SUB Learning Garden Cohort Member

Duration: Weekly sessions on Thursdays, March 20th, 2025 – May 1st, 2025
Hours: 1.5 hours per week: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Type: Learning Garden Cohort Member
Reports to: Gardens Manager
Starting Date: Gardens orientation on Thursday, March 20th, 2025

Positions available: 10

Application Deadline: Friday, March 14th, 2025

Embark Sustainability is a resource hub empowering SFU students and allies on their sustainability journeys through dialogue and transformative action. We serve transformative communities by centering 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

Become a vital part of the SUB Learning Garden at SFU Burnaby! Our Learning Garden Cohort offers a unique opportunity to learn and practice urban gardening in your own assigned plot, with the support of a master gardener and educator.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of growing local, organic produce, develop practical gardening skills, connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, and share your knowledge with the SFU community. Each weekly session with the Gardens Manager and a small group of participants will begin with expert guidance, followed by hands-on garden care. You’ll tend to your personal bed and contribute to general garden maintenance. In addition to the weekly sessions, cohort members will also visit their plots 1-2 times a week for extra care.

No prior gardening experience is necessary – all skill levels are welcome! Ideal candidates are interested in gardening, enjoy getting their hands dirty, and are committed to collaborating on garden care from March 27th to May 1st, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities

• Maintaining the Student Union Gardens and occasionally assisting at the Burnaby Learning Garden, with support from Embark Sustainability’s Gardens Manager.
• Collaborating with other garden cohort members on seeding, transplanting, watering, and harvesting vegetables.
• Watering and maintaining your designated garden bed as needed (1-2 times per week, weather permitting).
• Adhering to the university’s Communicable Disease Plan and Embark Sustainability’s guidelines, which includes staying home when sick.
• Providing feedback through the Learning Garden Cohort Feedback Survey.

Requirements

• Be available at SFU Burnaby on Thursday afternoons.
• Be a current SFU undergraduate or graduate student, or an Embark Sustainability associate member.
• Be committed and willing to get your hands dirty.
• Have a desire to work with a dedicated team.
• Commit to visiting and maintaining your assigned veggie plot.
• Understand that a maximum of two (2) gardening sessions can be missed, due to a typically long waitlist.

Perks

• Everything you need is provided: All materials, including seeds, soil, and tools, are completely free.
• Enjoy the veggies (and fruits!) of your labor: Take home fresh, organic produce you’ve grown yourself! Alternatively, you can donate your harvest to the SFU Community Fridge at the SUB.
• Expert guidance: Learn from Embark Sustainability’s experienced Gardens Manager, who will provide instruction and support.
• Gain valuable skills: Get hands-on experience in spring, learning when and how to plant and care for various crops.
• Make a difference: Contribute to a local and sustainable food system.