Summer student jobs outdoors, gardening, working with people

Position: Garden Assistant
Organization: Brunswick Street Mission
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

This is a placement via the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. There are two roles, both running for 8 weeks. One role will run from June 2nd until July 25th. The other role will run from July 7th until August 31st.

Participants must be between 19 and 30 years old on the first day of employment. We will be paying $17.50/hr. Garden Assistants tasks may vary person to person and will be assigned in line with abilities and experience. On the job training will be provided where needed. Hours will be generally Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm initially, but flexible hours can be discussed. Assistant gardeners will report to the Kitchen Coordinator.

Tasks and Responsibilities, may include but are not limited to:

• Work with existing volunteers and staff
• Plant seeds and seedlings for vegetables, herbs, and flowers
• Watering, mulching, tending, weeding, and harvesting
• Removing garbage and detritus (with adequate protection) from flower beds
• Research into crops appropriate for geographic area and placement on the property (sun/shade/drainage)
• Identification of appropriate vegetables, herbs, and plants for use in the BSM kitchen
• Engage with colleagues and peer organizations about the work of the Brunswick Street Urban Garden
• Mowing and trimming of the property and possibly landscaping, including digging and building of earth
• Garden bed construction and upkeep
• Pest control
• Harvest and process plants for use or for storage
• Work in line with the policies and working practices of the Brunswick Street Mission
• Track, record, and report on planting & harvest activities and outcomes/results
• Promote fresh food donations at community events

Additional tasks as required  – including non-garden related activities: we are a small team and sometimes we all have to pitch in to help BSM operate!

Knowledge/Skills/Qualifications: 

• Commitment to our organizational Mission and Values
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the experience of people using our services
• Enthusiastic and outgoing, enjoy working with the public and community
• Proven organizational skills
• Good communicator, punctual, able to work with minimal supervision or within a team
• Gardening skills and experience
• Criminal Record Check

This is a hands-on role that requires physical fitness, with use of stairs and light to medium lifting required. Garden Assistants must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, and should have suitable clothes and footwear. Tools will be supplied.

We welcome and encourage applications from the Indigenous community, people with disabilities, racially visible community, women, queer community, and folks who contribute to the diversity of our community.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to: codi@brunswickstreetmission.org  Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

Deadline to apply is Monday May 7th at 11:59pm.