Access ReRooted Program Assistant

~ Ecosource is an Ontario-based environmental education non-profit serving youth, adults, and families. ~

Our work began in Mississauga and has expanded throughout the Region of Peel and beyond. We are all about changing the world, right in our own backyard!

We are leaders in grassroots environmental education in the Region of Peel. Our staff works in schools and throughout the community, delivering interactive learning experiences that inspire youth and adults to take actions that make a huge difference to the health of the planet.

We are proud to work with over 30,000 students and teachers in our waste education programs, over 1,000 students with the Peel Environmental Youth Alliance as well as over 3,000 youth and adults in our community-based organic gardening and stewardship programs each year!

We believe that when people realize how much impact their daily choices have on our environment, they will choose to become better environmental citizens. And we believe that most people are ready and willing to make those changes - they just need information and support.

Our vision is to move public attitudes and perceptions about environmental issues toward responsible personal action, while inspiring personal accountability for the viability of the planet!

Position Overview

Ecosource is seeking a passionate, creative, and self-motivated individual to support hands-on food and garden education programming in Peel Region. The Access ReRooted in Play program introduces opportunities for children and youth of all abilities to re-discover outdoor play and develop physical literacy skills in community gardens across Mississauga, with an aim to reduce barriers and promote greater inclusion for our diverse community.

This is a part time contract (24 hours per week) position for 25 weeks, Monday, April 11 to Friday, September 30, 2016. Regular weekend and some evening work will be required. 

Responsibilities

• Supports the delivery of Access ReRooted in Play programming for participant with physical and developmental exceptionalities as well as ESL and newcomer communities through fun, hands-on garden programming.
• Supports youth and community volunteer engagement in Ecosource gardening and food programs.
• Support Ecosource Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture programming and activities as required.
• Supports garden maintenance and vegetable harvests at Ecosource garden locations utilizing organic practices.
• Supports outreach for Ecosource programs at related community events across the Region of Peel.
• Supports relevant event and program communications, web updates etc, participant number tracking etc.
• Represent the core values of Ecosource in the community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse community (people of different ages, abilities, orientations, cultural backgrounds etc.)
• Skill in working with children, youth and community members of all ages.
• Skill in working with individuals with physical and developmental exceptionalities.
• Skill in working or volunteering hands-on in the organic agriculture and/or gardening sector.
• Energetic individual with an ability to work outdoors, independently, and as part of a team.
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, and comfort in working in diverse settings.
• Skill in working with and/or coordinating volunteer groups.
• Familiarity with the environmental sector, community needs and programming in the Region of Peel.
• Strong computer skills, including all MS Office applications and online communication tools.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable vehicle for transportation.
• Commitment to social justice and knowledge of food system issues.
• Ability to speak a language relevant to our garden neighbourhoods is an asset (e.g. Korean, Polish, Urdu, Punjabi, Mandarin) as is experience working in the not-for-profit sector.

Compensation: This position is paid at an hourly rate of $18/hr.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a personalized cover letter outlining your fit with our team and this position, and your resume via e-mail to Anita Wong, Community Gardens Program Manager. 

Deadline for applications is April 3rd. 

Documents should be formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF format (preferred). 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. 

~ Ecosource offers a great team-oriented work environment with excellent opportunities for skills expansion. Ecosource provides equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified persons. ~