Volunteer
Since SPEC began in 1969, passionate volunteers have been the most valuable part of our identity. Volunteers like you play an important role in our accomplishments.
We offer a variety of opportunities ranging from project research and planning, fundraising, assisting at special events, garden plantings, cleanups, and community outreach.
Please note at this time, we have limited volunteer opportunities due to COVID-19.
Read through the Quick Guide for Volunteers for more information about volunteering with SPEC.
Volunteer Perks
A Home for New Vancouverites
We welcome volunteers from all corners of the globe and are proud to have many cultures, traditions and languages represented. Volunteers are often new to Vancouver and report that SPEC helped them connect with like-minded folks in a new city.
Flexible and Supportive
Fighting for the safety and security of our planet requires flexibility and innovation, and we’re proud to support volunteer projects and ideas on timelines that work with their busy schedules.
Team Meetings
Team meetings are one of the easiest ways to start contributing your knowledge and skills to SPEC. Our teams help develop many of SPEC’s programs and projects and are always looking for feedback and fresh ideas. Our teams are mostly volunteer-run and occur once a month in the evenings. Meetings are free and open to the public, and we always encourage new community members to join.
Meetings are available for the following teams:
Meetings are held online due to the pandemic. Please email Communications@spec.bc.ca to join us online. Find out when the next team meeting is happening by checking our events page.
Open Volunteer Positions
Volunteer Opportunities with SPEC and our Community
Check back regularly as we update our volunteer opportunities.
Featured Volunteer Positions
SPEC School Gardens Program Assistant
Food Team
The SPEC School Gardens Program works with both elementary and secondary schools from K to grade 12, to facilitate food and ecological literacy education in an outdoor classroom. Our goal is to connect children to their food, to each other, to nature and their community.
The Program is seeking up to 8 energetic volunteers to assist with garden and food literacy activities for school aged children outdoors, on school grounds or nearby green spaces.
Commitment: Minimum 15-20 shifts between March and June 2023.
Locations: Various schools within Metro Vancouver.
For full position details and to connect with the School Gardens Program Coordinator, visit the link below:
Food Packaging/Distribution Team
Food Team
Farm-to-Plate Marketplace is seeking volunteers to assist with packaging and distributing fresh, local produce to community members, many of whom are food insecure.
Commitment: Thursdays/Fridays, multiple shift options
Locations: Jewish Family Services and Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
This is a great introductory volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in building their volunteer experience and learning more about food security.
To apply, contact the Farm-to-Plate Marketplace Coordinator, directly by email: farmtoplatemarketplace@
Volunteer E-Blast
Interested in hearing about volunteer opportunities? Send us an email to be added to our volunteer e-blast list.
Track Volunteer Hours
Already a volunteer with SPEC? Use this form to track/update your volunteer hours.