Clearview’s Community Garden, located next to the Clearview EcoPark at 300 Mowat Street in Stayner, needs your help to get growing again. Clearview is seeking a volunteer Garden Coordinator to bring the fully fenced and previously award-winning community garden back to life. The duties and responsibilities of this role are detailed below:
THE GARDEN COORDINATOR
The coordinator’s job involves working longer hours during the peak season, the ability to earn the respect of the gardeners, diplomacy, sensitivity, and tact, the ability to resourcefully source materials, supplies and favors, as well as basic horticultural knowledge and the firm belief that it is possible to effect change by building community. The demands on that person’s time can be enormous, especially during the first year that the garden is in existence. Though the coordinator reports to the General Manager Parks, Culture & Recreation, she or he must have the full confidence and approval of all garden volunteers to be successful.
A key attribute of the coordinator (and of any leader) is the ability to listen well, to hear another person from their perspective. A good listener hears not only facts but also feelings. Give everyone a chance to voice their opinion and be sure everyone feels heard.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Depending upon the size of the garden, the coordinator may be responsible for all the following, or may call upon committees for help:
- Respond to questions and concerns of gardeners and other volunteers.
- Plan, coordinate and supervise special work projects.
- Make sure that the Rules and Regulations devised by the Department are adhered to.
- Mediate in disputes between gardeners, with the approval of the Department
- Keep a record, both photographic and written, of the garden’s progress.
- Provide horticultural information, with help from local experts, if necessary.
- Assist committees in carrying out projects.
- Solicit donations for the garden site and for special events such as seeds, plants, mulch, lumber, refreshments.
- Form relationships and networks with other organizations that can offer support to the garden.
- Recruit volunteers for special projects.
- Assist in planning and supervising planting, maintenance and clean up of the site.
- Assist gardeners in harvesting and weeding, if they are unable to do so themselves.
- Arrange for guest experts to address the group on topics of interest.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Represent the garden at events and media opportunities.
- Knows how to listen
Persons interested are invited to submit either a resume or application form to Terry Vachon, General Manager Parks, Culture & Recreation. Application forms are available online at www.discoverclearview.ca/parks-trails-facilities/ecopark-dog-park.
Completed Application Forms can be sent by email to tvachon@clearview.ca or by mail or drop box to 217 Gideon Street, Box 200, Stayner ON, L0M 1S0.