2024 CRUW Garden Coordinator - Contractor Opportunity

2024 CRUW Garden Coordinator - Contractor Opportunity

Contract length: March 23 to the beginning of November 2024. Approximately 424 hours.

Rate of Pay: $23.00 per hour

The Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness (CRUW) Program was developed in 2011 by a community partnership interested in promoting the use of green space as a source of wellness and concrete skill development for vulnerable youth. The program focuses on Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth involved in the child welfare system. The program is grounded in the Indigenous perspective that we derive wellness and community from relationship and interaction with land and territory. CRUW is based at Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS), an urban delegated child welfare agency, and operates in partnership with the Indigenous Research Partnerships, the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and the x?c?ic??s?m Garden at the University of British Columbia – located on traditional x?m??k??y??m Musqueam territory. CRUW encompasses three distinct programming streams, including 1) the core UBC Farm program; 2) the Life Skills and Leadership program; and 3) the Youth Mentor Committee. Collectively, the CRUW program focuses on the objectives of: honouring our diversity, holistic and sustainable urban wellness, emotional and cultural competence, and youth leadership.

The UBC Farm program brings Indigenous youth in care with VACFSS together with other diverse youth involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to engage in urban green space. Youth participants spend every second Saturday from April to October at the UBC Farm and x?c?ic??s?m Garden, learning from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, program staff, and other professionals. Youth engage in a variety of activities and workshops in both the garden, around the farm, and indoor settings. Participants are split into three groups, each led and supervised by a Group Leader and Youth Worker. 

People interested in applying are recommended to watch our video for more information and context on the program: https://www.vacfss.com/programs/culturally-relevant-urban-wellness/

Description: the CRUW Garden Coordinator, supervised and supported by the CRUW Coordinator, is tasked with maintaining the garden during the CRUW season, ensuring that sessions are aligned with the garden's growth cycle, and incorporating plant teachings into our program.

The CRUW Garden Coordinator is expected to attend every session date and is responsible to be accessible for garden care throughout the week.

Primary Duties:

• Ensured Availability: Participate in all crew session days occurring every other Saturday, beginning March 23. Additionally, be accessible for garden maintenance throughout the week.
• Plant Care and Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address pests, diseases, and other potential threats to plant health. Prune, trim, and perform necessary maintenance tasks to ensure the well-being and aesthetics of the garden.
• Curriculum Planning: Take responsibility for planning session curricula over the season, conducted before the season starts. Develop curricula that align with the growth and life cycle of the garden.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Respond to unexpected challenges, such as weather fluctuations or pest outbreaks, with flexibility and effective problem-solving strategies. Propose and implement improvements to enhance the overall health and productivity of the garden.
• Collaborate with a Dedicated Team: Contribute to the development and implementation of garden focused initiatives.
• Additional duties and responsibilities necessary for this role and determined by the Child and Youth Engagement Worker

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills to coordinate and execute garden maintenance efficiently.
• Ability to manage resources effectively, including tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural practices, particularly those of Indigenous communities, and an understanding of how these may influence garden care.
• Familiarity with Indigenous plant species, their cultural significance, and sustainable gardening practices aligned with Indigenous traditions is an asset.
• Relevant education or certification in horticulture, landscape design, or a related field is an asset.
• Valid Criminal Record Check (to be provided by VACFSS).
• Valid, unrestricted class 5 driver's license.

Additional Required Education & Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with an undergraduate or graduate degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Education, Health Sciences, Recreation, or related fields
• Candidates with a diploma in above listed or similar fields with 3+ years of related experience may also be considered
• Preference will be given to Indigenous or other BIPOC candidates
• Candidates are required to submit a criminal record check (to be provided by VACFSS)
• Candidates must be able to work Saturdays.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.