Market Gardener

Hourly Rate: $16.75 - Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package

Location: Cedar Glen - Urban Farm - Downsview Park

Work Hours: 20-40 hours per week

Employment Type: Contract Part Time Hourly (3 months)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: September 3, 2024

Deadline to Apply: August 30, 2024 at 5:00pm

**Be the Spark** Join our passionate Farm Team and help us to achieve great things in our community

YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is a 263-acre site that provides year round outdoor education and summer day camp experiences that foster personal growth and build community for guests of all ages. Cedar Glen is home to a 2-acre market garden that provides fruits and vegetables to our Food Services department and a Community Supported Agriculture program. Cedar Glen is also home to an apiary focused on honey production, and a small maple syrup program. The farm presents an educational opportunity for day campers and outdoor education participants throughout the year. In addition, the Cedar Glen farm team is responsible for the operation of a 0.48-acre urban farm plot located at Downsview Park.

Reporting to the Farm Supervisor, the Market Gardener is responsible for following the farm plan, organizing and carrying out the day-to-day tasks related to crop production with the key objective to maximize productivity while utilizing organic farming practices. The position provides the highest quality vegetables to all customers (Harvest Share members, Food Service staff, and on-site and off-site farm stand customers).

**In this role, you will**:

- Implement the annual farm plan, created with the Farm Supervisor, by planting seedlings in the greenhouse, transplanting, maintaining and harvesting successions of fruits, vegetables on our 2-acre farm. At the end of the season, prepare the farm for the winter season by clearing the fields, storing farm supplies and creating an inventory list
- As part of a team effort, plan expected harvests and organize distribution of actual harvests
- Lead a crew of helpers (assistant market gardeners, interns, volunteers, visitors) on a day-to-day basis in an efficient and supportive manner. Support farm operations and education on a regular basis based on needs of the farm
- Proactively support Farm Supervisor, assistant market gardeners, and other farm team members. Positively participate in group meeting and coaching sessions throughout the duration of the contract
- Ensure that the daily operation of the farm as set by the team is carried out and recorded (i.e., tilling, planting, irrigating, weeding, harvesting, washing and to market, cleaning farm spaces and supplies)
- Track and record all farm production related activities in farm log. Monitor and follow planting and harvesting calendars as prepared by the Farm Supervisor
- Identify and propose techniques and tools to Farm Supervisor for analysis and approval
- Follow work schedule developed by Farm Supervisor to include occasional travel between farm locations
- Perform other duties as assigned

**What you need to succeed**:

- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
- YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

**You bring**:

- Formal or informal training in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or a related field
- Minimum of 1 full season in a leadership role with a team of employees and using practical skills for market gardening
- Demonstrated leadership in leading a farm crew and providing superior customer service
- Ability to build successful communication with the Farm Supervisor to ensure continuous and efficient production
- Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with staff team, members, customers and volunteers
- Excellent written communication skills
- Routinely perform hard physical labour on a regular basis
- Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays
- Must have valid driver’s license for Harvest Share deliveries
- Must have a personal arrangement to commute to the farm. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is not accessible by public transit
- Standard first aid and CPR
- Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

**Why work for the YMCA?**

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaning