Food Security Assistant

Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Society; Victoria; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Victoria is seeking a Food Security Assistant to support food access initiatives and community gardening. The role involves volunteer coordination, social media content creation, and maintaining gardens. Ideal candidates will have a passion for food systems and community support. This part-time position offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Paid sick days

4% vacation pay

Discount on the Good Food Box

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s licence is required.
• Experience with social media and content editing applications.
• Interest in sustainable food systems and gardening.

Responsibilities

• Support operations of the Good Food Box and onboard volunteers.
• Create engaging content for social media.
• Maintain community gardens and coordinate garden events.

Skills

Team collaboration

Social media management

Problem solving

Sustainable food systems

Gardening knowledge

Tools

Canva

InShot

Excel

Routific

Job description

Position Type: Regular Part‑Time

Hours : up to 24hrs / week generally working Monday‑Thursday (required availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am 5:00 pm)

Hourly Rate : $20.75

Location : Fernwood Neighbourhood House 1240 Gladstone Avenue

Reports to : Food Security Coordinator and ultimately Director of Community Programs

About Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH)

Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH) is a vibrant multi‑service organization working on unceded ləkʔəŋən (Lekwungen) lands in Victoria BC. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, resilient and connected community by providing a wide range of programs for all ages from childcare and family support to food security initiatives, intergenerational programs and community events that celebrate our diverse neighbourhood. Our work prioritises equity, centres the voices of marginalised and racialised people and aims to create a welcoming environment for everyone who calls Fernwood home.

Position Overview

The Food Security Assistant plays a key role in fostering positive relationships with community members, volunteers and partner organisations while supporting Fernwood NH’s community food security work. The ideal candidate is passionate about food access, building sustainable food systems, maintaining inclusive and welcoming garden spaces and creating marketing content. Food systems knowledge and a commitment to food justice are key to this role.

They will play a vital role in the operation of the Good Food Box programme particularly with volunteer coordination, social media creation, picking up (and occasionally harvesting) produce from local farms as well as general administrative tasks to support the Food Security Coordinator.

The Food Security Assistant will also help coordinate and tend to Fernwood NH’s community gardens such as our Native Meadow and Community Orchard including, for example, planting, watering, pruning and leading engaging volunteer garden work parties seasonally.

This role also leads the creation of engaging content for social media including capturing photos and videos as well as creating posters, brochures and social media posts.

Key Responsibilities

Good Food Box Operations

Support the operations of the Good Food Box including administrative tasks using software such as Excel and Routific.

Onboard and schedule Good Food Box volunteers

Create social media content and promotional materials for the Good Food Box including for marketing campaigns on Meta.

Research and develop content around food systems for social media platforms.

Provide coverage for the Food Security Coordinator as required.

Build and maintain relationships with local food security and urban agriculture organisations.

Distribute marketing content around partner agencies to advertise the Good Food Box.

Community Gardens

Maintenance of community gardens seasonally and as required.

Schedule Fernwood NH’s garden volunteers.

Support with Get Growing! Victoria programme seasonally.

Organise, promote and facilitate garden work parties.

Host garden tours for Fernwood Neighbourhood House programmes and public.

Create social media content for community garden events.

Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability to lift and move boxes of vegetables (up to 50lbs), wheelbarrows of soil, heavy wheeled carts, etc.

Ability to work positively in a busy and loud environment.

Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.

Ability to stand for long periods of time, squat, crouch and bend frequently.

Requirements & Qualifications

Valid driver’s licence.

Ability to work collaboratively in team settings and work positively in a shared work environment.

Ability to problem‑solve, prioritise tasks and take initiative.

Demonstrated ability to follow instructions, take initiative in completing assigned tasks and remain accountable for actions, outcomes and work quality.

Experience using social media and content editing applications including Canva, InShot and Meta.

Knowledge and interest in sustainable food systems, plants and gardening.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this position candidates must be legally entitled to work in British Columbia.

Assets (Preferred not required)

Access to a vehicle.

Knowledge of native plant restoration.

Knowledge of local farms and farming practices

Experience volunteering with the Good Food Box programme or other food distribution programmes.

Experience in social media creation and marketing.

Knowledge of applications and payment systems such as Square and Local Line.

Other Requirements

Candidates who progress through our selection process will be required to provide the following before an employment agreement is finalized.

Two professional references.

Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record check.

Compensation & Benefits

Extended health benefits (co‑pay model).

Paid sick days after 3 months of employment.

4% vacation pay.

Discount on the Good Food Box.

Unionised Position

Fernwood NH is a unionised workplace and this position is part of the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) bargaining unit. We are currently negotiating our first collective agreement. Wages and benefits are subject to adjustment following the ratification of the collective agreement. Union dues will be deducted in accordance with BCGEU policies.

Why Work with Us

At FNH you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community programmes, make connections with diverse groups and be part of a supportive team that values equity, inclusion and collaboration. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification. If you’re passionate about community support and believe you’re a good fit we’d love to hear from you!

Application Process

If you have any questions regarding the position please email Salma Ihsan, Director of Community Programs at __.

This posting has no set end date and will remain open until filled. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so if you’re interested we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The successful candidate is expected to be available to start immediately.

Fernwood Neighbourhood House is committed to equitable hiring practices and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of structural inequity including Black Indigenous People of Colour, LGBTQ+ and those living with disabilities.

Key Skills

English Speaking, Access Control System, Cloud Computing, JDE, Light Bus And Heavy Bus, Building Electrician.

Employment Type : Part‑Time

Experience : Years

Vacancy : 1