School-Grown Youth Engagement Facilitator

FoodShare; Toronto; On-site; CAD 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food justice organization in Toronto seeks a School-Grown Youth Engagement Facilitator to support community food initiatives. This role involves managing farm activities, fostering youth engagement, and developing educational programs. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in community engagement, food systems knowledge, and leadership skills.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Health benefits

Personal leave days

Wellness days

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in community engagement and youth participation.
• Experience in hands-on learning or mentorship.
• Knowledge of food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate outreach to engage local youth in farm activities.
• Develop and deliver educational programming.
• Maintain records and evaluate program impact.

Skills

Community Engagement

Leadership

Facilitation

Time Management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Experience with community food systems and environmental education

Valid Ontario G License

Job description

School-Grown Youth Engagement Facilitator

Community Food Growing | Full Time | Toronto, ON | $52,981 CAD per year

FoodShare is a food justice organization advocating for the right to food and working to challenge systemic barriers to access. We support community-led food initiatives and work alongside those most impacted by poverty and food insecurity, including Black and Indigenous peoples, people of colour, people with disabilities, and those living on a low income.

Overview

The School Grown Youth Engagement Facilitator (YEF) is a vital member of the core team supporting the School Grown Program within FoodShare’s Community Food Growing department. Reporting directly to the Farm Coordinator, the YEF assists with farm management, cultivation, maintaining an experiential education space, and facilitating learning on the farm. A key aspect of this role involves outreach to youth participants, including co-op students, Canada Summer Jobs hires, and interns. The YEF also guides youth hires through onboarding and their work at School Grown.

Beyond supporting daily farm operations, the YEF develops and facilitates educational components that connect participants' work with food justice learning opportunities such as workshops, field trips, and community support activities.

Employment is conditional upon obtaining a clear Vulnerable Sector Check prior to the start date. The successful candidate must also obtain Food Handler Safety certification and Standard First Aid + CPR certification, which FoodShare will cover.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement:
   • Coordinate outreach to engage local youth, schools, and community organizations in farm activities and educational programs.
   • Assist youth with daily tasks at the farm, including garden education, paid positions, and seasonal employment.
   • Supervise youth involvement in farm tasks alongside the Farm Coordinator, including planting, weeding, seeding, transplanting, watering, harvesting, and compost maintenance.
   • Support youth-led initiatives such as farmers’ markets and seasonal events.
   • Facilitate onboarding for programs like Canada Summer Jobs, Focus on Youth Toronto, Co-op students, and interns.
   • Coordinate the Youth Grown initiative with youth advisors and youth farmers.
2. Facilitation and Education:
   • Develop and deliver educational programming using existing curricula, including coordinating workshops with visiting chefs and FoodShare staff.
   • Supervise shifts at the on-site farmers’ market, mentoring youth, managing cash, and ensuring excellent customer service.
   • Collaborate with teachers to integrate curriculum-linked class time with farm activities and support food literacy and food justice education.
   • Connect with community organizations working in food justice.
3. Administrative Tasks:
   • Maintain records of planting logs, crop yields, volunteer hours, and youth participation.
   • Gather feedback and assist in evaluating program impact and growth areas.
   • Contribute to reports for monthly updates, annual summaries, and funding progress.
   • Operate and maintain machinery safely, including tractors and trimmers.
   • Ensure programming aligns with FoodShare’s Food Justice and Body Liberation principles.
   • Maintain documentation securely and support site visits and reporting.
   • Participate in farm events, staff meetings, training, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 2 years of experience in community engagement and youth participation facilitation.
• 2+ years of experience in workshops, hands-on learning, or mentorship with youth.
• 1+ years of experience with market gardens, diversified farms, food justice, or environmental education.
• Experience working respectfully with diverse youth and marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of community food systems, food sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture.
• Understanding of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and equity frameworks, with a commitment to these principles.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, networking, and community engagement skills.
• Excellent time management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to convey FoodShare’s mission.
• Proficiency with G-Suite, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and other computer applications.

Requirements

• Valid Ontario G License and at least 3 years of insured driving experience; a Drivers Abstract may be required.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, perform physical tasks, and operate hand tools and machinery.
• Legally authorized to work in Canada.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: $52,981 annually (37.5 hours/week)
• Contract: Fixed-term, full-time from April 2025 to December 18, 2025, with potential extension.
• Paid vacation, health benefits, personal leave days, and wellness days, prorated based on start date.
• Salaries and benefits are non-negotiable as part of FoodShare’s equity commitments.

Application Process

Submit your resume and cover letter by 9:00 am on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, via the ‘Apply Now’ button. The recruitment process involves anonymized resume screening, interviews, reference checks, and an employment offer. Interviews are compensated at $75 each. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].

FoodShare is committed to equity and encourages applications from marginalized and equity-seeking groups. If you see yourself reflected in at least 80% of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!