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Deadline to Apply: Garden Works & Stewardship Volunteer

January 9
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Opportunities

Garden Works & Stewardship Volunteer

Type: Volunteer (honorarium available)
Location: SFU – Burnaby Campus
Reports to: Gardens Manager

Sessions:

    • Shifts: ~1.5 hours weekly on Thursdays from 11:00AM to 12:30PM
    • Location: Learning Gardens located behind Maggie Benston Centre. Location may be subject to change, but all sessions will occur at SFU – Burnaby Campus.

Duration and Dates

    • Mandatory Detailed Training: Thu, Jan 15
    • First Work Session: Thu, Jan 22
    • Last Session: Thu, March 12

Application Deadline: 11:59PM PST on Friday, Jan 9, 2026.

APPLY HERE

Embark Sustainability is a resource hub empowering SFU students on their sustainability journeys through dialogue and transformative action. Our mission is to create a hub that empowers and resources SFU students and allies in their sustainability journeys. We serve transformative communities by centring anti-oppression, decolonization, and equity in impactful programming, events, and initiatives. Through this work, we spark dialogue and drive action to dismantle oppressive frameworks within institutions and our interconnected climate and food systems.

About the Role

The Garden Works & Stewardship Crew is responsible for supporting the build, movement, installation, and improvement of Embark’s garden infrastructure. While most gardening roles focus on planting and tending, this crew focuses on the physical work that makes growing possible – moving soil, relocating structures, organizing spaces, and supporting long-term site improvements. You will learn tool-use, teamwork, and hands-on sustainability practices while creating thriving student food spaces.

Responsiblities

In this role, you will be tasked with the following:

    • Complete onboarding training to ensure safe and confident participation in all activities.
    • Infrastructure Removal & Disposal: Removing, organizing, and properly disposing of planks of wood, plastic pallets, landscape fabric, metal rods, and lava rocks.
    • Soil Transfer & Bed Preparation: Transporting soil across sites and distributing it into garden beds at Embark’s Learning Gardens
    • Tree & Element Relocation:
      • Removing trees from boxes, triming roots, relocations and transplanting into new garden areas
      • Assisting with the relocation of other garden structures (e.g., Little Library, solar panel, raised garden beds).
    • Garden Organization: Cleaning and arranging garden sheds and storage boxes to maintain a safe and efficient workspace.
    • Water System Support: Assisting with the installation of self-watering systems at the SUB Learning Garden.
    • General Labour: Shovelling, wheelbarrowing, lifting, and site clean-up.

Please note: Additional labour tasks may be assigned as needed to support site needs and project progress.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:

    • Availability at SFU Burnaby on Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
    • Currently an SFU undergraduate student, graduate student, or Embark associate member.
    • Willingness to perform physical labour tasks.
    • A desire to work with an engaged team of people, and to be comfortable working outdoors in all conditions.
    • Interest in sustainability, food systems, and community spaces.
    • All materials are provided; just bring your energy, garden gloves, a water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Perks Upon Program Completion

After successful completion of the program, volunteers will receive:

    • $200 Honorarium (Issued at the end of the program after verifying attendance, onboarding completion, and active participation)
    • Co-Curricular Credit (CCR): A valuable credential for job and grad school applications.
    • Reference Letter: From the Gardens Manager or Director of Engagement (upon request).
    • Knowledge and Skills: Experience developing practical garden infrastructure/worksite skills
    • Strength, connection, and real satisfaction in seeing your impact on campus spaces

 

Honorarium Details

After the final session, an honorarium of $200 will be awarded to each volunteer that meets all of the following requirements:

    • Attendance of at least 8 of 9 weekly sessions
    • Completion of onboarding and training
    • Active participation and communication regarding absences
    • Tasks completed safely and respectfully
Accessibility

Sustained, physical labour is central to this role; however, we are happy to accommodate where possible. If you have access needs or questions about job tasks, please email us at gardens@embarksustainability.org before applying.

To Apply

Please review this posting in full. You will need to provide your contact information and complete the application form below by the registration deadline on Friday, January 9 at 11:59PM.

Please note that only successful candidates will be invited to join the Garden Works & Stewardship crew on . If you have any questions, please contact Embark’s Gardens Manager at: gardens@embarksustainability.org.

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