Environment Program Coordinator

Organization: Living Ways Foundation
Reports to: Garden and Ecosystem Manager
Term: Summer 2026

Hours and Compensation: 37.5 hours/week, $18.00/hr
Location: On-site presence in Castleton. Includes some weekends/

Eligibility: Ages up to 30 (must meet Canada Summer Jobs requirements)
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter and resumé to info@livingwaysfoundation.org

What We're Looking For

The Ecological Restoration & Native Plant Assistant supports land stewardship activities across the Healing Gardens & Forests Program. The student will assist with the Medicinal & Native Plant Garden, ecological restoration projects, native plant identification on the forest trails, and education-related tasks connected to the mini-forest demonstration area.

Core Responsibilities 

• Community Garden Support
  • Assist with general garden tasks including planting, weeding, harvesting, watering, and mulching.
  • Support produce preparation and distribution activities.
  • Help maintain tools, pathways, and garden learning spaces.

  Native & Medicinal Plant Garden

  • Assist with planting, watering, and maintenance of native and medicinal species.
  • Support upkeep of the mini-forest demonstration area.
  • Help develop plant labels, educational signs, and simple plant information sheets.

  Ecological Restoration & Trails

  • Participate in invasive species removal, mulching, and understory planting.
  • Identify and document native medicinal plants along forest trails.
  • Assist with trail checks, light maintenance, and basic ecological monitoring.

  Education & Program Support

  • Help prepare materials for guided forest walks and nature education sessions.
  • Set up and support demonstration areas for community learning.
  • Capture photos or observations for program documentation.

  Grant & Research Support

  • Assist with research on ecological restoration–related grants and funding opportunities.
  • Provide basic administrative support for program planning.

  Any other tasks and duties that would be required discerned by ED and Garden & Ecosystems Manager.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Interest in ecology, native plants, environmental science, gardening, or restoration.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Reliable, observant, and eager to learn environmental stewardship skills.
• Assets: plant identification interest, photography, mapping basics, nature education interest.

Learning Outcomes for the Student

• Practical experience in ecological restoration and native plant care.
• Increased knowledge of forest ecosystems and medicinal plant identification.
• Skills in habitat enhancement and environmental monitoring.
• Experience supporting nature education and environmental programming.
• Introduction to grant research in the environmental sector.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resumé to info@livingwaysfoundation.org by February 15, 2026.

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Garden Helper – Healing Gardens & Forests

Compensation and Hours: $17.60/hr,  37.5 hours a week
Term: Summer Student Contract
Reports to:  Garden and Ecosystem Manager
Works closely with: Staff team and volunteers

Eligibility: Ages 15-30 (must meet Canada Summer Jobs requirement)

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resumé to info@livingwaysfoundation.org

Job Summary

The Gardener Helper supports the community produce garden within the Healing Gardens & Forests Program. This role focuses on planting, maintaining, and harvesting food crops, preparing produce for donation, and supporting food-security initiatives that prioritise young families and community members in need. Training provided.

Food‑Garden Maintenance & Harvesting

• Attend frequent work meetings and take direction from Program Coordinator.
• Install and maintain seasonal crops and plants.
• Spring clean‑up of over‑wintered areas.
• Preparation for seeding of existing garden.
• Garden bed layout and final soil preparation for seeding.
• Seeding, labeling, watering, weeding, and mulching.
• Harvest crops as appropriate and reseed second crops or seasonal/winter cover crops.
• Wash‑up, packaging, storage, and distribution of excess produce; end‑of‑season mulching and winter hold‑over prep.
• Weigh produce and assist with dividing produce for volunteers, program participants, and Food4All.
• Manage pest problems that could damage plants.
• Keep gardens and green spaces clear of debris and litter.
• Assist directors and instructors with any garden or nature events for the public.

Food Security Support

• Assist with sorting and preparing produce for donation to Food4All and partner agencies.
• Help organize produce for young families and residents experiencing food insecurity.
• Support simple tracking of weekly yields and distribution totals.

Garden Infrastructure & Tools

• Engage in building, maintenance, and management of compost pile by collecting biomass materials (old straw, green straw, grass, etc.).
• Help maintain garden beds, irrigation setups, and compost bins.
• Maintain garden equipment in good working order through cleaning, sharpening, oiling, and related care.
• Clean, organize, and maintain garden tools and equipment.

Property Care & Safety

• Maintain the property, particularly around the gardens, by mowing grass lawns and trails.
• Keep garden pathways clear and safe.
• Follow safety procedures and wear appropriate work and safety shoes and equipment at all times.
• Keep a daily log of all tasks completed, including times and materials used.
• Other activities determined by the gardens program coordinator.

Qualifications

• Interest in gardening, food production, or helping community members in need.
• A student up to 30 years of age that is a graduate or undergraduate.
• Able to assist with supervision when necessary. Experience with that an asset.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Reliable and able to follow direction.
• Assets (not required): gardening experience, interest in food security, basic tool use.

Learning Outcomes

• Hands-on skills in organic food growing and sustainable garden practices.
• Experience contributing to local food-security programs.
• Knowledge of crop cycles, soil health, composting, and harvesting.
• Development of teamwork, communication, and workplace safety skills.