OTTAWA OUTDOORS

Hiring: Library Coordinator
Organization: Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library
Location: Ottawa — unceded and unsurrendered Anishinaabe Algonquin territory

Eligibility: age 30 & under; identify as BIPOC (see below)
Apply before: Dec 2, 2023 at 5pm
Status: Contract – Jan 3, 2024 – March 31, 2024
Hours: 15hrs/week
Compensation: $22/hr (plus 4% Vacation pay and 2% in lieu of benefits)

The Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library is committed to operating and integrating anti-racist and intersectional anti-discrimination practices in our workplace, our programming, and our team and partnerships.

Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about reducing barriers and supporting other people to benefit from opportunities to be outdoors as well? If so, this position may be for you!

About the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library (OOGL)

Join our team in supporting equity and access to the outdoors and to nature! The Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library is a dynamic initiative established in 2021, actively supporting just and increased access to the outdoors.

OOGL’s Mission: To respond to barriers experienced by racialized and marginalized communities through advocating for and facilitating just access to nature-based experiences, land-based programming, outdoor recreation and the associated mental and physical health benefits derived from being outside.

For more information about the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library, please visit our website at www.ottawaoutdoorgearlibrary.com

About the role

With the supervisory support of the OOGL leadership team, and in collaboration with the staff team, the Library Coordinator will lead and administer the operation of the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library’s equipment lending program.

As the Library Coordinator, you will:

• coordinate the Library
• help to develop the database / inventory of available items (using the user-friendly My Turn library lending software platform)
• promote the OOGL and loan outdoor equipment to individuals
• collaborate with partner community organizations to support efforts to increase outdoor participation for priority populations
• evaluate the impact of the OOGL activities and communicate evaluation findings, to receive feedback and ensure it reflects needs and goals
• adapt and adjust implementation plans as per this feedback and with respect to public health COVID-19 guidelines
• respond to emerging community interests/needs
• represent OOGL at various events
• support the Partnership Development Coordinator where appropriate
• contribute to the ongoing improvement of OOGL programs and processes;
• work to ensure access for priority populations and social justice organizations to OOGL programs and services;
• and perform other related duties as needed

This position requires working some evening and weekend hours.

This position is based at the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library – 877A Boyd Ave., Ottawa and at the seasonal winter pop-up location at 33 Quill St. in Overbrook.

Requirements of the position

Partial funding for this position has been made possible through the support of Nature Canada’s “Work to Grow” employment support program. As such, this position is open to youth who meet the following criteria and are:

• Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive)
• A Canadian citizen, or permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Are Legally entitled to work in Canada and entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
• Identify at Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour

Racialized youth face unique barriers in developing experience and finding jobs in nature-related activities. The lack of racialized people working in conservation and nature organizations is a barrier to youth seeing themselves in those roles. Protecting nature is a racial justice issue. Equity and anti-racism are crucial to protecting nature.

Education and Experience

• Formal education is not a requirement for this position, however education and/or experience working in: the outdoors, recreation, environment, health promotion, social justice, community organizing, activism and communications that might be applied to the responsibilities of this position are very relevant.
• Experience leading and/or participating in outdoor activities, knowledge and use of various types of outdoor equipment, and/or lending library experience would be additional assets.

Knowledge required

• An understanding of the complexities of the barriers that exist that discourage participation and access to the outdoors by racialized and other marginalized populations
• Interest in and awareness of anti-racist and anti-oppression approaches to support, engage and communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse participants.
• An understanding of equity and intersectionality and how to apply this understanding to the responsibilities of the position.

Skills & Competencies

• Self-starter with excellent communication, interpersonal, team working, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent judgment, time and priority management, and organizational skills
• High degree of professionalism, active listening, and sensitivity
• Experience, awareness and ability to connect with diverse communities
• Ability to interact comfortably and proactively with the public
• Ability to adapt and take on responsibilities related to new programs and services
• Motivated, passionate and able to take initiative and to respond and support where needed and appropriate
• Comfortable working independently and with a team of colleagues and volunteers
• High degree of comfort, familiarity and experience creating content and using social media, word processing software and other computer applications

Additional Requirements

• Language — While preference may be given to candidates fluent in both English and French, fluency in other languages are also valued, and are assets that will be considered for this position.
• First Aid / CPR - First Aid level C certification, or a willingness to register and complete this training as an employee of OOGL is required.
• Vulnerable Sector Check – the successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check

How to apply

At OOGL, we are committed to being a place of shared learning and collective growth. Please consider applying if you meet 90% of the job requirements.

If you are interested to be considered for this position, please send an email to ottawaoutdoorgearlibrary@gmail.com, with the job title “Library Coordinator” in the subject line and an attached copy of your resumé to the attention of the “OOGL Hiring Committee”, prior to the closing date of Dec 2, 2023 at 5pm.

In addition, please include a 1-page cover letter (250 words maximum) that briefly includes your responses to the following questions:
1. How do you spend time outdoors?
2. What interests and excites you most about this position?
3. How would your skills and experiences (personal and professional) translate into success in this position?
4. What does just and equitable access to the outdoors look like to you?

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

For more information please contact us at 613-796-8086 or by e-mail at ottawaoutdoorgearlibrary@gmail.com

We understand identity through an intersectional lens and the systemic barriers that are additionally faced by LGBTQIA2S and people with disabilities, and welcome applications from all. You may choose to volunteer to be considered for employment equity in your application by identifying as part of one or many marginalized groups.

OOGL is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

At OOGL, we are a living wage employer. In November 2023, the Ontario Living Wage Network set $21.95 as the new living wage for Ottawa. We are committed to pay transparency, and paying all staff at or above the current minimum living wage. In addition, salaries are non-negotiable. We are committed to combating inequity, bias, and pay disparity perpetuated by salary negotiation practices. We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.