Community Garden Volunteer

Position Title: Community Garden Volunteer (8-12 position)

Hours of Work/Schedule: Flexible shifts (days/evenings/weekends depending on season)

Work Location: In Person – Durham Community Health Centre across various agency locations within Durham Region.

Organization

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being.

DCHC also provides equity-based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., those without a family doctor), to name a few. DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well.

At DCHC, we are a team-based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the Centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education.

It's an exciting time to be joining DCHC, while we are embarking on an energizing path with a focus on making our biggest impact yet on local health care by diversifying, expanding, and leveraging our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, Brand, Client Stories and Resources.

DCHC’s 2023 – 2026 Strategic Goals

• Drive Program and Service Integration and Client Experience Across All that DCHC Does
• Evolve Program Offerings to Improve Health Equity and Meet the Needs of DCHC’s Priority Populations
• Establish DCHC as a System Advocate and Champion for Equity
• Enhance DCHC’s Brand and Awareness Across Durham Region
• Become an Employer of Choice with a Focus on Recruitment, Retention, and Development

Position Overview

This position supports the community garden in increasing access to fresh food, building skills, and creating welcoming spaces for connection and wellness.

Key Responsibilities

• Planting, watering, weeding, pruning, and harvesting
• Preparing beds and seasonal clean-up
• Moving soil, mulch, compost, tools, and harvest bins (up to 20 lbs)
• Supporting composting and waste management
• Helping distribute produce to community members and programs
• Assisting with workshops, group visits, and community events
• Notifying staff of safety or maintenance concerns

Time Commitment

• Flexible shifts (days/evenings/weekends depending on season)
• Option for regular weekly schedule or drop-in support
• Additional opportunities during peak harvest and events
• Volunteer term runs April through December, with possible extension

Skills & Qualities

• Interest in gardening, food security, and community engagement
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 20 lbs; alternative tasks available
• Team player with a welcoming, respectful attitude
• No gardening experience required – training provided

Training & Support

• Orientation to garden layout, tools, and safety
• Guidance on safe lifting techniques
• Support from staff and experienced volunteers
• Learning opportunities on planting, harvesting, and food literacy

Benefits of Volunteering

• Build gardening and leadership skills
• Meet neighbours and contribute to community wellness initiatives
• Volunteer hours / references available upon request.

Supervision & Reporting

• Reports to Program Staff / Garden Coordinator
• Staff provide daily priorities, task lists, and safety guidance

Safety Considerations

• Follow tool safety and proper lifting guidelines
• Ask for help or use team lifts for heavier items
• Use gloves and sun protection
• Report hazards immediately

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human right protected ground).

Application Process:

1. While we thank all applicants for their interest in applying, only those qualified and considered for an interview will be contacted. All applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months, for future consideration.
2. All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
3. All positions are subject to the successful completion of the following pre-employment conditions for all external hires: Reference Checks; and Criminal Background checks (including Vulnerable Sector Screening).
4. Please be advised that AI Technology supports the screening process of applications. All final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates diversity so that all employees have the opportunity to thrive. DCHC will comply with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodation, please contact our Talent and Culture team at 905-723-0036, or by email to recruiting@durhamchc.ca.