Overview

What we do: mission & mandate

EYA helps vulnerable youth connect with nature to benefit their lives and steward the environment. We deliver free, experiential programs in inner city green spaces, empowering youth to carry out nature stewardship projects — like creating bird habitat, wildflower meadows, or plant medicine gardens. You’ll be joining a small but innovative organization, and a team of creative, fun, and like-minded colleagues. We value collaboration, accessibility & inclusivity, and authentic youth leadership. EYA offers a flexible work schedule, options to work at home, and opportunities to grow and learn. To find out more, visit https://www.eya.ca

What you’ll do: situation & role overview

As Coordinator for the Native Plant Nursery & Rewilding Program, you’ll design and facilitate several multi-week youth programs each year, including developing curriculum and engaging youth to learn about native plant horticulture and habitat restoration (e.g. invasive species removal and native plantings). You will also manage the EYA nursery, greenhouse, and native plant teaching garden, and manage our plant give-away events. The program is based in Strathcona and Cottonwood Community Gardens in the Downtown Eastside.

Key responsibilities

• Facilitate youth programs: Lead hands-on, experiential activities engaging youth to grow native plants and rewild urban green spaces
• Manage the native plant nursery and greenhouse, including caring for plants over the season using organic practices
• Design programming and develop curriculum, with support from the program manager
• Help maintain rewilding programming areas and native plant teaching garden
• Manage program logistics: create lesson plans, recruit youth & schedule guests
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with community partners and local experts
• Recruit and mentor youth volunteers/interns to support program delivery
• Coordinate distribution of youth-grown native plants for community habitat plantings
• Manage social media and marketing for the program
• Support program evaluation and reporting
• Support program fundraising work as needed
• Coordinate and facilitate community or school workshops and stewardship events, as needed
• Ensure program activities adhere to organizational policies, relevant legislation, and professional standards
• Other activities as identified by the Program Manager

What you’ll bring: requirements & assets

Do you have experience with horticulture and ecological farming/gardening? Are you an energetic and skilled facilitator? We’re looking for someone with strong knowledge of horticulture and plant care, and experience running environmental education programs for youth. Preferably, you’re familiar with native plants and/or excited to learn more. You’re also organized, creative, collaborative, a good communicator, and passionate about plants!

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience or training in agriculture, applied biology, environmental science, ecology, science education, or related field
• Strong knowledge of horticulture and ecological farming/gardening
• 1 – 2 years experience planning and facilitating ecology-related programs
• Strong group facilitation skills; experience working with high school-aged youth preferred
• Knowledge of native plants and urban wildlife an asset, or willingness to learn
• Class 5 driver’s licence and ability to join MODO car co-op required; access to a personal vehicle is an asset
• Able to work collaboratively with a small team to achieve shared goals
• Positive attitude, flexible, and willing to pitch in to make things happen
• Clear and concise communication skills
• Able to work independently and take initiative
• Organized and committed to high quality work
• Resourceful, handy, and able to creatively problem-solve
• Able to work responsibly and safely in inner-city garden spaces
• Able to do physical work in an outdoor setting in all weather conditions
• Personal values fit with EYA mission and culture
• Satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector check, required
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 or willingness to obtain

Location: 500-610 Main St, Vancouver BC
Terms: 24 – 28 hrs/wk, permanent (flexible schedule)
Start Date: Anytime before August 1, 2019
Hiring Range: $22 – $24 per hour
Reports to: Program Manager
Position Title: Program Coordinator, Native Plant Nursery & Rewilding

NOTE: Substantial weekend work will be required for this position.

How to apply

E-mail a short cover letter and resumé (in one document) to Emily Keller, Executive Director with “Program Coordinator application” in the subject line: emily@eya.ca

The deadline to apply is July 16, 2019 or until filled.

Due to limited administrative capacity, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.