School Grown Market Garden Trainee

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

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

Location: BCI Farm operation at 500 the East Mall, with some in-person meetings at 120 Industry St. or other partner locations across Toronto as needed

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

The School Grown Market Garden Trainee will be an integral part of the School Grown Program teams, contributing to advancing student food literacy and growing projects in schools throughout the city. This role entails active participation at two outdoor farm locations within TDSB high schools. Here, you will receive comprehensive training and mentorship, equipping you with the skills to cultivate food in both outdoor and indoors. Additionally, you will gain proficiency in effectively engaging with children and youth in food literacy programming, fostering their understanding and appreciation of healthy eating and sustainable practices.

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

• Work closely with the Farm Coordinator to oversee various farm activities, including seeding, transplanting, mulching, weeding, watering, pruning, and harvesting, to ensure the farm's success
• Support to manage the orchard, shelterbelt, and pollinator areas in accordance with the maintenance plan, with the team on site
• Provide guidance and mentorship to high school students participating in on-farm activities and program field trips, supporting their personal and educational growth
• Support Community Engagement by cultivating a warm, inclusive environment for volunteers and actively engaging with community members. This includes supporting gardening volunteers, leading farm tours, collaborating with local farmers, potentially representing the project at events and in media, and sharing insights into the farm's journey
• Facilitate the smooth harvesting and distribution of produce grown at the school farms. This involves managing weekly orders, maintaining harvest records, and efficiently handling data
• Support shifts at our on-site market, guiding young team members in handling transactions, showcasing products, and delivering exceptional customer service to our patrons
• Assist in overseeing community composting activities at the farm site, including working with residents to set up three-cell compost bins, training farmers and maintenance, and actively engaging in community outreach efforts to promote system use
• Collaborate seamlessly with a diverse team of volunteers, student interns, co-op students, and fellow School Grown staff to efficiently accomplish daily tasks
• Contribute to developing engaging, age-appropriate, and curriculum-linked lesson plans related to food systems and food justice issues, designed for virtual teaching
• Support other Community Food Growing projects (e.g., Flemo Farm, 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
• 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/ca156271-ed92-446c-95a9-ee751d2e2a7d

Please note: This position is only open to those 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.