Farm Educator

Hourly Rate: $17.96 - Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package

Location: Cedar Glen YMCA Outdoor Centre

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Employment Type: Contract Part Time Hourly (5 months)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: May 16, 2025

Deadline to Apply: January 20, 2025 at 5:00pm

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

Reporting to the Farm Supervisor, the Farm Educator/Assistant Market Gardener supports the day-to-day implementation and oversight of Farm Camp programs. This position provides support in delivering the highest quality farm education to camp participants that aligns with the overall mission, vision and values of the YMCA. As the assistant market gardener you provide help and assistance to the market gardener in the day-to-day operations of the market garden outside of the hours of farm camp programming and prep.

The Farm Camp Educator/Assistant Market Gardener plays an essential role in the planning and implementation of the farm camp programs.

The Farm Educator/Assistant Market Gardener must be child-focused, enthusiastic and committed to delivering safe, fun and engaging camp programs.

**In this role, you will**:

- Support all farm camp programming, including farm tours, harvesting, seeding, transplanting, and other educational activities on the farm
- Deliver safe and high-quality farm camp programs, meeting program delivery expectations as outlined in the program support materials. Work with Farm Supervisor to adapt programs based on seasonal availability of produce, weather conditions, camper interests, etc
- Coordinate availability of produce for farm camp with the farm staff to ensure campers can experience fresh vegetables during their programming
- Maintain the camper gardens to ensure the success of produce, enabling learning opportunities throughout the growing season
- Keep the camp spaces safe, clean, and tidy at all times. Adhere to all Health and Safety guidelines
- Maintain an ongoing inventory of ingredients and materials for Farm Camp, and communicate the need for restocking materials to Farm Supervisor, keeping within budget guidelines
- Proactively support the Farm Supervisor and other members of the farm team. Engage in group meeting and coaching sessions throughout the duration of the contract, build strong relationships with coworkers, and communicate clearly. Act as a positive role model for children, youth, and fellow staff
- Participate enthusiastically with campers in all activities including daily programs
- Aid the market gardener with carrying out the daily operations needed on the farm (i.e., planting, weeding, harvesting, washing and bunching), as identified by Farm Supervisor or Market Gardeners
- Lead a crew of helpers (interns, volunteers, visitors) in an efficient and supportive manner. Support farm operations and education on a regular basis based on needs of the farm
- Proactively support all farm team members. Positively participate in group meeting and coaching sessions throughout the duration of the contract
- Follow work schedule developed by Farm Supervisor to include occasional travel between farm locations
- Perform other duties as assigned

**You bring**:

- Minimum 1 full season of experience as an environmental educator or camp counselor in an outdoor setting
- Leadership in organizing educational activities and garden tasks
- Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of agriculture, gardening, cooking, or a related field
- Minimum age 17 by first day of employment
- Experience working with children preferred
- Organized, flexible, adaptable, and possesses excellent written and oral communication skills
- Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
- Ability to routinely perform repetitive physical labour on a regular basis
- Must have a personal arrangement to commute to site. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is not accessible by public transit
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR “C”
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

**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

**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 meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference