At Young Urban Farmers CSA, we’re looking for motivated, self-starters who work well in both a team and independent environment, and who want a chance to develop their leadership and management experience. Volunteers in our executive level positions will have the opportunity to manage key projects and gain valuable hands-on experience. Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop the following skills:
• Sales / Marketing
• Management / Leadership
• Financial Planning / Control
• Logistics / Operations
• And Much More!
Volunteers will also participate in our mentorship program, where they can gain valuable career advice and coaching.
Who and What We’re Looking For
At Young Urban Farmers CSA, we want people who are passionate about fresh, local food, people who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, and who want an opportunity to make a difference in the community. We are a group of young, fun, ambitious individuals and are looking for you to join our team.
Application Process
Young Urban Farmers CSA has currently closed its application process. However, we will be accepting volunteers on an on going basis. In the meantime, please submit any interest to Jing at jing@yufcsa.com
Roles and Responsibilities
Vice President Sales
The VP Sales will be responsible for all aspects of the sales process. Strong interpersonal skills, an outgoing personality, and a passion for gardening are crucial to the success of this role. This position is for someone who is outgoing and works well with a variety of people.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Finding homeowners/individuals to donate their land for our services
• Engaging customers to participate in our CSA service
• Administering direct marketing and cold calling
• Booking and giving sales presentations
• Managing customer relationships
• Implementing overall sales strategy
• Managing, training, and overseeing a team of direct marketers.
Commitment Required:
• Pre-season commitment from November – April
• 4 – 10 hours per week (tbd)
• Evenings and weekends will be required
Vice President Marketing
The VP Marketing is responsible for the marketing strategy of Young Urban Farmers CSA, including both traditional and new media opportunities. This position is especially relevant for anyone looking to get into the marketing field and gain practical real-world experience.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Administering advertising and publicity and managing media contacts
• Public relations (PR) strategy and execution
• Delivery and management of PR material, such as press releases and media kits
• Branding strategy for YUF CSA and implementation
• Social media strategy and execution
Commitment Required:
• Ongoing commitment
• 4 – 10 hours per week
• Flexible work times
Vice President Grants/Fundraising
The VP Grants/Fundraising is responsible for the fundraising efforts of Young Urban Farmers CSA. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required in interacting with potential commercial, private, and government donors. Strong organizational skills are required. This position provides great exposure for creative writers and individuals looking to develop their technical writing.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Identifying and researching potential grants from various sources of funding
• Applying for government grants and sponsorship
• Pursuing private donations and in-kind sponsors
• Writing and preparing all applications or proposals
• Building and maintaining business-to-business relationships
Commitment Required:
• Majority of work occurring in the off-season from November to April
• 4-10 hours per week (tbd)
• Flexible work times
Vice President IT/Web
This position is for the web designer and developer. The main tasks include the setup and maintenance of the Young Urban Farmers CSA website and to develop a long-term infrastructure for future growth and development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Building and maintaining the website
• Develop customer database and infrastructure
• Integrating and coordinating logistics other VP’s
Commitment Required:
• Initial upfront work in building the website and database
• Ongoing support of IT duties; Flexible work times
Vice President Research and Development
This unique position allows for the implementation of academic research into our gardening operations by a student in academia or a candidate with interest in agricultural research. Results can then be analyzed and immediately reported to stakeholders, with benefits shared within Young Urban Farmers CSA.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Research and implementation of academic papers ex: companion planting, bio-dynamics, forest gardens into
• Connecting with the research community
• Coordinating new initiatives with the Operations VP
• Reporting on new developments and results
Commitment Required:
• Ongoing commitment, varying during each stage of the projects
• 4-10 hours per week; Flexible work times
Vice President Finance
The VP Finance is responsible for all financial aspects within the organization. Attention to detail, superior organizational skills, and financial experience are required. The VP must communicate financial information to key stakeholders on an ongoing basis, thereby ensuring the financial viability of the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Creating the budget and forecasting of ongoing operations
• Managing bank account and cash flows
• Reporting on financial status
• Preparing financial statements and projections
• Utilizing best practices in industry
Commitment Required:
• Ongoing commitment
• 4-10 hours per week; Flexible work times
Vice President Operations/Gardening
The VP Operations is responsible for the general gardening operations of the organization. Strong interpersonal skills, an outgoing personality, and a passion for gardening are crucial to the success of this role. They must have experience gardening and be able to manage/project planting results to ensure a stable growing season.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for all areas of gardening and planting
• Preparing land for planting
• Responsible for customer experience and relationships with land owners
• Cost projections and cost control
• Creating a knowledge bank of gardening/operational processes
Commitment Required:
• 20-40 hours per week during the growing season
• Additional commitment during the preseason in setting up the gardens
• Structured work schedule for garden maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply to more than one position?
A. Yes, though please indicate on your application the order of your preference of positions.
Q. When will interviews be conducted?
A. Applications are due midnight October 20th. We will take about a week to review the applications and to setup interview times with the short-listed candidates. Interviews will most likely take place the week of November 30th and December 7. We will contact each applicant directly to setup an interview.
Q. Where are the gardens located?
A. Our final garden locations are still being finalized, with a high probability that they will be located in the Riverdale, East York, and Beaches area. We are now officially in 3 main hubs: Wychwood, Lawrence Park North, andEast Riverdale
Q. Where will I be working if I am chosen for one of the executive positions?
A. We pride ourselves on providing a flexible work environment. Most of the work will take place at a convenient location to you and will require internet and email access. You will be free to work from home, at school, the library, or another convenient location. Some work will be required to be completed in the field either at the gardens or in our target neighbourhoods. This is applicable primarily for the VP Sales and VP Marketing portfolios.
Q. I am interested in volunteering doing some of the hands-on gardening work. How can I submit my application?
A. Please submit your cover letter and resume to info@yufsa.com and include the words “Spring Gardening Volunteer” in the subject. Please note that our gardening work takes place in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer and we will contact you before that time.
More Info and FAQs coming soon!