JOB DESCRIPTION

The Riley Park Garden Coordinator is responsible for the development and coordination of Phase 1 of the Little Community Garden (30th and Ontario). The Coordinator will ensure the construction and planting of the garden based on the approved garden design in collaboration with and reporting to the representative form the Garden Committee. This position will take on a leadership role in building the garden by promoting inclusion through outreach, engaging groups and residents to construct and build the garden, participation through active engagement of the community and skill-building by increasing the food security knowledge and information in the LM/RP area. As contact person for the garden, the Community Garden Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the garden is constructed and properly maintained as outlined in RPCG Guidelines and City Agreements. This contract focuses on Phase 1 of fall construction and planting 2016 and spring construction and planting 2017 with an extension for Phase 2 based on funding. The timing to start and finish this contract has flexibility based on possession dates and best planting times.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Phase 1

Garden Construction and Operation
- Coordinate the garden construction for Fall planting based on the Plan approved by the VPB that includes:
- Finalize the garden design plan approved by VPB April, 2016 with details.
- Identify and secure all plants and seeds needed for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 planting.
- Building raised beds, planting, watering, weeding etc.
- Secure all construction and garden materials
- Outreach to groups to help build the garden, schedule and manage groups to assist in the construction and membership of the Community Garden
- Manage all equipment, tools, building materials etc.
- Coordinate Phase 2 Spring construction and planting and future planting plans
Community Outreach
- Manage and further develop the Garden platform blog, website, e-newsletter and social media to outreach to the community and track garden membership, activity and deal with emails and issues that arise.
Record Keeping
- Recruit and manage volunteers and groups to construct and maintain the garden
- Coordinate and attend meetings with the Garden Committee. Prepare reports as necessary for funders and contribute to funding opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Phase 2

Garden Operation
- Coordinate the garden maintenance, planting and harvesting.
- Outreach to groups and residents to plant, maintain and harvest the garden
- Manage all equipment, tools, building materials etc.
Community Outreach
- Manage and further develop the Garden platform blog, website, e-newsletter and social media to outreach to the community and track garden membership, activity and deal with emails and issues that arise.
- Coordinate the distribution of the harvest to food programs and those in need
- Organize community food celebrations and other events in the garden
- Coordinate the ‘Pottery Shed’ including the scheduling and bookings involving artists and other community groups in the education programming as per VPB Agreement (Fieldhouse Activation initiative)
- Implement an education plan that includes food, cooking and garden workshops
- Assess education and training needs through surveys, interviews with clients, and Agencies.
- Manage and further develop the Garden platform blog, website, e-newsletter and social media
Record Keeping
- Recruit and manage volunteers and groups to construct and maintain the garden
- Coordinate and attend meetings with the Garden Committee. Prepare reports as necessary for funders and take a lead on funding opportunities.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Riley Park Garden Committee through its’ designate

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated experience building and managing a Community Garden or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience working with multiple stakeholders: volunteers & community groups.
Demonstrated experience creating an education plan in collaboration with community groups
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills..
Ability to work independently and manage the garden project from inception to implementation.
Ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively
Strong record keeping ability and computer skills
Possess knowledge related to urban agriculture and community gardening