POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of SPRC leadership, the Urban Farm Community Animator will work in partnership with the McQuesten Community Planning Team and the McQuesten Urban Farm Team to engage local residents and other partners in the planning, development and programming related to the McQuesten Urban Farm and Hamilton Victory Garden at McQuesten.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To engage a diverse range of key neighbourhood stakeholders (residents, associations, services) in the planning process and promotion through inclusive outreach activities to increase participation in the planning, development and programming of the McQuesten Urban Farm and Hamilton Victory Garden at McQuesten.
• To ensure that all voices are heard, conflict is dealt with respectfully and that all efforts reflect the common goals agreed to by the residents for the McQuesten Urban Farm
• To foster leadership development for designated neighbourhood residents in the urban farm initiative
• To actively participate as a member of the McQuesten Urban Farm Team by contributing to team building, brainstorming community development activities, problem-solving and professional development
• Provide administrative support to the McQuesten Urban Farm Team
• Provide volunteer coordination support for the McQuesten Urban Farm and the Hamilton Victory Garden at McQuesten
• Provide tracking and measurement of key indicators such as number of volunteers, type and frequency of community engagement, poundage of harvest, uptake at the McQuesten Market
• Contribute to the development of the McQuesten Farm Market
• Develop and oversee educational, learning and other knowledge exchange programs related to the McQuesten Urban Farm through newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, face to face communication etc.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives within an anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism framework
• Knowledge and experience with the concepts, approaches and techniques of Asset Based Community Development
• Knowledge and experience with gardening
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; data collection and management skills
• Food Safety Handling Certification is an asset
• The ability to identify potential resources and teach groups to connect to resources
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to motivate others and to facilitate group processes
• Experience working with grassroots groups
• Willingness to conduct work outside of standard office hours is essential, including weekends
• Proficiency in Word and other Microsoft products
• Ability to attend meetings in the community usually achieved by access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license
• Knowledge and experience in community development usually acquired through formal education at the community or university degree level
• At least 2 years of community building/community organizing, preferably in the Hamilton area
• Knowledge of the local community of the McQuesten Neighbourhood

Job Type: Contract, 25 hrs./week
Duration: 57 weeks
Anticipated Start Date: February 2, 2015

ABOUT US

The Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton (SPRC) is a non-profit, registered charitable organization that conducts community-based research and community development. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for all citizens in Hamilton through research, community development, community engagement, and system and service planning. Our vision is to create a community that provides a socially, physically, and economically supportive environment and supports public participation and community integration to preserve and enhance the health and well being of our population.

We offer competitive benefits, career and development opportunities and an environmentally-friendly workplace culture.

Please forward your resume on or before January 16, 2015 at 4:00 pm to:
Subject: Community Animator, Urban Farm
Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton
162 King William Street, Suite 103, Hamilton, ON L8R 3N9
Fax (905) 522-9124 / Email: jobs at sprc.hamilton.on.ca
Website: www.sprc.hamilton.on.ca
All inquiries about this employment opportunity should be sent to: rwetselaar at sprc.hamilton.on.ca
(Please do not send resumes to this email address)

Applicants will undergo a computer testing exercise. We thank all applicants for their interest in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. The SPRC is an equal opportunity employer: women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender persons and persons with a physical disability are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability requiring accommodation during the application and/or interview process should advise the above contact so arrangements can be made.