Organization: EcoSource
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
EcoSource is seeking an Urban Agriculture Program Assistant
Full-time Summer Student Position, 35 hours per week, June 20 — August 26, 2011
EcoSource is an innovative environmental organization that empowers the community to become more environmentally responsible through creative public education. Our offices are located in Port Credit, Mississauga and our food gardening programs are delivered across the Region of Peel.
Since 2006, EcoSource has been a leader in the development of food growing programs in the City of Mississauga. The Mississauga Sustainable Urban Agriculture (MSURA) Project is led by EcoSource in partnership with the Eden Community Food Bank, supported by the City of Mississauga and the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Through this project we are working to increase access to fresh healthy food in our community, and to connect students and community members with meaningful educational opportunities to learn about sustainable food production in Mississauga.
EcoSource is seeking an enthusiastic, innovative and self-starting individual who is comfortable developing and delivering educational programming to support the development and implementation of this exciting initiative and related community projects in summer 2011.
Responsibilities:
• Supports the planning and implementation of community projects as part of the MSURA program.
• Supports the planning and delivery of workshops to support the EcoSource MSURA, Gardens and Summer Programs.
• Collaborates with Community Partner Agencies to coordinate project tasks and events.
• Support community volunteers and groups participating in MSURA collaborative projects.
• Coordinate regular email, written and telephone communication with program participants and volunteers.
Qualifications:
• Knowledge of naturalization, organic food gardening and related environmental issues
• Education in environmental studies, education or related field and/or equivalent work experience
• Strong belief in creating social change by educating youth and families to become environmental citizens through their everyday actions
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, and comfort in working in diverse settings, from youth events to formal presentations to key stakeholders and ability to deal compassionately with all members of the community.
• Sound program planning, development and implementation skills, with both youth and adults
• Excellent networking and public relations skills
• Strong computer skills, including all MS Office applications
• Familiarity with demographics of the Peel Region community
• Highly observant working style with an attention to detail.
• Independent working skills, and a team oriented work ethic.
• Good organizational skills, responsible and creative approach to tasks and problem solving.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle for transportation.
• Due to requirements of HRSDC funding, the successful candidate MUST be 15-30 years of age, legally able to work in Canada, have been in full-time studies in the previous year and be returning to full time studies in the fall of 2011.
Application Information:
This is a full time (35 hrs per week) 10 week contract position. Some weekend and evening work will be required. This position is paid at an hourly rate of $14.50/hr depending on experience from June to August 2011. Deadline for applications is June 6, 2011. Interviews are planned for the week of June 6 with a start date of June 20. EcoSource offers a great team-oriented work environment with excellent opportunities for skills expansion.
The EcoSource office is in Mississauga and is a 10 minute walk from the Port Credit Go Station.
EcoSource provides equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified persons.
To apply: please submit a resume and a one-page letter outlining your interest in this position, and related experiences no later than June 6th 2011 by email (preferred) or by fax (but please not both) to:
Carolyn Bailey, Urban Agriculture Program Manager, EcoSource:
cbailey @ecosource.ca / fax 905-274-4387
Please note that resumes without an accompanying cover letter will not be reviewed.
No phone calls please! We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.