The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Society (LFI) and Indigenous Friendship Society Revelstoke are seeking a qualified candidate to manage the infrastructure for the Food Commons Project in Revelstoke, B.C.

Start date: January 6th 2025 - April 30th 2025

We are seeking a community farm infrastructure manager who will bring their experience and energy to our Food Commons project. Our 2.5 acre growing space is a collaborative project to address Food Security and to elevate Indigenous Foodways in our community. The successful candidate will report to the LFI Executive Director and the Food Commons Committee.

The successful candidate will help to plan, execute and manage the infrastructure development of this project.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR: 

• Assist in the initial design and layout of the farm to plan for the necessary initial infrastructure builds in alignment with the Food Commons vision, mission and strategic plan.

• Incorporate Indigenous Foodways and land stewardship concept into the design and culture of the farm.

• Incorporate perma-culture values of using the natural environment to maximize growing efficiency.

• Manage the development of utilities, ensuring that contractors are working efficiently and within budget.

• Lead the design and layout of the farm alongside consultant expertise, that integrates Indigenous foodways and permaculture values of using the natural environment to maximize growing efficiency, while ensuring appropriate space is available for gathering groups and traditional harvesting and preserving practices (including but not limited to garden beds, in-ground farming, the greenhouse, fencing, food cleaning/processing structure)

• Assist in the execution of assessments and studies of the land as necessary, ensuring efficiency and completed within budget (included in our strategic plan).

• Assist the Executive Director and committee to develop, implement and manage an operational budget.

• Assist in the hiring of necessary contractors to complete the build of the infrastructure.

• If needed, assist the committee and LFI executive director to communicate with the City of Revelstoke for permits and implementation of utilities and structures.

• Develop a health and safety plan that complies with provincial regulations.

• Collaborate with the LFI executive director with managing relationships in the community to inform further development of the Food Commons.

• Assist the executive director and committee to source grants and funding for the project through quotes and projections of space and materials needed.

• If funding permits, Lead the development of a Social Enterprise Feasibility Study, utilizing a consultant, that will help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the project.

• Assist with the development of a personnel plan and a volunteer strategy.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous farming experience, and a willingness to continuously learn about sustainable farming practices.

• The right candidate will have experience organizing and managing infrastructure builds, ideally on farms and a proven track record of project management and execution. 

• An interest and knowledge of food security.

• Knowledge of Indigenous Foodways and/or the ability to include Indigenous knowledge into the planning of this project. Experience engaging with Indigenous Elders will be considered an asset.

• Knowledge of building safety procedures.

• A demonstrated ability to engage volunteers and members of the public.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Happy to work outdoors in all conditions (rain, humidity, heat, wind etc.).

• Ability to carry out tasks that involve bending and squatting.

• May be required to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.

• Highly organized, ability to prioritize, work efficiently, and manage budgets.

• Proficient use of email, word processing, and spreadsheets (Experience with MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel or a willingness to learn others).

This contractor position will report to the Local Food Initiative Executive Director and the Food Common Committee, and will be for approximately 23 hrs/week for 5 months @ $28-32/hour ($14,000, 465 hours). Start date is flexible for the beginning of January.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $28.00-$32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 23 per week

Work Location: In person