Job title: Community Garden Coordinator

L’Arche Winnipeg is a non-profit organization that creates homes and social opportunities for 25 people with intellectual disabilities in Winnipeg, providing family-style housing in six homes and a Supported Independent Living Program. The mission of L’Arche Winnipeg is to make known the gifts of individuals with developmental disabilities and create a world where everyone belongs.

The Community Garden Coordinator will gain experience leading community members with intellectual disabilities in gardening activities, responding to our members’ interests and needs, and facilitating appropriate participation based on people’s abilities while upholding and contributing to our culture of inclusion and mutual respect. The Community Garden Coordinator will gain employment experience in both gardening and community engagement, including garden design, property maintenance, planting, weeding, harvesting, equipment management, and collaborative group facilitation. There will be opportunities to learn about sustainable garden design, Indigenous plants, and pollinators.

The Community Garden Coordinator will be supervised by our Homes Coordinator, who establishes the schedule and coordinates communication with the homes. The employee will be supported by the House Leaders, who will help facilitate the participation of residents in gardening activities. Tasks and responsibilities:

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Cultivate and steward the shared garden spaces at our 6 homes, including but not limited to:
  • Planning, planting, weeding, and watering plants
  • Supporting food harvesting and processing at various L’Arche homes.
  • Upholding sustainable gardening practices.
• Facilitate garden programming for our community members, including but not limited to:
  • Working with volunteers
  • Leading L’Arche Winnipeg community members in gardening activities
  • Fostering a sense of community
  • Ensuring the garden is accessible to all community members
• Attend all training and formation sessions to learn about L’Arche, including but not limited to:
  • Abuse Prevention and Leadership Training
  • Monthly Assistant’s Formation Meetings
  • Assistant’s Body Meetings
  • Weekly check-in meetings with Community Leader
  • Online L’Arche Canada Professional Development Courses
• Contribute positively to our community culture of inclusion and friendship, including but not limited to:
  • Upholding our core values of inclusion, respect, mutual care, compassion, peace, diversity.
  • Building relationships with core members with intellectual disabilities, and with L’Arche Assistants and Office Staff.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with disabilities is an asset
• Demonstrable gardening experience and knowledge is required
• Acceptable Criminal record check, Adult & Child Abuse Registry checks (required)
• Be available to work some evenings and weekends
• Access to a vehicle is preferred

Eligibility

Due to Manitoba Green Team funding, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Age 15-29
• Manitoba Resident
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Start date: tbd, as soon as possible

Hourly wage: $16.00

Number of weeks: 6 weeks

Number of hours per week: 30

Preferred level of education: High-School diploma