Overview

Community Programs Trainee

Interested applicants must be registered with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Training and Employment.

We are an 8-acre farm in the heart of the Jane and Finch neighbourhood in Toronto. We are a not-for-profit organization and leader in Toronto’s dynamic urban agriculture and community food sector. At Black Creek Community Farm, we serve and enrich our community through a thriving farm, healthy food, and hands-on training and learning experiences. Our focus is to inspire the next generation by providing leadership in food justice and supporting diverse and social ecosystems.

Scope of Work

The BCCF Community Programs Trainee will work with our Farm Education team to deliver programming for children, adults, youth and seniors. They will also work with Farm Park staff to care for the themed gardens (i.e., medicine wheel garden, children’s and seniors’ gardens, etc.), food forest and trail system on-site at BCCF. This includes caring for annual crops, as well as perennial fruit-producing shrubs, herbaceous plants and trees.

The Community Programs Trainee will develop community engagement and group facilitation skills, working with visiting schools, community members, and volunteer groups, and engaging them in programming. The Community Programs Trainee will also support outreach, community events, and the farm’s community food access and distribution initiatives.

The Community Programs Trainee will receive on-the-job training related to facilitation and workshop development. They will have the opportunity to shadow staff to start and build their skills and confidence in co-facilitation and solo facilitation.

Duties include (but are not limited to):

Programming

Support the facilitation of a land-based education curriculum for all ages that is rooted in food justice, urban agriculture, environmental stewardship, STEM topics, food preservation, and cooking programming
Work collaboratively with other BCCF staff to facilitate field trips, workshops and events in person, on and off-site, and/or virtually, as needed

Collect and harvest produce surplus from local growers to be redistributed to the community and local food banks
Community Interaction

Welcome and interact with program participants, placement students/interns and volunteers in all relevant aspects of Farm Education programming

Maintenance

Follow seasonal, weekly, and daily “to do” task lists for the Farm Education team
Prepare for workdays by managing and maintaining tools
Support the Farm Park team with the establishment and maintenance of the food forest, trails, wiigwum, and gardens (including 3 sisters, medicine wheel, children’s, youth, seniors’, and pollinator gardens), the outdoor oven, and community plots including planning, planting, watering, weeding, mulching and pruning
Engage program participants and volunteers in the maintenance of the teaching gardens and outdoor classroom spaces

Evaluation and Reporting

Assist with record keeping and program evaluation (e.g., conducting surveys)
Contribute to the preparation of monthly program updates, the annual report, and other funding-related progress reports, as needed

Outreach

Conduct outreach activities to register participants, including distributing promotional material, canvassing, flyering, visiting local schools and community organizations, making phone calls, and tabling at community events to engage community residents
Provide content and media for communication to be shared on upcoming Farm Education events and programs, weekly social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and monthly e-newsletters, update website, as needed

General

Adhere to Foodshare and, BCCF’s policies and health and safety procedures
Attend BCCF staff meetings and staff trainings, scheduled team meetings and check-ins
Participate in farm-wide initiatives and events
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Demonstrated commitment to the principles of food justice and anti-oppression
Willingness to learn and follow instructions, taking initiative when appropriate
Strong interest in organic vegetable gardening practices (pest, fertility and weed management, and seed starting)
Previous gardening/farming experience is considered an asset
Interest in developing and adapting workshop content (workshop outlines, food recipes, etc) that are culturally relevant
Interest in facilitating programs for diverse groups (e.g., workshops, tours, or group activities)
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with people of different ages, genders, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and individuals who experience marginalization
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication and organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, follow through, and meet deadlines
Familiarity and proficiency with G-Suite (Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, Calendar, Gmail), and social media

Job Requirements

Interested candidates must be registered with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Training and Employment Services
This position’s main work location is Black Creek Community Farm, 4929 Jane St. The Community Programs Trainee will work from BCCF a few days per week, as well as other sites occasionally which will be discussed with the supervisor.
Repetitive tasks such as bending, crouching, reaching, and lifting up to 50lbs
Full shifts standing and working on your feet
Use of hand tools and mechanized equipment
Working outdoors in all kinds of weather (heat, sun, rain, cold)
Working some evenings and weekends as well as occasional holidays
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada
The successful applicant will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check. FoodShare will cover the cost of this requirement.Note: If you do not meet all of the above criteria, but you do think this job is perfect for you, we would still love to see your application.

Compensation

Salary: $18/hour (35 hrs/week)* Benefits: Four weeks of paid vacation, 1-2 week paid winter shutdown, 10 paid personal leave, 20 paid Wellness/Sick Days, 1 paid birthday leave day, all per calendar year; extended health benefit up to $1000 reimbursement prorated per calendar year* Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed Term Reports to: Farm Education Coordinator Location: This position's main work location is Black Creek Community Farm, 4929 Jane St, with the ability to work from home with the Program Manager’s prior approval * Note that as part of Black Creek Community Farm’s commitment to equity, all staff get equal pay for equal work. As a result salaries and benefits are non-negotiable.

How to Apply

TO APPLY: Please submit your application, which requires a resume and cover letter, by 9:00am on Monday, April 3, 2023 https://secure.collage.co/jobs/foodshare/36635