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.
Become a SPEC Board Member!
SPEC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. If you are interested in contributing your voice and skills to organizational planning and decision making, project development, fundraising and community outreach let us know! We can recruit new board members as spaces on our current board open up.
We’re looking for people that are:
- Passionate to drive change in their communities
- Engaged in sustainability issues and climate justice
- Experienced in Project Management
- Teamwork, communication and facilitation skills
- Experience working with non-profits
To apply or ask questions, email admin@spec.bc.ca.
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 volunteer@spec.bc.ca to join us online. Find out when the next team meeting is happening by checking our events page.
Open Volunteer Positions
School Gardens Program - Activity Assistant
The SPEC School Gardens program works both elementary and secondary schools, teaching food literacy and environmental education in Vancouver and surrounding municipalities. Our goal is to connect children to their food, to each other, to nature and their community.
We are seeking 8 energetic volunteers to assist with leading garden and food literacy activities for school aged children outdoors on school grounds or nearby green spaces for the spring season – March to June 2022.
Build your experience directly engaging with school aged children (ages 5-13 years) while leading short activities in small groups on topics such as pollinators, soil science, beneficial insects, seasonal changes with lots of hands-on gardening and nature observations. All volunteers will be provided with resources and tips to teach in an outdoor environment.
Volunteers must be able to commit to at least one shift a weekday (2-3 hours).
Qualifications
- Some previous experience working/volunteering with children ages 5-13 years of age.
- Some knowledge/experience with organic gardening (garden methods, soil health, beneficial insects). This is a great opportunity for teacher candidates, students in food and land systems, farm programs, environmental studies, environmental science, forestry or other sustainability programs.
SPEC Compost Survey Volunteer
Do you want to learn more about local composts and their use on farms and gardens? Would you like to support SPEC and connect with individuals with a passion for conservation and sustainability?
SPEC’s Food Team has a volunteer opportunity that we are looking to fill ASAP!
We are updating our Compost Survey for 2021, and are looking for an individual who has approximately 20 hours to dedicate to conducting this survey and drafting the report. This is a survey of local bulk composting suppliers to give farmers and gardeners information to help them select a compost to fit their specific needs–because no two composts are the same.
Qualifications
- Some basic science background.
- General interest in local nutrient cycling.
- Ability to communicate with industry people to access the current information and fairly represent their products.
To apply, please contact our volunteer coordinator Madyson directly by email madyson@spec.bc.ca with your resume and a short cover letter highlighting your interest and motivations for applying for this opportunity in one PDF document.
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 Neighborhood House
This is a great starter volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in building their volunteer experience and learning more about food security.
To apply, please contact the Farm-to-Plate Marketplace Coordinator, Robyn directly by email: farmtoplatemarketplace@
Volunteer E-Blast
If you are interested in hearing about volunteer opportunities as they come up, email Madyson to be added to our volunteer e-blast list.
Track Volunteer Hours
If you are already a volunteer with SPEC, please use this form to track your volunteer hours.