Community Garden Coordinator

at  Lift Community Services

COMMUNITY GARDEN COORDINATOR - TEMPORARY

Lift Community Services focuses on helping all people thrive in the qathet region by reducing social inequities and by providing support and advocacy for anyone who needs it. Our vision is a welcoming, inclusive, and diversity-affirming community that is free of poverty and full of heart. At Lift, we believe a thriving, sustainable community comes from a collaborative, equitable, future-focused approach.
Our programs and services include employment services, supportive housing and homeless outreach, temporary shelter services, literacy programs and outreach, immigrant services, adult and family on-demand support. We also provide community leadership and development in overdose response planning, poverty reduction planning, and other projects that develop a more connected and resilient community. Lift operates many resource centres in our community, including the local WorkBC Centre, the Community Resource Centre, the Family Place, and the Dr. Elsie Paul Literacy Centre.
Lift Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

QUALIFICATIONS AND LIVED EXPERIENCE

Experience and/or education in Health and Nutrition, Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, International/Community Development or Social Work are an asset. The ideal contract candidate should be interested in the intersection of locally produced organic food, community development, and human health.

REQUIREMENTS

• Required to undergo Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft 365 programs (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams)
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, prioritize, work independently, be organized and a self-starter while communicating support needs and plans.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and connect well with a variety of people
• Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction principles
• Ability to travel to multiple garden sites in Westview with tools

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of organic gardening techniques
• Experience providing/leading group activities (workshops, service club, volunteers etc.)
• Cross cultural experience
• First Aid and CPR is an asset
• Demonstrated non-violent crisis intervention and conflict de-escalation skills. NVCI or Mandt certification is an asset
• Knowledge of stigma, marginalization, peer work and human rights for people who use substances

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize work, and practice self-care
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Internet literacy and knowledge, ability to easily navigate online platforms
• Systems-based knowledge: understanding criminal justice and social services, referrals and connections to other service providers, working and communicating across services and teams to support individuals
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain established professional boundaries
• Possesses valid driver’s license

Key Tasks and Competencies

• Organize and attend weekly meetings with CORE apprentices, volunteers, and peers
• Work on garden preparation, plant selection and planting, growing and processes for success
• Establish and maintain working connections with garden volunteers and peers
• Consult with Community Resource Centre Coordinator to plan and facilitate garden activities and community accessible workshops that create access to food growing skills
• Establish and maintain garden records/plans
• Evaluate and report program result