JOB: VANCOUVER, BC – FarmFolk CityFolk, BC Seeds Program Director

Reporting to the Executive Director, FarmFolk CityFolk is seeking a knowledgeable and skilled person to lead our BC Seed Security Program. This program is delivered partly in partnership with USC Canada’s Canadian field program, The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security (BFICSS).  The task is a big and important one: both to help develop a thriving ecological seed sector in BC, support on-farm research on seed conservation and plant breeding, and to engage the public in seed growing and saving. This could be you if you are savvy both with spreadsheets and field work; can talk knowledgeably and passionately to farmers, government staff, elected officials, and to funders; are comfortable leading a team; have experience putting together events and workshops; and above all are deeply knowledgeable about and committed to sustainable food systems, specifically seed security.   The ideal candidate is a proactive, collaborative, and experienced professional.

Responsibilities

• Develop, expand, and oversee the execution of Seed Security programming, including, but not limited to:
  • Developing the Research and Education Seed Farm, including growing seeds for sale and delivering programming
  • Supporting farmers and community member use of our Mobile Seed Trailer
  • Delivering the Citizen Seed Trial program across BC
  • Coordinating and executing the BC Seed Gathering, a biennial event
  • Supporting the Canadian Organic Vegetable Improvement (CANOVI) project in collaboration with UBC and USC Canada
  • Coordinating on-farm and off-farm training events for farmers, including fields days, workshops, and webinars
  • Lead the regional implementation in British Columbia of on-farm seed research and educational programs as part of The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security,
  • Actively liaise and collaborate with national and regional BFICSS partners to harmonize regional programming with national initiatives, as appropriate
  • Coordinate ongoing farmer engagement to assess research and training needs related to ecological seed production
• Actively lead, and contribute to planning and securing funds for this program, and ensure all funding requirements are delivered
• Develop budgets for ED and board approval, and monitor revenues and expenses
• Ensure programs align with board approved strategic plan
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners including but not limited to farmers, funders, donors, elected officials, and government staff
• Develop staff roles, and recruit, train, hire, supervise, and evaluate all staff, volunteers, contractors, and agents reporting in
• Develop and implement systems to evaluate programs qualitatively and quantitatively
• Communicate effectively about the society and programming through traditional media, online media, and print products
• Keep organized and thorough operational records of program data, results, contacts and operational details

For more information on the BC Seed Security program, please visit bcseeds.org, and more information on the Bauta Canadian Initiative on Canadian Seed Security, please visit seedsecurity.ca

Hiring Requirements

• Demonstrated experience developing and executing community and farm business support programming
• Degree in Land and Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, or similar program, or a combination of experience and training in Seed Security
• Knowledge of principles and practices in ecological agriculture and participatory research methodologies is an asset
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience/willingness to work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Fundraising experience, especially grant writing
• Social media savvy, and familiar with wordpress websites
• Valid driver’s license is a requirement, and access to a vehicle is ideal. Must be comfortable or willing to learn to drive a truck pulling a larger trailer
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to travel across BC (expenses paid)
• Physical mobility, and willingness to move through a range of outdoor work environments, including lifting and digging
• Tech savvy and proficient in word-processing, databases, wordpress websites, GSuite, and email
• Position may be funded partially through a subsidy program for people under 30 years of age.  Please indicate in your cover letter if you are under 30.

Role details

Application deadline: June 9, 2019

Start date: July 29, 2019

Working conditions

This is a permanent full-time staff position at 35 hours/ week and $30/hour.  While based primarily in our Granville Island office, we offer a flexible schedule with the opportunity to work from home.

We offer a great benefits package after three months employment.

Travel throughout BC will be required, with expenses paid.

As a bonus, staff get a 10% discount at many shops and restaurants on Granville Island!

FFCF is an equal opportunity organization and encourages women, Indigenous people, people of colour, LGBTQ, and individuals from other diverse communities to apply.

To Apply

In order to apply, email Anita Georgy, Executive Director at anita@farmfolkcityfolk.ca. As this position is delivered partly in partnership with USC Canada, resumes will be shared with, and interviews will be done in collaboration with the USC Canada Program Director.

Please:

• use the subject line ‘BC Seed Program Director’
• send one pdf file containing both your cover letter and resume
• use the file name ‘BC Seeds –  First Name Last Name’

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those receiving an interview will be contacted.