Coordinator, Garden Programs

Neighbour 2 Neighbour Centre•Hamilton, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Garden Programs Coordinator leads Neighbour to Neighbour’s year‑round garden‑based programs across our sites, supporting hands‑on learning and helping participants build confidence in growing fresh, culturally relevant food. They provide guidance to community gardeners, facilitate skill‑building sessions, and ensure that all gardens remain welcoming, well‑maintained, and accessible to neighbours of all backgrounds. More than a gardening role, this position focuses on inspiring creativity, nurturing leadership, and using food as a tool for community connection. The coordinator brings strong gardening knowledge, experience working with diverse groups, and a commitment to inclusion, respect, and empathy. Working closely with staff, volunteers, and partners, they help cultivate vibrant growing spaces where participants feel supported, valued, and encouraged to take initiative.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field of study
3 years of experience with program development, group facilitation, community outreach; ideally around food production and gardening
At least one year experience with food gardening; knowledge of food security and agricultural issues
Demonstrated ability to move people from knowledge to action; ability to inspire, teach and empower community members to engage in positive change
Experience with community/social services sector through work or volunteer experience
Excellent group facilitation, interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills
Lived experience of, and/or commitment to issues of hunger, poverty, social justice
Ability to speak a language relevant to the neighbourhood (e.g. Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, and Kurdish)
Familiarity with Hamilton, and specifically the Rolston neighbourhood

Nice To Haves

Vehicle and a valid Driver's License Class G

Responsibilities

Design and deliver year‑round programming at Neighbour-to-Neighbour sites and locations (including the outdoor garden, greenhouse, patio, and indoor spaces) to engage participants through workshops and land‑based activities.
Host workshops and special events that engage participants in gaining new knowledge and skills around gardening techniques, knowledge and
Create seasonal activities that take participants and the community through the winter including education about garden planning, seedling production, food preservation techniques, cooking and houseplant care and cultivation.
Oversee and support the allotment gardens at 28 Athens, ensuring gardeners have the tools, resources, and guidance they need to successfully use their plots.
Maintain garden areas so they remain healthy, accessible, and thriving outside of program times.
Conduct ongoing crop‑planning to ensure the best use of space for learning and engagement.
Facilitate programs using an equity‑based approach, ensuring all participants feel included and supported.
Promote justice and equity through food programs, supporting community development, food education, community care, and food justice.
Collaborate within a small, dynamic team, supporting colleagues’ programs as needed.
Perform other duties as required.
Assist with the onboarding, training, scheduling and leadership support of volunteers to assist with garden skills programs
Help lead a supportive, welcoming environment for participants, volunteers, and visitors.
Carry out administrative duties, including participant tracking, registration, program documentation, and support with grant writing and reporting as required.
Participate in regular staff meetings, training, and team planning sessions.