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 - 115 Grassmere Ave, Oshawa Ontario. L1H 3X7.

Organization

Who We Are: 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 for Durham community members facing barriers to health and well-being.

Who We Serve: DCHC offers equity-focused programs and services for priority populations, including Indigenous peoples, Black communities, 2SLGBTQI+ community members, newcomers to Canada, seniors, and clients without a family doctor. This approach helps community members access both preventive care and care when they are ill.

How We Work: Our interprofessional team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counsellors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and administrative staff. Together, we place each client at the centre of care and respond to their needs through integrated clinical care, wellness supports, and health education.

Why Join Now: This is an exciting time to join DCHC as we advance an energizing path toward greater impact in local health care. Guided by our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, brand, client stories, and resources, we are diversifying, expanding, and strengthening how we serve the community.

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 July through December, with possible extension

Skills & Qualities

• Interest in gardening, food security, and community engagement
• Experience with gardening preferred, but all are welcome to join and training will be provided.
• 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

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

• Take home Fresh Harvest when available
• Build gardening and leadership skills
• snacks and water available at each session
• 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 (both are provided at each session)
• 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.