[BCFSN] Seeking Urban Agriculture Program Coordinator

[Anita Georgy]

Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS) is inspiring a robust Richmond food
system through education, advocacy, and community building initiatives.

We are a small team of staff supported by many volunteers all passionate
about urban agriculture and food security.  We live the values of the
Richmond Food Charter, we courageously engage our community to address
challenges, we grow community and have fun doing it, and we inspire long
term, tangible, systemic results.  We are an equal opportunity
organization, and will not discriminate on any basis.

We are seeking an Urban Agriculture Program Coordinator to join our team
for the long term. The successful candidate will start by learning and
enhancing core operations of current programs including Community Gardens,
Fruit Recovery, and Seed Library. There is significant growth potential in
this role, and the opportunity to be involved in the planning, design, and
implementation of significant new projects and programs such as Kids in the
Garden programming for schools, The Garden City Lands Agricultural Park,
and the development of new community garden sites.

The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director, and be
passionate about urban agriculture, exceptionally organized, and a real
people person with a solid science and gardening background.

Ongoing Responsibilities

   -

   coordinate the Richmond Community Gardens program, including:
   -

      maintaining garden plot registration and waitlist
      -

      ensuring community gardens comply with relevant municipal
      environmental, and pesticide use by-laws
      -

      providing knowledge and resources to over 300 gardeners on organic
      food production, soil science, integrated pest management, biodiversity,
      and plant selection
      -

   coordinate the Richmond Community Seed Library program, including:
   -

      Planning, planting, and maintaining a demonstration seed saving
      garden, including tracking detailed crop data such as growing conditions,
      isolation distances, pollination status, and genetic history
      -

      attending community events to raise awareness and engagement in Seed
      Saving
      -

      providing knowledge and resources about seed saving to members
      -

      curating locally adapted species for the library
      -

      ensuring seeds are stored, labelled, and maintained correctly,
      including conducting germination tests to ensure viability of seeds in
      library



   -

   communicate about projects and programs through social media, website,
   and print
   -

   coordinate and possibly leading workshops and events
   -

   liaise with a wide range of stakeholders including city staff and
   officials, community centres, non-profits, and other partners
   -

   keep organized and thorough operational records of program data,
   results, contacts, and operational details
   -

   ensure programs and projects are implemented using best practices to a
   high standard and evaluated appropriately
   -

   recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to extend and enhance program
   goals and reach


   -

   other exciting and supportive tasks as required


Benefits

   -

   work with a growing, passionate team committed to urban agriculture and
   food literacy
   -

   be part of the thriving food security and urban agriculture movement
   -

   build extensive knowledge of organic gardening and seed saving
   -

   practice sound program and project management principles
   -

   work with stakeholders and clients, utilizing strong communication and
   conflict resolution skills
   -

   develop strong oral and written communications skills including report
   writing, both in text and visual formats
   -

   understand and use relevant municipal environmental laws and regulations


Requirements

   -

   Post secondary degree or diploma in a relevant field, such as Land and
   Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science, Horticulture,
   or Environmental Geography
   -

   Solid working knowledge of organic gardening principles,  food security,
   urban agriculture, food gardening, seed saving, and sustainability
   -

   Vehicle access is required occasionally (2-6 days/ month) in order to
   transport supplies to events, and travel to garden sites.  Mileage will be
   reimbursed. Use of car sharing possible
   -

   Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
   -

   Demonstrated experience leading community based programs
   -

   Have or ability to get:
   -

      criminal record check with vulnerable sector search
      -

      Emergency First Aid
      -

   Tech savvy, and proficient in word-processing, databases, email
   -

   Ability to speak Chinese (either Mandarin or Cantonese) a strong asset



This position may be dependant on a wage subsidy and applicants who meet
this criteria may be prioritized.  Please indicate how you do or do not
meet the following in your cover letter.

   -

   be under 30 years of age


   -

   have completed a science based degree (4 year) or diploma (2 year)
   -

   be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizen, permanent
   resident, or landed immigrant)
   -

   available to work full time (min. 35 hours/ week)
   -

   be unemployed or underemployed (working part time, on contract or in a
   field that does not match your area of study)
   -

   have not participated in a federally funded youth employment program


Location

This position will start based primarily out of the RFSS office in gorgeous
and centrally located  Paulik Park, Richmond. Travel around Richmond will
be required for meetings, programs, and events.

Role Details

Application deadline: May 22, 2017 or until role is filled.  Early
applications encouraged.

Start date: June 2017

Pay: starting at $17.00/hour + annual increases + 3 weeks annual vacation +
10 annual wellness days

Hours: 35 hours per week, full time permanent.  Hours are typically between
Mon-Fri 9-5, though up to 10 evenings and up to 10 weekends are required
per year for programs and events. Some work from home is possible (laptop
provided), as are flexible hours.

Application Details

Please feel welcome to reach out in advance of applying to ask any
clarifying questions.

In order to apply, email Anita Georgy, Executive Director at
director at richmondfoodsecurity.org

Please:

   -

   use the subject line ‘Program Coordinator Internship’
   -

   send one pdf file containing both your cover letter and resume
   -

   use the file name  First Name Last Name Program Coordinator’


We thank all applicants for their interest but only those receiving an
interview will be contacted.

Anita Georgy, Executive Director

 rfoods
 Richmondfood
​604-244-7377
richmondfoodsecurity.org <http://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/>

We've moved!  Our new office is in Paulik Park, 7611 Ash Street.  Please
follow the mulched park path to the door on the right (north) of the house.

Full contact details and a map are here.
<https://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/contact-us/>
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