Food Security Education Facilitator

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

(Summer Student Work Opportunity)
Full-time, 30hrs per week, July 8 to August 30th 2013 (8 weeks)

Who we are:  Ecosource is an innovative environmental organization that empowers the community to become more environmentally responsible through creative public education. We specialize in hands-on programming that aims to increase environmental sustainability in Peel Region and beyond.

The position: Ecosource is seeking a Summer Student to work as a Food Security Education Facilitator through our Urban Agriculture and Community Gardening initiatives in Mississauga.  The facilitator will support the delivery of outdoor, experiential education with a focus on food security, healthy eating, healthy physical activity and environmental stewardship and will support the development and translation of resources materials in French.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development and delivery of community educational workshops and events related to urban agriculture and food security hosted at Ecosource urban agriculture and community garden spaces.
• Support food production and daily garden maintenance at Ecosource urban agriculture and community garden spaces under the supervision of EcoSource staff.
• Develop/translate education resource materials in French and English.
• Coordinate regular email, written and telephone communication with program participants.
• Track urban agriculture and garden related program statistics, harvest data, etc.
• Act as a representative of Ecosource at community events.

Qualifications:

• A comprehensive knowledge of food security principles and organic gardening related environmental issues
• Strong belief in creating social change by empowering individuals and families to produce their own food.
• Food gardening or farming experience (preferred but not essential, training will be provided).
• Willingness to undertake physical tasks in an outdoor setting, in a variety of weather conditions.
• Energetic individual with an ability to work independently, and a team oriented work ethic.
• Highly observant working style with an attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to deal compassionately with all members of the community.
• Good organizational skills, responsible and creative approach to tasks and problem solving.
• Experience working with volunteers and delivering educational programming to a diverse audience.
• Fluent in written and spoken French.
• Familiarity with the environmental sector and programming in the Region of Peel.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle for transportation.
• Due to requirements of CSJ funding, the successful candidate MUST be 15-30 years of age, legally able to work in Canada, have been enrolled in full-time studies in the previous year and be returning to full time studies in the fall of 2013.

Application Information:

Deadline for applications is Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 6pm. This position is paid at a rate of $13/hr for 30 hours per week for 8 weeks (July 8 – August 30). Ecosource offers a great work environment with excellent opportunities for skills expansion. Ecosource is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified persons. If you are interested, please send a personalized cover letter outlining your fit with our team and this position, and your resume via e-mail to: Carolyn Bailey, Program Manager, email: cbailey@ecosource.ca. Documents should be formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Please note that resumes without a cover letter, or generic cover letters and resumes, will not be reviewed.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.