Market Gardener

Job Description

Hourly Rate: $18.89 – Check out the YMCA's total compensation package

Location: Cedar Glen - Urban Farm (Downsview Park)

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Employment Type: Contract Part Time Hourly - 8-month contract (Existing Vacancy)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: April 16, 2026

Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm

Be the Spark Join our passionate Farm Team and help us to achieve great things in our community

Reporting to the Farm Supervisor, the Market Gardener is responsible for following the farm plan, organizing and carrying out the day-to-day tasks related to crop production with the key objective to maximize productivity while utilizing organic farming practices. The position provides the highest quality vegetables to all customers (Harvest Share members, Food Service staff, and on-site and off-site farm stand customers).

In this role, you will:

Implement the annual farm plan, created with the Farm Supervisor, by planting seedlings in the greenhouse, transplanting, maintaining and harvesting successions of fruits, vegetables on our 2-acre farm. At the end of the season, prepare the farm for the winter season by clearing the fields, storing farm supplies and creating an inventory list
Plan expected harvests and organize distribution of actual harvests, as part of a team effort
Lead a crew of helpers (assistant market gardeners, interns, volunteers, visitors) on a day-to-day basis in an efficient and supportive manner. Support farm operations and education on a regular basis based on needs of the farm
Proactively support Farm Supervisor, assistant market gardeners, and other farm team members. Positively participate in group meeting and coaching sessions throughout the duration of the contract
Ensure that the daily operation of the farm as set by the team is carried out and recorded (i.e., tilling, planting, irrigating, weeding, harvesting, washing and to market, cleaning farm spaces and supplies)
Track and record all farm production related activities in farm log. Monitor and follow planting and harvesting calendars as prepared by the Farm Supervisor
Identify and propose techniques and tools to Farm Supervisor for analysis and approval
Follow work schedule developed by Farm Supervisor to include occasional travel between farm locations
Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:

Formal or informal training in agriculture, horticulture, gardening, landscaping, or a related field
Minimum of 1 full season in a leadership role with a team of employees and using practical skills for market gardening
Standard first aid and CPR
Demonstrated leadership in leading a farm crew and providing superior customer service
Ability to build successful communication with the Farm Supervisor to ensure continuous and efficient production
Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with staff team, members, customers and volunteers
Excellent written communication skills
Ability to routinely perform hard physical labour on a regular basis
Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays
A valid driver's license for Harvest Share deliveries
Must have a personal arrangement to commute to the farm. YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is not accessible by public transit
Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

What you need to succeed:

Commitment to the YMCA's Mission, Vision and Values
Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.