Urban agriculture, gardening, local food

Ecosource is seeking a
Urban Agriculture Coordinator
Full time 11-month contract position at 35 hours per week

Position: Urban Agriculture Coordinator
Organization: Ecosource
Location: Mississauga, GTA, Ontario

Who we are: Ecosource is an innovative environmental organization that empowers the community to become more environmentally responsible through creative public education. We specialize in hands-on programming that aims to increase environmental sustainability in Peel Region and beyond. Learn more about our work at ecosource.ca.

The position: Ecosource is seeking an Urban Agriculture Coordinator to support local food access and community engagement related to urban agriculture in the Region of Peel. The Coordinator will help to enhance sustainable food production activities at the Iceland Teaching Garden, strengthen food distribution models, and expand opportunities for youth leadership, partner engagement, and public education. A key focus will be to develop in-person programming to meet the diverse needs of local communities using anti-racist and anti-oppression principles.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and delivers urban agriculture education workshops, events and projects at the Iceland Teaching Garden, community centers and partner locations in Peel.
• Develops enhanced crop planning, plant-sourcing, and seed-sharing strategies to expand food production that meets diverse community needs.
• Develops and fosters relationships with community partners, including social service agencies, food banks, and schools, to increase resident engagement at Iceland Teaching Garden.
• Develops enhanced community-based, food distribution models at the Iceland Teaching Garden to strengthen food access.
• Tracks program-related statistics, budgets and expenses, and supports reporting activities as required.
• Supports with regular written, verbal and in-person communications with volunteers, local partners, and residents, including for program reporting and evaluation.
• Supports administration processes for the Iceland Teaching Garden, including monitoring garden safety, maintenance and repairs, and troubleshooting in-garden issues.
• Leads outreach activities and engagement of local community members, with a focus on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, English language learners, people with accessibility needs, and more.
• Designs programming that meets the diverse needs of the Peel community using an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens.

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of experience coordinating environmental, education, agriculture or community-based projects.
• A passion for food security principles, organic gardening and/or related environmental issues.
• Food gardening experience, preferably on urban farms.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and anti-oppression principles, and an understanding of food system inequities and intersectionality.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in community outreach and engagement.
• Experience coordinating and planning community workshops and events.
• Strong project monitoring, tracking, and evaluation skills.
• Willingness to undertake physical tasks in an outdoor setting, in a variety of weather conditions.
• Skilled in using computer applications and online communication tools.
• Familiarity with the environmental sector and programming in the Region of Peel, an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle required.

Application Information:

This is a full-time contract at 35 hours per week, from February to end of December, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding. Some evening and weekend work will be required. Starting salary range for this position is between $52,600 and $55,000 per year, prorated to the length of the contract and commensurate with experience. The position includes access to a comprehensive benefits package, with 9 personal days and 14 days of paid vacation for the contract term. In addition, Ecosource offers generous statutory and non-statutory holiday time, including flexible paid holidays to promote an inclusive workplace.

Deadline for applications is Monday, Jan 5th, 2026, at 5:00 pm. A Police Vulnerable Sector Check will be required upon hiring.

Ecosource offers a great work environment with excellent opportunities for skills expansion. In alignment with our organizational value of inclusivity, it is our aim to have a staff team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal opportunity in employment and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ persons, and others. We value and welcome applicants to outline any relevant community involvement and/or lived experiences in their applications.

If you are interested, please send a personalized cover letter (maximum 1 page) and resume (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in this position by email to Monika Bianco, Community Food Systems Manager, at hiring@ecosource.ca with Urban Agriculture Coordinator in the subject line.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Documents must be formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Please note that resumes without a cover letter or generic cover letters and resumes, will not be reviewed.

If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.