Sunshine Garden Peer Assistant

FoodShare; Toronto; On-site; CAD 47,000; Part time

Job summary

FoodShare is seeking a Sunshine Garden Peer Assistant to support the maintenance of the Sunshine Garden at CAMH. This part-time role includes engaging volunteers, conducting workshops, and managing garden activities to promote food justice and sustainability. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to community-led food initiatives.

Benefits

Four weeks paid vacation

Paid personal leave days

Paid wellness/sick days

Qualifications

• Must have participated in the Sunshine Garden program.
• Experience working respectfully with diverse individuals.
• Dedication to food justice and community-led solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform gardening tasks such as pruning, weeding, and harvesting.
• Engage volunteers and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
• Organize community workshops on sustainable gardening.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Organization

Reliability

Job description

Community Food Growing Part Time Toronto, ON $46,000 CAD per year

We are currently seeking to fill the position of :

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

Overview

The Sunshine Garden Peer Assistant plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the Sunshine Garden and Greenhouse at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Working closely with the Community and Market Gardens Coordinator, the Peer Assistant will cultivate vegetables for our local farmer market stands, support volunteers and tours, manage and maintain the compost system, ensure the space is clean and inviting, and actively engage with volunteers and visitors to foster a welcoming and educational environment.

This position is only open to current or past clients of the Sunshine Garden.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Support Garden Maintenance: Perform gardening tasks such as pruning, weeding, watering, seed starting, harvesting, mulching, and soil preparation.
• Engage and mentor volunteers, creating an inclusive environment and providing hands-on learning opportunities.
• Interact with the public through garden tours, visitor engagement, and speaking at events or with media about the garden’s impact.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating community workshops on sustainable gardening and food justice.
• Distribute fresh produce via market stands, community cooking programs, and volunteer take-home packages.
• Maintain the compost program by turning inputs and keeping the system organized.
• Participate in FoodShare staff meetings, training, reporting, and organizational activities.
• Support record-keeping (e.g., planting logs, crop yields, volunteer hours) and ensure volunteer engagement.
• Maintain programming aligned with FoodShare’s Food Justice and Body Liberation principles.
• Ensure documentation and records are securely stored.
• Adhere to FoodShare policies and health and safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure smooth operations.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Must be a current or past participant of the Sunshine Garden program.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster a welcoming environment and communicate effectively.
• Ability to follow instructions, observe accurately, and propose solutions.
• Experience working respectfully with diverse individuals, including marginalized groups.
• Dedication to food justice, anti-oppression, and community-led solutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable, organized, and punctual.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

• Work from the Sunshine Garden at 1000 Queen Street West Mall, with some meetings at 120 Industry St. or other locations.
• Repetitive tasks including bending, crouching, lifting (over 40 lbs), and reaching.
• Standing for full shifts outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Use of hand tools and mechanized equipment.

Compensation and Contract Details:

• Salary: $46,800/year, prorated based on start date, approximately $24/hr for 18 hours/week.
• Part-time, fixed-term contract from May 2025 to November 2025.
• Four weeks paid vacation, prorated.
• Additional leave: 10 paid personal leave days and 20 paid wellness/sick days per year, prorated.

Application Instructions:

Submit your resume and cover letter by 5:00 pm on April 18, 2025, via the 'Apply Now' button below.

Selection Process:

• Resumes will be anonymized to reduce bias during screening.
• Selected candidates will be invited for interviews, with questions provided 48 hours in advance. Interviews are approximately four weeks after the application deadline.
• Interviewees will be compensated $75 per interview.
• Reference checks will be conducted prior to an employment offer.

FoodShare is committed to equity and providing accommodations during the hiring process. If needed, please contact [e-mail].