POSITION DETAILS

Title: Fruit Tree Project Harvest Support Worker 

Term date: July 2, 2024 - September 13, 2024

Hours/week: 30 hrs per week, some evenings and weekends may be required
Wage: $ 21 per hour

Funding for this position is provided by Canada Summer Jobs. Applicants must be between 15-30 years of age to be eligible.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

LifeCycles cultivates healthy communities by bringing people together to grow, harvest, and share local foods. Working in urban gardens and orchards, we are reimagining the way that we live and eat in cities. We believe that food is at the heart of thriving, diverse communities and a healthy planet. Our programs distribute fresh local produce to community members and service agencies, while mentoring the next generation of food leaders. Through transformative learning experiences, we strengthen our connections with each other, the food we eat, and the land it comes from. In doing so, we are building a more resilient and equitable food future.

Our projects operate on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically the lands of the Lekwungen and WASÁNEC peoples. For more information about what we do, visit: www.lifecyclesproject.ca 

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a summer team member to support harvest coordination, food distribution, and volunteer management for the Fruit Tree Project.

The Harvest Support person will work as part of a small team to facilitate the picking, sorting, and redistributing of over 40,000lbs of produce gleaned from hundreds of backyards across the region. This is a physically demanding position that involves coordinating operations for hundreds of volunteers, helping manage logistics, and using our fruit tree database and harvest scheduling system. Other tasks include sorting fruit, organizing the warehouse, and ensuring equipment and supplies remain stocked. This role is suitable for a self-starter who is able to work as part of a team to help us run our community-powered harvest program.

This role will report directly to the Fruit Tree Project Manager. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Training/Support

• Support other Fruit Tree Project staff members in the recruiting, onboarding and coordination of volunteers
• Train volunteers on outings and help them navigate the harvest scheduling system
• Follow up with key volunteers and ensure program participants feel supported
• Communicate with homeowners and volunteers to ensure smooth operations and clear expectations

Harvest Support

• Source boxes and other materials needed to keep supplies stocked
• Lead fruit pick outings and learn to assess trees for picking suitability
• Keep the vans and tools in good working condition
• Assist with other emergent/unexpected tasks as needed, including events and outreach

Warehouse Management, Food Distribution and Products & Processing Support

• Manage the efficient storage of fruit, and ensure the walk-in cooler remains organized
• Help organize and run fruit sorting sessions, and deliver fruit to partner organizations
• Pack pallets of food and distribute to Food Rescue Project – coordinate needs and systems for weekly distribution with Mustard Seed staff in addition to accommodating Social Enterprise needs
• Track and record all data related to food distribution
• Supporting the Fruit Tree Project Manager and the General Manager, identify project-harvested fruit that requires cold storage or further processing to extend shelf life.
• Support the production of existing value-added products, such as quince paste and Backyard Blend Cider

Occasional Site Maintenance

• Support the maintenance of the Welland Orchard as requested by the General Manager or Fruit Tree Project Manager

IDEAL ATTRIBUTES

• You can manage people, logistics, and fruit harvests
• You are efficient and enjoy doing diverse (sometimes unexpected) tasks
• You are organized and can keep multiple people on task
• You are a self-starter and effective at working as part of a team
• You are a clear communicator across any medium and to diverse audiences
• You are a quick learner and enjoy solving problems or finding solutions
• You are comfortable doing outreach and working with the public to host special events
• You are aware of food security and sustainability issues on Vancouver Island

QUALIFICATIONS

• You have a valid Class 5 driver’s license and feel comfortable driving large vehicles
• Willingness to work hard - you are able to climb ladders, carry harvest equipment, and move boxes weighing up to 40 lbs

TO APPLY, email your resume and cover letter (as a single PDF) to Alex at by June 14th, 2024. Please use the subject line “Harvest Support”. 

*Please include your last name in the filename(s) of your application materials.*

LifeCycles Project Society is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of Indigenous ancestry, people of colour, LGBTQIP2SA individuals and members of other diverse communities to apply for careers with our organization. 

We also understand that statistically, marginalized groups will only apply for a position if they meet 100% of the qualifications while dominant groups will apply when they meet only 60%. We encourage you to apply even if you do not feel that you meet 100% of the above job description qualifications.

LifeCycles runs programs on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically of the Kosapum, Songhees, and WASÁNEC Peoples.

We thank everyone for their interest, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.