Employment Opportunity

Food Security Coordinator

Contract, Full-Time

About Keepers of the Circle

Keepers of the Circle is an Indigenous Hub operated by the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group (TNWSG), a non-profit organization founded in 1997 to promote the economic, cultural, and social equity of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people.

About the Role

Keepers of the Circle is looking to recruit a Food Security Coordinator who will be responsible for maintaining our onsite food forests and developing food security initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples.

Keepers of the Circle operates three sites and centers across the District of Temiskaming. Each site has an onsite food forest and raised beds where food, herbs, and traditional medicines are grown. This position would be responsible for maintaining, planting, and harvesting across all food forests to ensure its sustainability and growth. One of Keepers of the Circle’s sites (175 Government Rd W, Kirkland Lake, ON) has 18 acres of land where we have built walking trails, a food forest, a pollinator garden, raised beds, benches, and a pergola for community members to rest. The successful candidate for this position would also be responsible for landscaping maintenance of the site and seasonal care of the natural infrastructure elements built on it.

This role is also focused on reducing food insecurity for Indigenous community members by spearheading food security initiatives such as educational workshops on regenerative growing that is rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, being. There is also the opportunity to lead the development of new food security initiatives such as the distribution of fresh produce, harvested products, and freeze-dried food products to community members to support local food sovereignty.

Roles and Responsibilities Include:

Land and Green Space Maintenance (60%)  

·         Conduct all regular landscaping and maintenance activities to ensure Keepers of the Circle’s sites are accessible and functional for the public and the organization’s membership

·         Monitor and maintain the health of all plants, trees, and shrubs across all sites within the food forests, raised beds, and pollinator gardens.

·         Plant, prune, and harvest according to seasonal plant needs to encourage greater growth and plant health.

·         Maintain inventory of landscaping tools and equipment, ensuring regular cleaning and upkeep.

·         Prevent winter or climate damage as much as possible by winterizing gardens and other assets built on Keepers of the Circle’s sites

·         Provide general upkeep and maintenance of any structural assets (e.g. pergola, benches) located on sites

Workshop and Food Security Program Planning and Delivery (40%)

·         Coordinate opportunities for Keepers of the Circle’s programs to engage with seasonal growing activities to foster learning and participation

·         Design and deliver educational workshops to community members to promote understanding of agricultural practices, sustainability, and food sovereignty that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge

·         Operate and maintain food processing equipment (e.g. freeze dryer)

·         Develop and lead food distribution opportunities to community members and other Keepers of the Circle programs

Requirements

·         Degree or certification in agriculture, horticulture, permaculture, landscape design, or equivalent relevant experience.

·         Strong understanding of Indigenous approaches to creating and sustaining food systems.

·         Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

·         Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-focused team.

·         Experience working with Indigenous or other equity-deserving communities.

·         Previous experience operating food distribution programs is an asset;

·         Interest in food sovereignty and sustainability is an asset.

·         Comfortable travelling to Keepers of the Circle’s sites across the District of Temiskaming.

·         Valid G license and access to a vehicle

Even if you don’t think you meet the listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply! We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual with a strong interest in helping communities build capacity to support a more sustainable future.

The expected wage range for this role is between $28-$35/hour, depending on experience.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility

We advocate for the presence and contributions of all people regardless of race, colour, religion, age, genetic status, sex, military status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. As an Indigenous organization, Keepers of the Circle has an affirmative action policy that prioritizes the hiring of Indigenous Peoples and community affiliates. Please let us know of any specific requirements during the application process by emailing hr@keepersofthecircle.com – we are happy to work with you on accommodation requests.

How To Apply

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Our first round of review for applicants will start on August 29, 2025. All applications received before this date will be reviewed in the first round. If you identify as Indigenous or an affiliate, please include this information in your cover letter. Please send your resume and cover letter to hr@keepersofthecircle.com with the subject title “Food Security Coordinator Application – (Your Name)”.