Embark Sustainability Society

Deadline to Apply: Garden Works & Stewardship Volunteer
2026-01-09 | BC
GROW WITH US
Opportunities

Garden Works & Stewardship Volunteer

Type: Volunteer (honorarium available)Location: SFU – Burnaby CampusReports 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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Deadline to Apply: Garden Plot Rentals
2026-01-30 | BC
GROW WITH US
Opportunities

Learning Garden Plot Rental

Type: Garden Plot RentalLocation: SFU – Burnaby CampusRental Management: Gardens Manager
Plot type: 1 x outdoor garden bed (12 sq-ft)Rental fee: $20
Rental period options:

Remainder of current season: until Jan 31, 2026
Full year: Feb 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Spring/Summer: Feb 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2026 (group use only)

Registration Deadline: 11:59PM PST on Fri, Jan 30, 2026

REGISTER 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 Plot Rentals
If you’re looking to grow with us across semesters, we offer low-barrier plot rentals on an annual basis for individuals and groups, providing access to space, soil, tools, and support. It’s a great way to create campus downtime away from screens and cement, reflect and reconnect with nature, or build community with your union or club.
Produce from unassigned plots is distributed back to students through Embark’s Community Kitchens, Food Rescue program and other food security initiatives on SFU campuses.

Rental Details & Fees
Renters will be assigned up to 1 outdoor garden bed (12 sq. ft.).
The cost of a plot rental is $20. Please note that this is a non-refundable fee that applies to all rental period options.
What does your rental fee cover?

1 garden plot
Water from hoses
Soil amendment
Communal gardening tools
Gardening support from Embark’s Garden’s Manager

Plot Request Process
Step 1: Fill in Registration Form
Step 2: Attend an in-person meeting with the Gardens Manager
Step 3: Sign the Plot Rental Agreement and Liability Form
Step 4: Pay the NON-REFUNDABLE plot rental fees.

Plot Assignment
Garden plots are assigned from highest to lowest priority according to the list below, subject to availability:

Returning gardeners-in-good-standing who want the same plot
Returning gardeners-in-good-standing who want a different plot
Associated gardeners who want the same plot, where the member is in-good-standing but does not wish to return.
Associated gardeners who want a different plot must join the waiting list
New Gardeners
Previous gardeners that did not meet the member-in-good standing requirements. Their return is at the discretion of the Gardens Manager. You will get an invitation for an in-person meeting with the Garden Manager if and when a garden bed becomes available.

To Register
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 30 at 11:59PM.
Please note that only successful candidates will be invited to rent a plot. If you have any questions, please contact Embark’s Gardens Manager at: gardens@embarksustainability.org.

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Garden Workshop: On the Way to Full Bloom
2026-03-06 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Embark Sustainability’s Burnaby Learning Garden, Science Road, Burnaby, BC, Canada
Garden Workshop: On the Way to Full Bloom

Date & Time
Fri, Mar 6, 20262:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT

Location
Burnaby Learning Garden (Maggie Benston Field via Science Rd.)

Register now

Join our Gardens Manager, Pablo Vimos, for a hands-on workshop on the best tips and tricks for indoor seed-starting! If you want to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce this spring, look no further. This experience will guide you through four methods of seeding cool crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, pak choi, and spinach. Plus, you’ll leave with:

Started seeds to nurture at home 🌱
Printed guides with step-by-step instructions 📖
Extra seeds to keep your garden growing 🎁

AGENDA

Registration
Welcome & Land Acknowledgment
Seed Starting Approaches
Garden Planning
Hands-on activities
Wrap up & Closing

This workshop is open to all experience levels and physical abilities, so come ready to dig in, learn, and set yourself up for a thriving garden season!
Spots are limited, so sign up now to kickstart your garden with confidence!

Land Acknowledgement
This event takes place on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Pablo Vimos (he/him)
Pablo is an organic master gardener with a degree in Landscape Ecology. He has been managing Embark gardens for a decade, facilitating hands-on activities on how to grow food, plant and maintain gardening beds, and build wildlife habitats. He loves sharing his knowledge to help others start their gardening journey.

Event Accessibility
Embark Sustainability events are free and open to Embark Sustainability members which includes Simon Fraser University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Embark Sustainability Associate Members.
This workshop will be held outdoors at the Burnaby Learning Garden (Maggie Benston Field, via Science Rd.), SFU Burnaby. Accessibility details include:

Easy access from Science Road.
If weather conditions are poor, this workshop will be held indoors at the Embark Studio, room #1310 of the SUB, SFU Burnaby.
All materials will be provided to participants.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide ASL interpretation at this time.

We aim to make our events accessible to as many of our community members as possible. If we can take further action to make this event accessible to you, please contact Embark Sustainability’s Director of Engagement at engagement@embarksustainability.org.

Health & Safety
Participants who register are agreeing to release Embark Sustainability Society from any liability related to COVID-19. Masks are optional but encouraged.

Community Agreement
By registering to attend this event, you are agreeing to be respectful when listening to and communicating with others, and be mindful of the space you are taking up amongst your peers.
Embark Sustainability does not tolerate violence or aggression against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, place of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or ability. Please also refer to people using the introductions they provide and do not assume pronouns/gender/knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance.
If these agreements are broken by someone, we will have to ensure the safety of our community members by removing them from the event.

Questions
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Pablo, Embark Sustainability’s Garden’s Manager at gardens@embarksustainability.org.

Register for this Event
GET REMINDERS & EVENT DETAILS NOW
