Overview

We are currently seeking to fill the position of: School Grown Market Garden Assistant (Casual)

At FoodShare, we advocate for food justice by supporting community-based food initiatives and through ongoing advocacy and public education. Our vision is a Toronto where all people can feed themselves, their loved ones, and their communities with dignity and joy. We operate on a people-first model that values fair compensation, policies that respect a work/life balance and the contributions of our team members at all levels.

Main Tasks: The School Grown Market Garden Assistant will work alongside the School Grown Farm Coordinators, supporting the maintenance of our school-based market garden and orchard at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute and rooftop garden space at Eastdale Collegiate Institute.

Detailed Job Description (includes, but is not limited to):

• Support and maintain garden sites, in collaboration with School Grown staff. This includes preparing garden beds, seeding, weeding, watering, and harvesting produce.
• Support with harvesting and distribution of produce grown at the school farms by compiling weekly orders and assisting with harvest records and data management.
• Support the on-site market, which may include working alongside youth and supporting them in handling cash, merchandising products, and delivering friendly customer service.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, student interns, co-op students, and other School Grown staff to complete daily tasks.
• Participate in FoodShare staff and team meetings, all staff training, and reporting requirements such as timesheets and handle other duties as assigned
• Represent FoodShare and provide courteous, respectful and excellent customer service.
• Follow and ensure compliance with all organizational procedures and policies, including Health and Safety policies.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 1 year of experience in gardening, composting, and harvesting vegetables, preferably in the context of food production for selling
• Experience with plant identification
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to be punctual, reliable, and committed to successfully completion of tasks
• Demonstrated interest in community-led food projects and/or neighbourhood-based community organizing
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of food justice and equity
• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse community (people of different ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds)
• Effective communication and organizational skills
• Previous experiences working with the School Grown Program is an asset
• Knowledge of food systems, including growing, cooking, and composting, is an asset
• Valid G Driver’s Licence an asset

Job Requirements:

• Lifting and moving up to 40 pounds
• Working outdoors and on your feet for long periods of time in a variety of weather conditions
• A Vulnerable Sector Police Check (FoodShare will cover this cost)

Compensation

Compensation and benefits:

• Salary: $24.00/Hour
• Benefits: daily lunch stipend, paid personal days, paid sick/wellness days, vacation in pay (8%)*
• Contract Type: Casual, up to 20 hours per week
• Reports to: School Grown Coordinators
• Location(s) of Position: Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute Farm (500 the East Mall) and Eastdale Collegiate Institute Rooftop Farm (701 Gerard Street East)

* Note that as part of FoodShare’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 click  here ->  https://secure.collage.co/jobs/foodshare/31381 and submit your application. The posting will remain up until the position has been filled. Please note that we may only be able to contact candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process.                                                                                 Selection Process:

1. FoodShare’s selection process begins with the HR team screening applications to determine which demonstrate that the candidate meets the base qualifications for the role. Please make sure to detail your experience in your resume/cover letter to ensure the HR team and hiring committee has the information they need to assess your qualifications for the role. We will screen applications as they come in, usually within 5 business days.
2. The hiring committee will review the applications that pass the initial screening and decide which candidates to invite to interview, usually within 5 business days of receiving them.
3. The hiring committee will conduct first round interviews with selected candidates. Candidates will be sent the interview questions 48 hours in advance of their scheduled interview. Candidates are welcome, but not expected or required, to send any questions they have for the hiring committee in advance of the interview.
4. Interviews usually occur within about 2-3 weeks after an application is received. In recognition of the time and labour of preparing for and attending an interview, FoodShare financially compensates interviewees at a fixed rate of $75 per interview.
5. The hiring committee may conduct a second round of interviews, which may include a pre-interview assignment, which would be compensated.
6. HR will send the selected candidate and Employment Agreement, which the candidate will have at least 5 days to review and return. Please note:

FoodShare is a food justice organization. This means that we are committed to working to identify and dismantle systemic forms of oppression that cause and perpetuate food security inequities. Racialized people and others from equity-seeking groups are over-represented in food insecurity and poverty statistics but are significantly under-represented in community-based food organizations. We believe that those most affected by an issue must have access to paid positions in organizations tasked with challenging poverty and food insecurity. FoodShare strives to create a workspace that reflects the diversity of identities and lived experiences that exist within the communities we work alongside. You may require accommodation during the application process. If that’s the case please do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at hr@foodshare.net at your earliest convenience to let them know what type of accommodation you need. You will also be briefed on FoodShare’s policies regarding accommodation and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.