Summer jobs, Student jobs

Summer positions: Youth Program Assistants (3 positions) 
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Program: Youth in Food Systems / Seeds of Diversity Canada
Location: Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Ontario

ABOUT SEEDS OF DIVERSITY

Seeds of Diversity Canada was founded in 1984 as a member-based organization of farmers and gardeners who preserve the biodiversity and sustainability of the basic building blocks of our food system: seeds, plants, and pollinators. We engage Canadians in hands-on education and conservation programs to build more robust future food systems through local seed production, training, on-farm plant breeding, pollinator protection, and skills development.

In 2017 we launched a youth program, Youth in Food Systems, in hands-on food system sustainability, which includes several projects focused on school-based teaching gardens, food and nutrition education, and online classroom support. Our high-school youth program is focused on career pathways, recognizing that most young people are unaware of the opportunities that exist in agriculture and food, and that this crucial sector is underappreciated and even misunderstood by today’s career seekers.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

We are seeking three summer staff members to support, mentor, and facilitate youth-driven projects related to food systems and sustainability in Waterloo Region and beyond. Our work is centred around youth as decision makers and leaders in our projects, with staff acting as catalysts for them to build meaningful and impactful deliverables.

The positions are 35 hours per week for 8 weeks, paid at $22.00/hour.

Positions will begin July 7th, 2025 and end August 29th, 2025.

Note: These positions are contingent on Canada Summer Jobs funding.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Since this position is supported by the Canada Summer Jobs program, applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years at the beginning of employment;
• Applicants with work experience or education in food systems/security work, food production, sustainability, environmental science, or the humanities will be preferred;
• Must have transportation to and around the Region of Waterloo (personal vehicle, public transit, cycling). Opportunities to carpool may be available on select occasions. Mileage is compensated if using a personal vehicle to travel for work-related duties;
• Upon hire must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check, costs associated will be reimbursed
• Must be available to work some non-traditional hours (e.g. evenings, Saturdays) to accommodate youth availability and project work. Hours worked outside of these obligations will be flexible and accommodating.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities will vary, and will involve a mix of remote work and in-person work throughout the Region of Waterloo. Our program has experienced significant growth over the last few years, opening up a wide range of opportunities for exploring your areas of interest while gaining experience in food & sustainability work. The following are some of the key anticipated responsibilities:

All Summer Positions will be involved in:

• Alongside the Program Manager and Coordinator, contribute to the development of food systems learning modules and other learning opportunities for youth participants;
• Alongside the Program Manager and Coordinator, conduct primary and secondary research as needed, and assist with evaluation and development of projects;
• Communicate effectively with staff and community partners to successfully carry out projects;
• Contribute to communications - social media, monthly e-newsletter, website updates;
• Contribute to other projects as needed.

Summer Staff will have the opportunity, based on interest and organizational need, to support:

• Coordinating youth volunteers to develop content for our Youth-led Blog and Social Media
• Lead the execution of Season 5 of our Food Leader Interview Series, including the facilitation of youth training, overseeing the editing and uploading of completed interviews, and coordinating food leaders for workshops and panel discussions;
• Assist and coordinate garden planting, maintenance, and harvesting at several community and school garden sites, including engaging youth aged 14-19 in the spaces and supervising hands-on education workshops with community facilitators;

• Co-lead the design and execution of our 2025 Youth Food Markets, including the facilitation of youth sessions and overseeing weekly/biweekly pop-up market stalls

Summer staff roles are primarily in-person with some remote opportunities. Regular team collaborative sessions will occur at our office in Uptown Waterloo.

Please note that extended time off will not be allowed during contract periods, and that candidates will be asked to indicate any vacation requests during the interview stage.

WHO YOU ARE

We are looking for students and young professionals with an interest in food, sustainability , and/or youth engagement, and those who see the value in working with young people to inspire change in our food systems.

The following attributes / experiences are essential to these positions:

• An interest in food, climate action, youth empowerment, and/or the environmental nonprofit sector
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Comfort leading and facilitating in-person and virtual workshops/meetings
• Familiarity with a range of computer software and programs. Some of the applications we use include: Google Workspace, Wordpress, Mailchimp, Slack, and ClickUp
• Familiarity with social media, including storytelling through posts
• Experience or interest in working with high school students, and interacting as a mentor

The following attributes / experiences are nice-to-have:

• Gardening experience - planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, identifying issues
• Research skills and applying research-informed best practices to projects
• Experience sending a high volume of emails accurately and professionally
• Experience navigating complex community partnerships using a positive approach to problem solving.

All candidates must have a computer and internet access in order to be successful in these positions.

All candidates must have access to transportation in and around Waterloo Region. All sites are located on bus routes; carpooling may be available when public transportation is not a feasible option.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants for this position are required to send a copy of their resume in a PDF file.
Cover letters are not required and will not be reviewed.

Please apply by Sunday, March 23rd @ 11:59pm by sending an email to Andrew Jackson at info@youthinfoodsystems.ca and include “Youth Program Assistant” in the subject line.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Interviews will be held virtually beginning March 24th until positions are filled.

Please note: Candidates who advance to the interview stage will be required to provide two work-related references. Successful candidates will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (costs associated will be reimbursed).

Seeds of Diversity Canada staff and board are committed to an anti-oppression learning journey, and committed to integrating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into our work and workplace culture. We humbly acknowledge that we have a long way to go. We encourage BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, individuals from other diverse communities to apply.

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please contact Andrew Jackson, Program Manager at info@youthinfoodsystems.ca to request accommodations.

We thank all applicants for their interest; we strive to communicate with all applicants within two weeks of application.