NEAT is looking for a dynamic leader to coordinate our Eco Farm Skills and Market Extension programs for the 2022 season. Help support a community of passionate producers connecting with and training the next generation of alternative minded farmers driving food security in the Peace! If you are self-motivated, enjoy local food, and can work independently, this job might be perfect for you! Please email bess@neat.ca or fill out the form below to apply!

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Eco Farm Skills Coordinator will be based in Fort St John, BC and will report to the
Northern Co-Hort Coordinator. The Eco Farm Skills Coordinator will:

• Work directly with support from the Northern Co-hort Coordinator and Assistant
• Manage seasonal pop up markets – set up and take down of Northern Co-hort booth at the markets, packing vehicle and driving to and from the markets, inventory management and weekly restocks with participating producers, submitting weekly market cashouts
• Promote knowledge of local small scale ecological agriculture and horticulture practices
• Manage Northern Co-Hort social media platforms (Facebook, Instragram) to promote program offerings
• Support the Fireweed Market manager to communicate systems for selling whole foods and low risk value added products through the store
• Support the organization of community outreach and information sessions
• Evaluate and refine the Eco Farm Skills orientation materials
• Facilitate student introductions to the program through the use of orientation materials and support creating culture around cooperation, collaboration and open communication between students, farmers, Northern Co-hort coordinator, other NEAT staff and the community.
• Facilitate relationships between Eco Farm Skills students and Northern Co-hort producer members
• Schedule shifts for staff in consultation with Northern Co-hort Eco Farm Members
• Perform short term work on ecological farms throughout the Region, taking direction from producer
• Ensure materials for all activities are gathered and ready for use
• Perform risk assessments daily, weekly, and as necessary to keep all participants and staff safe
• Ensure all covid-19 precautions are adhered to
• Complete all mandatory reports and participate in weekly meetings;
• Represent NEAT and the Northern Co-Hort professionally at all times
• Be a positive team player
• Complete other duties as assigned

This position may require a varied workweek schedule to accommodate special events and other activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in the environment, sustainable agriculture, or a related field
• Effectively mediate between individual needs of the students and requirements of the organization
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Experience with scheduling an asset
• Sensitivity to and knowledge of environmental issues 
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to build community relationships and use information from the community to guide program direction
• Ability to work unsupervised and demonstrate motivation and initiative
• Ability to work varied hours (mornings, evenings, and weekends)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Internet usage

REQUIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

To be eligible for the program, job applicants should meet the following criteria: 

• Is between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the beginning of the employment period
• Is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Subject to security review

TERM OF POSITION

• This is a temporary full-time position. Hours of the position will vary according to the activities being undertaken, averaging 35-40 hours per week
• Compensation based on experience