community engagement events
Administrative Responsibilities:
Develop and review correspondence, forms and other documents
Co-ordinate scheduling, space booking & permits required for programs, activities and events at farm site
Support incoming and outgoing communication to networks and community contacts in conjunction with department
Purchase and ensure adequate supplies are available for farm including equipment and other supplies with approval from the OSN Program Coordinator and Manager, Community & Family Programs and Services
Identify additional funding opportunities
Ensure all initiatives are achieving and maintaining targets as set out by funders
Write funding and other necessary reports as required by funders
Ensure the implementation of agency policies and procedures
Ensure all relevant documentation/records are maintained and kept in secure location
Community Engagement:
Convene and facilitate a Farmer Advisory Committee comprising of community members, farming experts, partners and other stakeholders
Coordinate the delivery of capacity building and knowledge exchange sessions for farmers (i.e., crop planning, season extension, soil health, irrigation etc.)
Connect with Community Animator (OSN) to provide the group with ongoing developmental opportunities in leadership and food entrepreneurship
Support farmers in identifying food distribution channels, planning finances
Conduct community consultations to integrate resident feedback into farm operations and activities
Working with the OSN team, network and build partnerships with local stakeholders including schools, community agencies, businesses, groceries, markets, faith institutions and others in the Malvern community
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partners (i.e. University of Toronto Scarborough, CEED organizations, City of Toronto divisions, etc.)
Work with farmers and partners to develop and implement culturally relevant educational curriculum for youth
Outreach:
Develop an outreach plan in consultation with OSN Program Coordinator to conduct marketing, communication and outreach activities
Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the outreach plan
Project Delivery:
Work with CEED partners and OSN Program Coordinator to support the development of farm site and operational plans
Liaise with farmers, Farmer Advisory Committee, partners, community and government representatives to design a sustainable model of operation
Oversee the infrastructure installation at the farm site
Identify best practices to respond to farm needs
Arrange the maintenance and repair of farm machinery, equipment and tools
Apply health and safety standards in the farm as stipulated by Toronto Public Health and other regulatory bodies
Other
Provide support to the organization’s food animation projects in the neighborhood
Ensure all relevant documentation/records are maintained in a secure location
Carry out other duties as defined by OSN Program Coordinator and Manager, Community & Family Programs and Services
Required Skills and Qualifications
Combination of education and experience related to urban agriculture, community development, sustainable environment business or other relevant field
Experience working with farmers/food producers, residents, government representatives, service agencies and community stakeholders
Finance/business management experience is an asset
A good understanding of inner suburban issues and familiarity with food growing practices, regulations and policies in the city
Strong communication, interpersonal and conflict management skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Good organizational and time management skills
Commitment to non-discrimination practices within an anti-oppression framework
Knowledge of additional languages is an asset (Tamil, Urdu, Hindi, Tagalog or other highly spoken language in the community)
Experience working with culturally diverse, intergenerational groups is also recommended
Hours/Contract Length:
This is a part-time, contract position at approximately 29 hours/week with possibility for full-time August 2019. Probationary period is three months. This position requires a combination of office and outdoor work (in garden/farm sites) as well as travel within the community
Accountability:
Position will report to the OSN Program Coordinator.
Closing Date: Monday July 29, 2019 at 5:00pm – Please send resume and cover letter as one document with your name appearing ‘First Name Last Name – Urban Farm Coordinator as the attached file name in .doc or .pdf format. No phone calls please!
If submitting your candidacy by fax then please submit marked ‘Attention: Urban Farm Coordinator Hiring Committee’ to 416-293-1997 or by e-mail to kthornhill@mfrc.org .