The Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House is looking for a dynamic individual to manage our day-to-day operations for the 2021 growing season at out our .5-acre Urban Farm. The successful candidate will be passionate about our Right to Food philosophy, work from a strengths-based perspective, and effectively bring people together from different corners of the community. This a great opportunity for someone that wants to combine their passion for urban agriculture with strong organizational skills and an interest in community development work.

We pride ourselves in providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where our neighbours can come and learn, share their gifts, and be accepted for who they are.

Farm Site Management

• Ensure a steady flow of produce to Neighbourhood House programs, partner organizations, and community members
• Supervise program assistants, volunteers, and Peer Worker Program staff
• Manage post-harvest processing – washing, packaging, and distribution
• Weed management, crop rotations, and soil amending
• Keep site clean, organized, and safe at all times
• Ensure all equipment and infrastructure are in good repair
• Volunteer coordination – communication, scheduling, orientation, filing and maintaining application paperwork, directly supervise volunteers onsite
• Host weekly orientation session for community members that would like to volunteer in a supported environment
• Host site tours for supporters, funders, stakeholders
• Collaborate with UBC faculty and a UBC Research Assistant on activities and events, including planning for educational workshops on food security, food sovereignty, gentrification, urban policy, and other issues relevant to the Urban Farm

Communication

• Respond to emails and inquiries in a timely manner
• Maintain partnerships and site use agreements with community partners. Facilitate a diverse and welcoming space for multiple stakeholder groups
• Develop a shared site-use calendar for all groups using the space
• Collaborate with Volunteer Coordinator to administer recruit and support volunteer

Administration

• Document and maintain records of program and volunteer participation, volume of produce grown and distribution locations, and community engagement, activities
• Maintain DTESNH Urban Farm program binder that details all farm activities, policies and procedures
• Administer and maintain records of DTESNH custom organic fertilizer fundraiser sales

Requirements

• 3+ years experience with agriculture production
• Relevant post-secondary education related to food security or urban agriculture, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of community development principles and strengths-based approaches
• Experience working with vulnerable populations
• Experience managing a program budget
• Strong organizational skills
• Effective time management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Access to computer and phone
• Enthusiastic, motivated and able to work independently
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and engage in strenuous physical labour
• Must have rain gear and be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Valid First Aid and Foodsafe certifications

Compensation

This position is 5 months in duration and 21 hours per week at a rate of $20.00 - $22.00 per hour depending on experience. Additional hours are possible, but this is dependent on grant application results. Work days are Saturday, Monday, Tuesday.