Assistant Market Gardener/farm Educator

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 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 well, 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. Works with Farm Supervisor to adapt programs based on seasonal availability of produce, weather conditions, camper interests, etc.  

Coordinates 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. Adheres to all Health and Safety guidelines. 

 

Maintain an ongoing inventory of ingredients and materials for Farm Camp, and communicates the need for restocking materials to Farm Supervisor, keeping within budget guidelines.  

Proactively supports the Farm Supervisor and other members of the farm team. Engages in group meeting and coaching sessions throughout the duration of the contract, builds strong relationships with coworkers, and communicates clearly. 
 

Act as a positive role model for children, youth, and fellow staff. 

 

Participate enthusiastically with campers in all activities including daily programs. 

 

As the market garden assistant, you will 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. Supports farm operations and education on a regular basis based on needs of the farm. 

 

Proactively supports 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. 

  

Other duties as assigned.  

You bring:

- Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of agriculture, gardening, cooking, or a related field  
- Minimum 1 full season of experience as an environmental educator or camp counselor in an outdoor setting 
- Shows leadership in organizing educational activities and garden tasks 
- 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 
- Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity 
- Able 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”

What you need to succeed:

- Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, V