SOYL Program Lead

Final date to receive applications:
January 11, 2026. Interviews the week of January 19.

We’re looking for a strong team leader and program manager to steward our signature SOYL teen leadership program on our Coquitlam farm this summer!

You’ll oversee all aspects of SOYL, including participant selection and communications, pre-season program planning, onboarding and training of SOYL facilitators, managing the 6-week SOYL program from July 6-August 21, and reflecting and reporting at the end of the season. You will work under the direction of the Executive Director, in collaboration with the Farm and Experiential Learning Teams, and will supervise the SOYL facilitators.

• Location:
  
  Primarily Coquitlam, with some work in Vancouver and the surrounding community. Ideal applicants will have their own transportation.
• Dates and
  
  Hours:
  
  Part-time hours in April/May (exact start date flexible), then full-time (37.5 hours/week on average) June through August 28. July 31 will be a paid vacation day.
• Schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday, typically between 8:00-5:00; some later days (until 8:00pm on Thursdays if needed to support the market).
• Compensation: $22-$24/hr, plus 4% additional pay in lieu of vacation, paid sick leave, 30% discount at Fresh Roots markets, access to culled produce, and two delicious meals weekly prepared by SOYL youth.

• Review, update, and plan program activities including:
  • SOYL-led workshops
  • Community Field Trips
  • Youth daily and weekly schedules
• Select program participants and prepare them/their families for the program
• Manage the program budget, including purchasing of supplies
• Coordinate schedules, plans, and site usage with the Farm and Experiential Learning Teams
• Communicate SOYL plans to Millside staff and ensure building access

• Plan and facilitate SOYL facilitator training
• Mentor facilitators and provide ongoing informal feedback along with formal mid-season and final evaluations
• Oversee and support Community Eats Chef

• Create a safe, supportive environment for working and learning
• Liaise and communicate regularly with program participants and their families throughout the program
• Support the SOYL Facilitators in mentoring a diverse group of 20 teens to:
  • Build a healthy, inclusive, learning community
  • Manage conflicts and challenging behavior, including communicating with participant families as needed
  • Step in for facilitators when needed
• Share in twice-weekly Community Eats lunches prepared by youth & chef educators
• Support youth at our market stand and in food preservation or special projects led by Fresh Roots team members
• Record, report, and reflect on the program in weekly team meetings and at the end of the season

FR recognizes that applicants from oppressed groups, including folks who are Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) may be hesitant to apply for positions where they don’t perfectly meet the listed qualifications. If you are excited about the job description, believe you could learn to perform the responsibilities and can meet the essential qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

• Pass a criminal record check to be able to work with children and vulnerable populations
• Meet Federal Wage Subsidy Requirements for Young Workers: e.g., be between ages 15-30 and have Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee Status. If you are unsure of your eligibility, review these guidelines or contact us.
• 3+ years of applied experience, or a mix of experience and education in a relevant field, working with secondary or post-secondary aged youth (e.g., teacher, camp director, after school program coordinator).
• Experience and/or training for working with youth facing barriers, especially BIPOC youth, newcomers, and youth with diverse learning capacities
• Experience in farming, gardening, landscaping, habitat restoration, or other land-based work
• Able to manage, multi-task, prioritize duties, problem-solve and remain flexible within a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Experience and comfort with managing conflict and disruptive behaviours with a focus on opportunities for…