Contract Garden Helper
Job Description
Position Summary:
The position offers the chance for students to directly apply their skills and make a difference improving food security to people living in poverty. Students will participate in the food production-distribution-consumption chain. Using knowledge in horticulture or agriculture, they will work with a team of employees, participants and volunteers to plan, plant, cultivate, and harvest produce from Start Me Up Niagara’s mini-farm plot. In addition, they will help process and distribute produce to the center’s kitchen/feeding programs or to people living in poverty seeking affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. Education in horticulture, farming/community garden procedures, and/or food security is required.
This position is funded through the Government of Canada Summer jobs program to be eligible to apply you must be between the ages of 15-30.
This position is a fixed term contract of 8 weeks. Position will start mid May 2022. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm with an expected 35 hours of work per week. Rate of pay is $16.00 per hour.
As part of the Employment team you will help SMUN meet its program objectives. This position has a variety of responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
- Support the Farm Manager in daily operations
- Assist with crop planning
- Help maintain farm with the help of staff and volunteers
- Cooperate with community partners
- Help with planning and implementation of weekly planting schedule
- Insect and weed control, fertility monitoring and general field observation
- Cultivation activities
- Irrigation planning and implementation
- Help harvest, market and deliver
- Able to work in the field, outdoor classroom and office including hard repetitive physical work
- Some evening or special event hours may be required
- Current driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Comfortable operating farm equipment
- Good interpersonal skills
Qualifications:
- Experience working in a team environment with proven leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with groups
- Demonstrated good organizational and record keeping skills
- Demonstrated farm experience and working knowledge of farm infrastructure
- Experience in growing using organic/biodynamic principles
- Experience working with farm machinery
- Basic carpentry skills
- Demonstrated good communication skills
- Ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds
- Self-motivated, cooperative and flexible
Requirements:
- Education in or volunteering in a front-line capacity in a community setting
- Education in working with persons facing barriers especially as related to mental health, substance use, and trauma
- Experience in employment services an asset but not required
- Excellent literacy in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills in English
- Demonstrated skills in problem solving and decision making under pressure
- Ability to work as a team and on your own with little supervision
- Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program
- Must be qualified to legally work in Canada
- Must be between the ages of 15-30
- Must be willing to comply with Covid-19 protocols which includes wearing masks and undergoing regular COVID-19 RAT testing
How to Apply
TO APPLY: please send your resume and cover letter to: hr@startmeupniagara.ca We thank all candidates for their interest in advance. Due to volume we will only be contacting those selected for an interview.980 total views, 1 today
