Food Security Assistant

Position Type:  Regular, Part-Time

Hours:  up to 24hrs/week, generally working Monday-Thursday (required availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am – 5:00pm)

Hourly Rate: $20.75

Location: Fernwood Neighbourhood House, 1240 Gladstone Avenue

Reports to: Food Security Coordinator, and ultimately Director of Community Programs 

About Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH)  

Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH) is a vibrant, multi-service organization working on unceded ləkʔəŋən (Lekwungen) lands in Victoria, BC. We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive, resilient, and connected community by providing a wide range of programs for all ages, from childcare and family support to food security initiatives, intergenerational programs, and community events that celebrate our diverse neighborhood. Our work prioritizes equity, centers the voices of marginalized and racialized people, and aims to create a welcoming environment for everyone who calls Fernwood home.    

Position Overview: 

The Food Security Assistant plays a key role in fostering positive relationships with community members, volunteers, and partner organizations while supporting Fernwood NH’s community food security work. The ideal candidate is passionate about food access, building sustainable food systems, maintaining inclusive and welcoming garden spaces, and creating marketing content. Food systems knowledge and a commitment to food justice are key to this role.

They will play a vital role in the operation of the Good Food Box program, particularly with volunteer organization, social media creation, picking up (and occasionally harvesting) produce from local farms, as well as general administrative tasks to support the Food Security Coordinator.

The Food Security Assistant will also help coordinate and tend to the Fernwood NH’s community gardens such as our Native Meadow and Community Orchard including for example; planting, watering, and pruning as well as leading engaging volunteer garden work parties seasonally.

This role also leads the creation of engaging content for social media including capturing photos and videos as well as creating posters, brochures, and social media posts.

Key Responsibilities: 

Good Food Box Operations

• Support the operations of the Good Food Box including administrative tasks using software such as Excel and Routific
• Onboard and schedule Good Food Box volunteers
• Create social media content and promotional materials for the Good Food Box, including for marketing campaigns on Meta  
• Research and develop content around food systems for social media platforms
• Provide coverage for the Food Security Coordinator, as required
• Build and maintain relationships with local food security and urban agriculture organizations  
• Distribute marketing content around partner agencies to advertise the Good Food Box

Community Gardens

• Maintenance of community gardens, seasonal and as required
• Schedule Fernwood NH’s garden volunteers
• Support with Get Growing! Victoria program, seasonal
• Organize, promote, and facilitate garden work parties  
• Host garden tours for Fernwood Neighbourhood House programs and public  
• Create social media content for community garden events  
• Other duties as assigned 

Working Conditions 

• Ability to lift and move boxes of vegetables (up to 50lbs), wheelbarrows of soil, heavy wheeled carts, etc.
• Ability to work positively in a busy and loud environment
• Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, squat, crouch and bend frequently

Requirements & Qualifications 

• Valid driver's license
• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings and work positively in a shared work environment
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and take initiative 
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions, take initiative in completing assigned tasks, and remain accountable for actions, outcomes, and work quality
• Experience using social media and content editing applications, including Canva, InShot, Meta
• Knowledge & interest in sustainable food systems, plants and gardening

Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for this position, candidates must be legally entitled to work in British Columbia.

Assets (Preferred – not required)

• Access to a vehicle
• Knowledge of native plant restoration
• Knowledge of local farms and farming practices
• Experience volunteering with the Good Food Box program or other food distribution programs
• Experience in social media creation and marketing
• Knowledge of applications and payment systems such as Square and Local Line

Other Requirements  

Candidates who progress through our selection process will be required to provide the following before an employment agreement is finalized.  

• Two professional references
• Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Extended health benefits (co-pay model)
• Paid sick days, after 3 months of employment
• 4% vacation pay
• Discount on the Good Food Box

Unionized Position  

Fernwood NH is a unionized workplace, and this position is part of the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) bargaining unit. We are currently negotiating our first collective agreement. Wages and benefits are subject to adjustment following the ratification of the collective agreement. Union dues will be deducted in accordance with BCGEU policies.

Why Work with Us?  

At FNH, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community programs, make connections with diverse groups, and be part of a supportive team that values equity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. If you’re passionate about community support and believe you’re a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!  

Application Process  

This posting has no set end date and will remain open until filled. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so if you're interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The successful candidate is expected to be available to start immediately.

Fernwood Neighbourhood House is committed to equitable hiring practices and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of structural inequity, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2IA+ individuals, and those living with disabilities. 

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.75 per hour

Expected hours: 24 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person