School Gardens Program Assistant
Engage and interact with school age children and youth. Help us lead interactive ecological literacy
programs, outdoors at elementary schools!
Position Dates: May 8 to August 26, 2023
(Please note that start and end dates are subject to change and based on Canada Summer Jobs Funding).
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm | 30 hours per week.
Pay rate: $21.50
Location: Various elementary schools in East Vancouver and Richmond. (Accessible by public
transportation or vehicle).
Application Deadline – April 14, 2023
About the Program: The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) is a charitable
organization based in Vancouver, BC. Our work focuses on urban sustainability in the areas of zero
waste, food security, sustainable energy and transportation. The School Gardens Program has been
an integral part of our work for the past 16 years. The program aims to provide fair, and equitable
access to environmental education, engaging students (from Kindergarten to Grade 12) to foster their
curiosity and awareness about food systems, ecosystems and the climate while developing their skills
and knowledge through hands-on gardening experiences.
Responsibilities
Spring (May to the end of June), the role will help support with the preparation and delivery of garden
lessons facilitated by the Program Coordinator at various schools which includes: interacting and
fostering a positive learning environment for school-aged children, planting crops, maintenance of the
gardens and cleaning tools, assisting with activities, supporting and mentoring volunteers in the
program, helping with set up and take down, promoting the program at events, administration –
statistics and surveys, give and receive feedback.
Summer (July to the end of August), the role transitions to garden maintenance (garden planning,
watering, weeding, keeping records and capturing photos, succession planting for fall harvests, pest
management, and communicating with out of school care programs), on occasion assisting with
garden lessons with summer programs.
Preference for candidates that:
● Meet eligibility criteria for Canada Summer Jobs
● Must pass a Criminal Record Check to be able to work with children/vulnerable populations
● All recommended doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine
● Previous experience working with school aged children and youth is required.
● Experience/knowledge in organic gardening and or urban farming, preferably 2 – 3 years
● Leadership: able to cooperatively work with a team and independently
● Time management: able to manage multiple priorities and scheduling
● Problem Solving/Adaptability
● Communication/Public Speaking: with various members of the public, school staff, SPEC staff,
students and community groups.
● Access to transportation for travel to and from schools (car, bike or public transportation).
● Capable of some heavy lifting including garden implements, hoses, etc.
Additional Requirements: Second Language is an asset
Skills development and career enhancement opportunities: For an individual looking to work in
Vancouver’s environmental and community development non-profit communities, education, nutrition
or within the field of urban agriculture this will be an invaluable opportunity for networking and skill
building.
Eligibility
This position is funded by a Canada Summer Jobs grant. To be eligible, the individual must:
● be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
● be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been
conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act* and
● be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and
regulations.
*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or
permanent residents.
How to Apply: Please include both a cover letter and resume describing your interest, your skills, the
goals/skills the opportunity would provide by email to sharlene@spec.bc.ca by April 5, 2023.
SPEC is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from underrepresented
groups