Deadline: May 15th, 2011
The Mississauga Fruit Tree is a not-for-profit organization working to reduce fruit waste and increase local sustainable food production in urban areas. Our mission is to mobilize the residents of Malton to harvest urban fruit trees and grow local food in backyard gardens. Currently the bulk of fruit grown in backyards and in our cities goes to waste, while the fruit we consume is grown in water-intensive orchards far from our homes. The Mississauga Fruit Tree envisions a different future, where the bulk of backyard fruit is utilized and shared between neighbors and everyone has access to healthy food. This will be accomplished through the following two urban initiatives to be launched by the Volunteer Coordinator:
• Urban Fruit Gleaning — Creation of a system to locate the produce available to glean and the organization of volunteers to harvest fruits and vegetables in residential areas of Malton. The harvest will be shared with owners, volunteer gleaners, and local food banks.
• Garden Sharing – Connection urban homeowners with land that could be gardened, to eager volunteer gardeners who do not have access to land. This will also involve lending tools, and providing basic supplies and training on organic methods of gardening.
Responsibilities:
The Volunteer Coordinator, reporting to the Executive Director, and receiving guidance and strategic assistance from same, will be responsible for:
In the first year and subsequent years:
– Recruitment and orientation of volunteer gleaners, especially youth and recent immigrants
– Participate in community outreach events to inform residents of MFT activities
– Liaison with a website / social media specialist to help accomplish objectives
– Liaison with other local food NGOs in the GTA to learn approaches and best practices
– Recruitment / identification of public and private fruit tree and crop sites, with an initial focus on
Malton and expanding to other areas
– Site assistance at gleanings: transport equipment, help with setup, and transport of harvest
– Liaison with food banks and/or food distributors
– Procurement of equipment required for gleaning
– Organization of an annual ‘food summit ‘ event; liaison with related local NGOs for this event
and cooperative project activities
– Organize and maintain social networking accounts for MFT such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr,
and blogging on MFT website.
– Manage and track project expenses
– Fill in annual activity reports to the granting agency (financial reports handled by the accountant)
In the second year:
– Continue to coordinate fruit-gleaning activities, with expansion into additional areas
– Recruitment and coordination of garden providers and volunteer gardeners
– Organization of basic gardening workshops and assistance in running these workshops
– Transport of gardening equipment and soil conditioners (compost, manure…)
– Liaison with Town staff and possibly elected officials at various municipalities
– Assist in grant writing
Qualifications and Skills:
– Strong communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills
– Proven experience as a self-starting individual requiring very little supervision is essential
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet applications
– Have their own transport and a valid Ontario Drivers License
– Be able to occasionally lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 lbs. and be able to
demonstrate gardening and fruit harvesting techniques
– Be available at set times during the week, with occasional evening commitments
– Previous experience with gardening and/or organic gardening and/or local food and/or urban
agriculture crops is an asset
– Previous experience with a project funded by a public granting agency is an asset
– Previous experience in supervisory position is an asset
– Be familiar with youth engagement and facilitating a positive team environment
– Be familiar with the community of Malton
Duration and Compensation:
This is a part-time position beginning in June and ending in November. Rate of pay is $20.83/hour for 30hr/week. It is expected that the Volunteer Coordinator will work from their home office, and provide their own office equipment including computer and telephone.
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter, resume, and two references for consideration to Hanna Arboly: hanna(at)mississaugafruittree.org by May 15th, 2011.
For more information, please visit to http://www.mississaugafruittree.org
