Northey Street City Farm is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator (5 hours per week, applications due Friday 23 July) to engage with and assist volunteers at the farm and develop new training and recuirment programs.

Position Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Hours: Five hours per week
Wages: $28.40 per hour includes entitlements and conditions as defined in the NSCF staff agreement.
Review Date: 60 days from commencement of employment
Start Date: 3rd August 2010
Location: Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria St, Windsor 4030
Enquiries: Email info@nscf.org.au or phone (07) 3857 8775, Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm
Applications: Please address each of the Selection Criteria, and send in with resume (including details of two referees) by email or post to the above address by Close of Business, Friday 23 July

Purpose of the position

• Engage with and assist volunteers at Northey Street City Farm, with the aim that they feel welcome and accepted in the day-to-day operations of the farm
• Implement existing volunteer programs in accord with NSCF’s Policies & Procedures
• Develop new programs which encourage recruitment, retention and upskilling of volunteers, e.g. coordinating mentored training
• Match volunteers’ current and aspirational skills with the needs of the farm

Organisational relationships of the Volunteer Coordinator

• Accountable to:        NSCF Management Committee through the Operations Team
• External Contacts:    Community organisations
• Internal Contacts:      Volunteers, Team Coordinators, Committee members, other staff

Roles & Responsibilities

• Engage with volunteers at the farm. Facilitate where possible so that tasks are appropriate to volunteers’ abilities, interests and aspirations.
• Ensure that volunteers are accepted and encouraged in an inclusive way
• Liaise with Site, Nursery and Market Garden Coordinators to ensure that volunteers are engaged in tasks suited to their abilities
• Coordinate Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings (8:30am – 11:30am) so that someone is available to ‘meet and greet’ new volunteers/visitors to the farm; ensuring they feel welcome, informed, and are directed to appropriate activities
• Conduct or coordinate weekly, scheduled farm tours for visitors and new volunteers
• Carry out the induction/orientation program for new volunteers, including:

NSCF Handbook and registration/confirmation procedure

WH&S induction

• Implement the NSCF Sustainability Project’s Volunteer Strategic Plan (to be finalised). Examples may include:

Develop a recruitment/retention program for volunteers

Set up monthly volunteer meetings/forums where (current & past) volunteers have the opportunity to exchange feedback with each other and also give feedback to the farm

Coordinate or edit a regular volunteer newsletter

Coordinate regular mentored groups (gardening, etc.), including weekend schedules

Coordinate/liaise with regular workshops where volunteers can learn new skills

• Review, edit and update NSCF Volunteer Policies & Procedures
• Review, edit and update NSCF Handbook so that it remains in accord with all current NSCF Policies & Procedures
• Review, update and coordinate NSCF Volunteer Orientation/Induction program
• Participate in team meetings
• Participate in the development of site planning, organisational development and visioning of NSCF to represent volunteers’ needs
• Liaise with relevant staff re promotional material, environmental sustainability programs and grant applications
• Assist in applying for funding that will improve the facilities, training options and pathways management for volunteers at NSCF
• Ensure Work, Health and Safety requirements are maintained relative to volunteers
• Organise or coordinate occasional volunteer events (e.g. annual volunteer’s breakfast)

Selection Criteria:

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills, empathy and leadership qualities
• Good organisational and program management skills
• Sound computing and communication skills
• Acceptance of Northey Street City Farm’s Vision
• Understanding of Permaculture or commitment to acquire such

Desirable

• Understanding of and familiarity with Northey Street City Farm and its operations
• Experience in organising groups/meetings
• Experience in liaising with community organisations
• Enthusiasm for gardening

Information about Northey Street City Farm Association Inc.

Northey Street City Farm (NSCF) is a 1.6 hectare community garden situated 3km from the Brisbane CBD, with good public transport connections. NSCF aims to be a model of sustainable practices in an urban environment. Since its founding in 1994, NSCF has developed vegetable and herb gardens, fruit and bush food orchards, chicken runs, a green waste recycling centre, an organic nursery and an Organic Growers’ Market. NSCF runs an active volunteers program, employment programs including Work-for-the-Dole and Community Jobs Plan, plus accredited horticulture and permaculture training programs.

Our Vision

We aim to create a working model of a co-operative, community based, urban permaculture farm which demonstrates, promotes, educates, celebrates and advocates for environmental and economic sustainability in a healthy, diverse and supportive community.

Please address each of the Selection Criteria, and send in with resume (including details of two referees) by email or post to the address listed above by Close of Business, Friday 23 July