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OPPORTUNITIES

The Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism is a transfeminist queer affirming brick-and-mortar space that serves to nurture radical Black creation. It was birthed by BLM-Canada artists and activists who recognized the need for enduring space to cultivate the creative grounds of Toronto’s diverse Black communities. 

Black Lives Matter-Canada and Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism are projects of M4BJ, which is a Black-led not-for-profit, charitable organization. 

M4BJ is a community and arts service organization that primarily engages in serving the needs of Black communities. In order to effectively support these communities and provide opportunities for historically marginalized people, candidates who have lived experience will be strongly considered.

Black artists in conversation with one another on the front lawn of Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism
Photorgaphy by Dequiera Atherton

Now Hiring: Garden Program Associate

JOB TYPE: 6-month contract, part-time position

CONTRACT START: April 24, 2023. 90 day probationary period.

PAY: $25/hr CAD. Paid biweekly. 

LOCATION: Dependent on the work: virtual, remote, or at Wildseed Centre. Wildseed is fully compliant with all municipal, provincial, and federal COVID-19 guidelines.

APPLICATION DEADLINE (EXTENDED): Sunday, April 18, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET

The Opportunity

The Garden Program Associate will be the administrative liaison of the Earthseed Community Garden Program and complementary workshops. With collaborative guidance from the Program Committee (members include BLMCA-Wildseed, Keep6ix and Toronto Black Farmers & Growers Collective), this position will provide on-the-ground (and virtual) gardening guidance to volunteers, ensuring all community garden operations and upkeep are performed. Workshop topics may include but will not be limited to land-based healing, political education, outdoor art practice and/or other suggestions from the Program Committee, volunteers and other Garden Program participants. 

The Associate will guide planting and maintenance garden plots. Ultimately, the harvest will be taken home by volunteers and surrounding members of the community, with a sizable portion replenishing the Community Fridge located at the front of Wildseed Centre. 

Earthseed Community Garden Program builds on established programming led by Toronto Black Farmers and Keep6ix. An abolitionist experiment, the program is in its second year of establishment, and is grounded in commitments to Black food justice, equitable employment, community support, political education, and self-expression through art. Earthseed’s grounds are located at the north garden plot of Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism (24 Cecil Street in Toronto, Ontario).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Communicate via email with gardeners to inform them of tasks, answer questions and address garden needs and issues.
  • Provide volunteers with ongoing garden and programming updates, scheduling group meetings as needed. 
  • Coordinate monthly workshops at Wildseed Centre or online.
  • Facilitate workshops at Wildseed Centre or online, as needed.
  • Provide Wildseed staff with shopping lists for program supplies and if necessary, support with transporting materials.
  • Perform garden planting and maintenance.
  • Assist with plant propagation as needed.
  • Meet with the Program Committee and/or supervisor on a regular basis.
  • Coordinate with supervisor for water, waste removal & infrastructure issues as needed.
  • Maintain common areas including maintaining accessible pathways and other infrastructure (may include regular trimming).
  • Collect garden data to support BLMCA-Wildseed, Keep6ix and/or Toronto Black Farmers’ reporting.
  • Take photographs and share with supervisor, to generate social media content about the garden for BLMCA-Wildseed, Keep6ix and/or Toronto Black Farmers.
  • Triage counselling requests to BLMCA Organizer as needed.

OTHER:

  • Being flexible and cooperative in helping to keep the Earthseed Community Garden Program is running smoothly and efficiently;
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum 3 years gardening experience
  • Experience with landscape maintenance and repairs are preferred. 
  • Understanding of native plants, gardening for pollinators, and perennial care preferred.

APPLICATION:

If you have the qualifications to fill this role and feel you could make a meaningful contribution to Earthseed Community Garden Program, apply by submitting your resume and one-page cover letter in a single PDF by Sunday, April 18 2023 at 11:59 PM ET to:

EMAIL: opportunities@wildseedcentre.com 

SUBJECT: Garden Program Associate Application

The Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism is a transfeminist queer affirming brick-and-mortar space that serves to nurture radical Black creation. Wildseed was birthed by artists and activists who recognized the need for enduring space to cultivate the creative grounds of Toronto’s diverse Black communities. 

Black Lives Matter-Canada and Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism are projects of M4BJ, which is a Black-led not-for-profit, charitable organization. 

M4BJ is a community and arts service organization that primarily engages in serving the needs of Black communities. In order to effectively support these communities and provide opportunities for historically marginalized people, candidates who have lived experience will be strongly considered. Given that Earthseed is an established partnership with keep6ix, we especially encourage young people who have been in conflict with the Criminal Justice System to apply. 

At M4BJ, we are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment, and will work with you to meet your access needs. Requests can be made at any phase of the recruitment process and should be emailed to opportunities@wildseedcentre.com if you require accommodations.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.