Flemo Farm Market Garden Trainee

Salary: $46,588.50/Annually (35 hours per week)

Contract: Full-time, April 2026 to March 31, 2027

Location: Flemo Farm (150 Grenoble Drive) and other CFG locations

Reports to: School Grown Program Coordinator

Application Deadline: 5pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2026

About FoodShare

At FoodShare, we advocate for food justice by supporting community-based food initiatives and through ongoing advocacy and public education. Our vision is a Toronto where all people can feed themselves, their loved ones, and their communities with dignity and joy. We operate on a people-first model that values fair compensation, policies that respect a work/life balance and the contributions of our team members at all levels.

Position Summary

In 2026, Flemo Farm, a Community Engagement and Entrepreneurial Development (CEED) project, embarked on its fifth year of cultivating a thriving urban farm spanning half an acre within the Flemingdon Park hydro corridor. The Market Garden Trainee will play a central role in the entire farming process, from seeding, planting, harvesting and selling the produce at the weekly farmers' market. Work closely with the farm's coordinators on infrastructure maintenance and community engagement with the residents of Flemingdon Park. Additionally, the Market Garden Trainee will actively engage in a series of technical workshops on farming, including food justice, farming techniques, community gardening, and anti-oppression strategies. The candidate will share experience and knowledge, support community engagement, and assist with tours and volunteers during the growing season.

Employment in this role is conditional upon obtaining a clear Vulnerable Sector Check, which is required prior to the start date. Additionally, the successful applicant must obtain Food Handler Safety certification and Standard First Aid + CPR certification. FoodShare will cover the costs of these certifications.

Farm Tasks

• Collaborate with the Farm Coordinator to execute various farm activities, including seeding, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, pruning, and harvesting, to ensure the farm thrives
• Support Community Engagement by fostering a welcoming atmosphere for volunteers and actively engaging with community members. This involves mentoring gardening volunteers, conducting farm tours, collaborating with community farmers, potentially representing the project at events and media engagements, and sharing insights about the farm's journey
• Support with overseeing and guiding volunteers in farm-related tasks
• Support to maintain the pollinator garden areas and green spaces at the farm
• Support to facilitate community-based workshops and generously impart knowledge about the farm to volunteers whenever possible, promoting a culture of shared learning
• Collaborate with Farm Coordinators and other Flemingdon Health Centre (FHC) staff to design and deliver educational programs for community members, contributing to their growth and empowerment
• Support for the farmer's market by mentoring volunteers and assisting them with cash handling, merchandise presentation, and delivering friendly customer service, ensuring a successful market day
• Support the Community Composting Exchange program by performing the following tasks: collecting compost from program members, tracking waste and participant data, moving compost from bin to bin to ensure the cycle continues, cleaning the bin system, and conducting educational workshops
• Support other Community Food Growing projects as needed, i.e. School Grown, Composting, Vermicomposting, garden installations, Sunshine Garden and Community garden initiatives

Administrative Tasks

• Assist with record-keeping (planting logs, crop yields, volunteer hours, etc.)
• Track youth participation, gather feedback, and assist in program evaluation to assess impact and areas for growth
• Assist in managing Flemo Farm's social media accounts, newsletter, and volunteer call-out days
• Safely operate and maintain machinery, including the BCS tractor, equipment and tools
• Maintaining programming in line with FoodShare's Food Justice principles and Body Liberation principles
• Ensure all relevant documentation/records are maintained and kept in a secure location
• Participate in farm-wide initiatives and events
• Participating in Community Food Growing and FoodShare staff meetings, all staff training, and reporting requirements such as timesheets and handling other duties as assigned
• Follow and ensure compliance with all organizational procedures and policies, including Health and Safety policies
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience

• At least 1+ years of experience in vegetable gardening, growing food, or working with plants
• At least 1+ years of experience working with community groups and diverse communities. Passion for Community-Led Projects: An interest in community-led food initiatives and/or neighborhood-based community organizing is a plus
• Youth Engagement: Prior experience working with children and youth is beneficial
• Commitment to Food Justice: A demonstrated dedication to the principles of food justice and equity is essential
• Diversity Awareness: The ability to work effectively within a diverse community, respecting people of various ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds
• Outdoors Enthusiast: A genuine enthusiasm for working outdoors
• Green Thumb: Experience in gardening, food cultivation, or plant-related work is a valuable asset
• Food Systems Knowledge: An advantage is familiarity with food systems, including growing, cooking, and composting
• Effective Communication: Strong interpersonal and some conflict de-escalation skills are required to engage effectively with community members and team members
• Team Player: The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Driver's License: Possessing a valid G Driver's License is an asset
• Food Justice Commitment: A strong commitment to the principles of food justice is integral to this role

Physical Requirements

• Repetitive tasks such as bending, crouching, lifting, and reaching
• Full shifts standing and working on your feet
• Use of hand tools and mechanized equipment
• Regularly lifting over 40 lbs
• Working outdoors in all kinds of weather (heat, sun, rain, cold)

Class "G" Ontario Driver's License (An asset, not mandatory). Access to a vehicle is an asset for this role. If you do not have your own vehicle you may use a FoodShare vehicle if you meet the following criteria: A valid Ontario G License, a minimum of 3 years of insured experience, with no major driving infractions in the last 7 years. A Drivers Abstract may be required.

Total Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $46,588.50/Annually (35 hours per week)
• Vacation: 4 weeks paid vacation per year, prorated based on start date
• Health Benefits: FoodShare Health Benefit Reimbursement of up to $1,500 per calendar year, prorated based on start date
• Personal Leave Days: 10 paid personal leave days per year, prorated based on start date
• Wellness Days: 20 paid wellness days/sick leave per year, prorated based on start date

Note: As part of FoodShare's commitment to equity, salaries and benefits are non-negotiable

How to Apply

Please submit your application by 5pm on Wednesday February 25, 2026, by clicking the link here:

https://ats.rippling.com/foodshare-careers/jobs/57b9d9fd-9730-459d-97e5-8f283e748551

Please note: This position is only open to those currently registered with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training - unemployed or underemployed Indigenous people who live in the Greater Toronto Area. Indigenous people are First Nations status and non-status, Métis and Inuit.

Register with Miziwe Biik: https://form.jotform.com/MiziweBiik/join

Selection Process

• Applicants must be registered with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training to participate in an interview
• FoodShare's recruitment process involves the anonymization of all resumes prior to their being screened by the hiring committee
• Candidates will be sent the interview questions 48 hours before their scheduled interview
• In recognition of the time and labour of preparing for and attending an interview, FoodShare financially compensates interviewees at a fixed rate of $75 per interview
• HR will conduct reference checks for the candidate to whom they intend to extend an offer

About FoodShare's Commitment

FoodShare is a food justice organization committed to working to identify and dismantle systemic forms of oppression that cause and perpetuate food security inequities. FoodShare strives to create a workspace that reflects the diversity of identities and lived experiences that exist within the communities we work alongside.

If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact Human Resources at hr@foodshare.net.