Program Coordinator & Farm Manager

African Canadian Farmers Society (AFCFS) – Community Farm School, Surrey, British Columbia 

Program Duration: 12 Months
Reporting To: ACAPC / ACFS Board of Directors / Strategic Committee
Compensation:
– Option 1: $40 per hour x 20 hours per week (Part-time)
– Option 2: $26 per hour x 30 hours per week (Full-time)

Position Summary: The Program Coordinator & Farm Manager manages the Community Farm School training farm in Surrey, British Columbia. This role combines program coordination and hands-on farm management to promote food sovereignty, cultural agriculture, and community empowerment within African-Canadian and diaspora communities. The candidate oversees crop planning, seasonal production, trainee engagement, and community training programs, ensuring effective agricultural activities, workshops, outreach, and distribution of farm produce through CSA subscriptions, farmers’ markets, and food networks. 

Purpose: This position plays a central role in advancing the Society’s mission to strengthen community food systems, preserve African agricultural heritage, and build agricultural skills within African-Canadian communities. The Program Coordinator & Farm Manager will help cultivate a thriving training environment that promotes food sovereignty, entrepreneurship, and community resilience. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee daily farm operations and crop planning, with a focus on African heritage varieties. 

• Coordinate planting, cultivation, harvest schedules, and sustainable soil management practices. 

• Maintain farm equipment in collaboration with the Society and manage seasonal planting cycles. 

• Lead community agricultural training and organize workshops and hands-on learning sessions. 

• Supervise staff, volunteers, and trainees, and participate in engagement activities. 

• Support marketing and distribution of farm products through CSA subscriptions, farmers’ markets, and partner food networks. 

• Build community relationships and strengthen outreach and education efforts. 

• Prepare reports, monitor activities, and ensure compliance with grant requirements, safety standards, and cooperative policies. 

Required Qualifications & Experience 

• Diploma, bachelor’s degree, or relevant certification in agriculture, business administration, program management, environmental studies, social sciences, or a related field. 

• Experience in farm management, program coordination, community development, or project management. 

• Strong organizational, planning, and leadership abilities. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a community-driven environment. 

• Demonstrated experience supervising volunteers, trainees, or community participants. 

• Familiarity with Black / African diaspora communities and culturally relevant agriculture is considered an asset. 

• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture and small-scale farming practices is highly desirable.