Garden Program Specialist

Garden Program Specialist
Part-Time (20 hours/week), Seasonal (tentatively Mid May- Mid October)| On-site – Edmonton

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

About the Role

The Garden Program Specialist supports the delivery of the Global Garden program within the Community Programs team. This role focuses on creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where immigrant and refugee participants can connect through gardening, build relationships, and support their overall wellbeing.

This role blends hands-on garden facilitation with program planning, coordination, and participant engagement. Working closely with the Garden Lead and Therapeutic Services team, the Specialist supports a community-driven environment grounded in collaboration, shared responsibility, and participant voice.

This is a seasonal, on-site role that includes outdoor work at our community garden location(s) throughout the growing season and requires availability for evenings and Saturdays.

About the Global Garden Program

The Global Garden program brings community members together through shared gardening experiences that promote connection, cultural exchange, and wellbeing. The program is grounded in a human-centered and preventative approach, supporting participants to build skills, reduce isolation, and engage meaningfully with others.

Programming is flexible and participant-driven, integrating mental health-informed practices and creating space for leadership, learning, and community building.

What You’ll Do

Facilitate group garden workdays, guiding participants in planting, weeding, composting, and harvesting activities.

Create inclusive, welcoming spaces that encourage participation, connection, and shared learning.

Support participants in collaboratively managing the garden, fostering leadership, responsibility, and knowledge exchange.

Engage participants to co-develop activities, workshops, and experiences related to food, culture, and nature.

Coordinate workshops, guest facilitators, and field trips that enhance program engagement.

Collaborate with the Therapeutic Services team to integrate mental health-informed practices and connect participants to supports.

Coordinate garden operations, including procurement, inventory tracking, and supply management.

Support seasonal site setup and takedown, ensuring a safe, functional, and welcoming environment.

Facilitate basic safety orientations for participants and volunteers.

Maintain relationships with site partners, vendors, and community stakeholders.

Track participation and maintain accurate documentation to support reporting and program evaluation.

What It Takes

Strong facilitation skills with the ability to engage diverse groups in participatory, hands-on activities.

A community-centered approach that values inclusion, shared leadership, and participant voice.

Ability to build respectful relationships and work effectively with diverse communities.

Strong organizational and coordination skills, particularly in outdoor or program-based environments.

Clear, accessible communication skills, especially when working with English-language learners.

Comfort working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.

Adaptability, initiative, and comfort working in dynamic, outdoor environments.

Integrity, accountability, and commitment to fair and inclusive practices.

What You Bring

We recognize that skills and experience are developed through a combination of education, hands-on experience, and community involvement.

Post-secondary education in social services, community development, environmental studies, education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is an asset.

Experience planning and delivering community-based programs, preferably in a non-profit or social service setting.

Experience facilitating group activities in inclusive and participatory ways.

Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or diverse communities.

Strong gardening knowledge or hands-on experience with community gardening (considered an asset).

Familiarity with strength-based, community-driven, or trauma-informed approaches (considered an asset).

Valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

A clear Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector Check) and Intervention Record Check, required as a condition of employment.

About the Newcomer Centre

Since 1981, the Newcomer Centre has helped thousands of newcomers build meaningful lives in Edmonton and across Alberta. Our programs support people in learning English, finding work, and connecting with their community. We believe every person deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, including newcomers, refugees, Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-seeking communities.

Skills and experience can be gained in many ways. If your path looks different from what’s listed and aligns with the purpose of this role, we encourage you to apply.