Garden Coordinator

Okanagan Indian Band; Vernon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional indigenous band in Vernon, Canada, is seeking a Garden Coordinator responsible for developing sustainable food systems within the community. You will oversee garden operations, manage staff, and collaborate with health and wellness departments. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in agriculture and extensive farming experience. The role offers $26.00 - $32.50 per hour and necessitates a commitment to cultural sensitivity. Join a passionate team dedicated to food sovereignty and community wellness.

Qualifications

• Education, experience, or an equivalent combination considered.
• Knowledge of OKIB cultural protocols and traditional foods is essential.
• Extensive experience in a farming-related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop food security operations.
• Organize crop planting and harvesting activities.
• Manage ranch staffing and training.

Skills

Community-minded

Detail-oriented

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture or equivalent

Business management courses

Current First Aid/CPR certificate

Valid BC Driver's License

Job description

Term Garden Coordinator Okanagan Indian Band

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.

Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world‑class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment.

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Start Date: March 16, 2026

End Date: October 30, 2026

Deadline for applications: February 25, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Garden Coordinator will be responsible for creating a garden crop calendar for planting, irrigating, harvesting and delivery of produce to the community and supported agencies and the work required to initiate the positive outcome. The coordinator will oversee the Garden workers, assigning schedules and duties related to their job descriptions.

Working in collaboration with the OKIB Health and Wellness Team and other OKIB departments and staff, the OKIB Garden Coordinator will be responsible for developing and expanding a vegetable and food source system leading OKIB in the direction of sustainable Food Sovereignty.

This is a seasonal position, from March 2026 to October 2026. Working hours can vary to accommodate events, changing weather, live‑stock and staffing needs.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to the Wellness Programs Lead.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and plan food security operations, creating sustainability and accessibility of food resources to the OKIB membership and programming.
• Determine source, amount and type of crops and livestock most beneficial to OKIB community.
• Organize and co‑ordinate planting, cultivating, soil amendments, and crop harvesting activities, raising and breeding of livestock and poultry.
• Analyzing existing operations, crops, livestock, staff, and financial documents and recommending improvements.
• Participate in farm phase development planning and integration.
• Manage all areas of ranch staffing including but not limited to recruitment; training of new hires, identifying learning opportunities, mentoring, and facilitating the path of upward mobility and growth for all staff members, performance management, and ensuring all staff adheres to health and safety regulations.
• Source and purchase farm machinery, livestock, seed, feed, and other supplies.
• Maintain farm machinery, equipment, and buildings.
• Perform farming duties.
• Maintain positive working relationships with external contractors such as plumbers, electricians, truckers, etc.
• Manage the organization of administrative and measurable records for farming operations.
• Coordinate and facilitate Agri‑learning opportunities open to the community.
• Coordinate with the larger food security team in crop availability and readiness.
• Collaborate and support all aspects of the food security team.
• Keeping Syilx culture and community as a priority in planning, delivery, and program decision making.
• Work irregular work hours reflecting events, changing weather, live‑stock and staffing needs.
• Perform all duties & responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies & procedures.
• All persons employed by the OKIB may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
• Participates in community events as requested.
• Performs other duties as required.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR

You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community‑minded, detail‑oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, animal or equivalent education and experience.
• Additional courses in business management or administration preferred.
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain.
• Valid BC Driver’s License, minimum Class 5 and reliable vehicle.

Experience

• Knowledge of OKIB cultural protocols and traditional foods, plants and medicines.
• Extensive experience in a farming‑related field.
• Management experience.

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community.
• Experience/knowledge with working in a First Nations Community, culture, values and issues is an asset.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• A passion for agriculture, food security, and sovereignty.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• The ability to make decisions in stressful environments.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be adaptable, flexible, and open to changing environments and priorities.
• Approachable, passionate, and displays a positive can‑do attitude.

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE

$26.00 - $32.50 per hour dependant on education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: [e-mail]

Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4

If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references.

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.