Garden Play Educator – Ecosource – Mississauga / Region of Peel, Ontario

ECOSOURCE IS SEEKING A GARDEN PLAY EDUCATOR

Full-time, 35 hours per week
January 2016 to February 2017

Who we are: Ecosource is an innovative environmental organization that empowers the community to become more environmentally responsible through creative public education. We specialize in hands-on programming that aims to increase environmental sustainability in Peel Region and beyond.

The Position: Since 2006, Ecosource has been a leader in the development of community gardening programs in the City of Mississauga. The Garden Play Educator will lead an exciting new project in 2016 to promote active self-directed play for children ages 0-12 in community garden spaces across the City of Mississauga. You are an enthusiastic, innovative and self-starting individual who is knowledgeable about active self-directed play and comfortable delivering programming in a garden environment to support this project! Learn more about our work at http://www.ecosource.ca.

Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver garden programming for children ages 0-12 focusing on self-directed active play
Collaborate with community agencies and schools for program outreach and community input
Coordinate regular email, written and telephone communication with program partners, participants and volunteers
Document relevant project information, milestones and evaluation data
Support Ecosource Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture programming and activities as required
Represent the core values of Ecosource in the community

Qualifications:

Excellent communications skills, including verbal and written
Post-secondary education in environmental studies, education or related field and/or equivalent work experience
Comprehensive knowledge of self-directed active play and/or nature-based learning and development
Extensive experience working with children ages 0-12
Knowledge of urban agriculture and community gardening
Sound program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation skills
Familiarity and skill in using all MS Office applications
Skill in developing program partnerships and in community engagement
Skill in working with schools and community groups, and working with and coordinating volunteers
Energetic, flexible, and self-motivated, possessing a sense of humour
Ability to work independently, in a team, and in diverse settings
Familiarity with the community in the Region of Peel is considered a strong asset, as is familiarity in working and/or teaching in diverse communities (including special needs and ESL learners) and in the non-profit sector.
Certification as an Ontario Certified Teacher or Early Childhood Educator is considered an asset
Valid “G” class driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

Application Information:

Salary for this full-time position is $40,000 annually for a 35 hour work week, vacation annually and a generous benefits package after the three month probationary period. This is a contract position with possible extension through additional funds raised.

The application deadline is: Friday, December 11th, 2015 at midnight EST.

Interviews are planned for mid-December with a start date of early-January. A Vulnerable Sector Police Record Search will be required upon hiring. Ecosource offers a great team-oriented work environment with excellent opportunities for skills expansion. Ecosource provides equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified persons. Qualified applicants please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your experience and interest in this position, and outlining that you have access to a vehicle via e-mail (preferred) or fax to:

Britt McKee, Sustainability Education Program Manager
Email: bmckee@ecosource.ca
Fax: 905.858.8927

Please note that resumes without a cover letter, or generic cover letters and resumes, will not be reviewed. Documents should be formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF format (preferred). We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please!

[yuzo_related]