Coordinator & Educator, Reena Community Farm

Description

The Farm Coordinator & Educator is responsible for implementing the Reena Community Farm business plan in partnership with the Project Specialist to achieve defined project outcomes across all integrated farming sites. This role oversees farm operations while developing and delivering hands-on educational programming for Reena clients, including day program participants and individuals pursuing training in urban agriculture. Using the farm as a practical learning environment, the coordinator supports skill development, employment readiness, and community inclusion.The position provides leadership, training, and supervision to Farm Assistants, job coaches, and volunteers, ensuring effective program delivery and operational excellence. In addition, the coordinator manages the daily operations of the indoor vertical hydroponic farm container at the main office location, ensuring optimal production, safety, and system performance.

Usage of Artificial Intelligence
We use AI-supported technology to help sort applications according to role-specific criteria, but all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by human reviewers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of multi-season agricultural production across all Reena Community Farm sites, including procurement of seeds, soil, amendments, equipment, and related supplies.
• Oversee all stages of crop production from planting, cultivation, pruning, staking, pest management, and harvesting through to packaging, labelling, storage, and distribution.
• Manage the daily operations of the indoor vertical hydroponic farm container, including germination, nutrient management (EC and pH levels), environmental controls (temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting), sanitation, pest prevention, and system maintenance to ensure optimal yield, food safety standards, and Kosher compliance where applicable.
• Coordinate seasonal seedling distribution to Reena residences and community partners, and oversee produce distribution to internal programs and external customers.
• Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of produce grown, harvested, sold, donated, or bartered, ensuring operational transparency and accountability.
• Assess the operational needs of each farm location and allocate appropriate resources to support effective program delivery.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate new farm initiatives and educational programming from inception to completion.
• Design and deliver hands-on agricultural and life-skills programming for individuals with diverse abilities, fostering inclusive environments that support skill development, employment readiness, and community inclusion.
• Provide supervision, direction, and ongoing coaching to Farm Assistants, job coaches, and volunteers; assign responsibilities and ensure adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Property, Marketing, Communications, and external vendors to support sourcing, promotion, customer development, maintenance, and community partnerships.
• Promote awareness of Judaic culture within programming while respecting individual spiritual choice.

2. Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and manage staff schedules and coordinate daily workflow across farm operations.
• Maintain organized inventory systems, monitor supply usage, and ensure timely replenishment.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of documentation, operational logs, and required reporting.
• Communicate operational updates, concerns, and serious occurrences to management through established reporting channels.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, health and safety requirements, infection prevention protocols, and organizational policies.
• Report workplace incidents or injuries to the appropriate department or ministry as required.
• Coordinate volunteer participation in partnership with Volunteer Services.
• Represent Reena professionally in community engagements, partnerships, and internal initiatives, including facilitating training sessions when required.

2. Financial Responsibilities/Budget

• Monitor farm operations to ensure activities remain within approved budget parameters.
• Ensure responsible stewardship and safeguarding of farm equipment, materials, and organizational resources.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualification

• 1–3 years of experience in project coordination with subject matter expertise in agricultural farming, vertical integrated farming, and/or landscaping and gardening.
• College diploma or University degree in Agriculture, Accounting/Finance, Project Management, Business, Engineering, Education, or a related field.
• 2–3 years’ experience working with individuals with diverse abilities preferred.
• Strong training skills with a focus on coaching and teaching young adults with disabilities and complex needs.
• knowledge of employment readiness principles and workplace expectations.
• Strong leadership skills and experience.
• Technological proficiency, including Reena Connect, Avanti, ShareVision, Microsoft Office Suite, data recording systems, and internet research.

Reena is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources. Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.

Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. In 1977, Reena began receiving funding from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and since that time has grown to provide support for hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy.