Employment Opportunities

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LifeCycles Project Society is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of Indigenous ancestry, people of colour, LGBTQIP2SA individuals and members of other diverse communities to apply for jobs with our organization. 

We also understand that statistically, marginalized groups will only apply for a position if they meet 100% of the qualifications while dominant groups will apply when they meet only 60%. We encourage you to apply even if you do not feel that you meet 100% of the above job description qualifications.

LifeCycles runs programs on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically of the Kosapum, Songhees, and WASÁNEC Peoples.

We thank everyone for their interest, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

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Communications Coordinator

POSITION DETAILS

Title: Communications Coordinator
Term date: May 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 with the possibility of extension
Hours/week: 15 hrs per week
Wage: $25.00 per hour + benefits

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

LifeCycles cultivates healthy communities by bringing people together to grow, harvest, and share local foods. Working in urban gardens and orchards, we are reimagining the way that we live and eat in cities. We believe that food is at the heart of thriving, diverse communities and a healthy planet. Our programs distribute fresh local produce to community members and service agencies, while mentoring the next generation of food leaders. Through transformative learning experiences, we strengthen our connections with each other, the food we eat, and the land it comes from. In doing so, we are building a more resilient and equitable food future.

Our projects operate on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

OVERVIEW
LifeCycles is seeking an organized communicator to oversee the development of communications campaigns and to assist with fundraising efforts. This is a new position within the organization, and will include social media management, the creation of newsletters, emails, and other communications content for specific audiences as well as donor and member management. 

The Communications Coordinator will work closely with LifeCycles Executive Director and Program Managers to refine communications systems and ensure we create and distribute thoughtful, timely, well planned communications to our members, donors, customers and followers.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  • Able to work independently – you are a self-starter who can identify what needs to be done and get to it without being told.
  • Able to work as part of a team – you are a clear and direct communicator who can both take and offer instruction and offer feedback on processes and practices to make improvements in the way things are done.
  • Excellent communicator – you are a quick and talented writer able to craft communications to diverse audiences.
  • Problem solver – you learn quickly, can identify problems or gaps and are excited to work to make things more efficient, and more impactful.
  • Design skill – you can quickly create clean, beautiful, public facing communications using templates and style guides.
  • You’re interested in what we do – you have some understanding of the issues that drive LifeCycles.
  • You are comfortable at a desk – you like and have some experience using IT communications tools to make things work more efficiently, and you feel comfortable using and learning new software.
  • You are organized – you like creating and sticking to schedules and enjoy supporting the development of systems to keep multiple people organized and on task.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications and Outreach

  • Work with the Executive Director and Program Managers to develop an annual communications strategy and execute over the year, including strategies that can drive sales of LifeCycles products and services
  • Oversee the planning, development and distribution of LifeCycles monthly eNewsletter 
  • Oversee the planning, development and distribution of one social media campaign each quarter, in line with other communications needs
  • Lead the development of a social media management strategy to support all staff in communicating consistently on social media platforms
  • Ensure LifeCycles website is updated at least monthly
  • Support the development and distribution of 2-4 press releases each year
  • Keep a media contact list up to date and develop key media relationships to help spread LifeCycles story and brand
  • Support evaluation of LifeCycles communications through project specific evaluations (ie surveys, interviews) and analysis of analytics from electronic communications platforms 
  • Support the Executive Director by attending promotional events, such as Seedy Saturday, Earth Day events, and Holiday Markets

Donor, Member and Sponsor Management

  • Refine LifeCycles contact management database 
  • Work with LifeCycles Executive Director to refine systems for ensuring key supporters information is efficiently stored and appropriately used
  • Strategically develop and maintain donor, member and sponsorship relationships
  • Support strategic events to enhance existing relationships and create new relationships

TO APPLY 

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and up to 5 (digital) examples of communications content that you have created to Alex McArdle at info@lifecyclesproject.ca by April 10, 2025

Harvest & Volunteer Coordinator

POSITION DETAILS

Title: Harvest & Volunteer Coordinator
Term date: June 23, 2025 – November 7, 2025 
Hours/week: 37.5 hrs per week, some evenings and weekends may be required
Wage: $25.60 per hour

This job is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs grant. Applicants must be between 15 – 30 years old, and be Permanent Residents/Canadian Citizens to be eligible.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

LifeCycles cultivates healthy communities by bringing people together to grow, harvest, and share local foods. Working in urban gardens and orchards, we are reimagining the way that we live and eat in cities. We believe that food is at the heart of thriving, diverse communities and a healthy planet. Our programs distribute fresh local produce to community members and service agencies, while mentoring the next generation of food leaders. Through transformative learning experiences, we strengthen our connections with each other, the food we eat, and the land it comes from. In doing so, we are building a more resilient and equitable food future.

Our projects operate on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically the lands of the Lekwungen and WASÁNEC peoples. For more information about what we do, visit: www.lifecyclesproject.ca 

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a team member to help coordinate all aspects of the 2024 harvest for the Fruit Tree and Farm Gleaning Projects.

The Harvest & Volunteer Coordinator will collaboratively manage the training and support of  volunteers over the harvest season. This is a position that involves coordinating the logistics of picking, sorting, and redistributing over 40,000lbs of produce gleaned from hundreds of backyards across the region. The role of the Harvest Coordinator is primarily focused on volunteer coordination, with a secondary focus on helping with harvests, sorting and redistribution. The majority of the tasks are: finding, training, supporting and coordinating volunteers, team leaders & community members and engaging them in gleaning and food redistribution projects. We are looking for someone who is personable and highly organized to help us run our community-powered harvest program. This requires regular use of our fruit tree database and harvest scheduling systems. The Harvest Coordinator also regularly fields inquiries from tree owners, volunteers and farms, manages the collection of harvest data, and helps facilitate volunteer orientations.

This position will work with, and be directed by, Fruit Tree Project Manager. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer Training/Support 

  • Support the orientation and training of volunteer Harvest Leaders to lead general volunteers on fruit tree picks using best harvesting practices, namely through online and in person volunteer trainings sessions
  • Support the orientation, training and ongoing direction of volunteer pickers and sorters
  • Liaise with tree owners, answer questions, confirm picking schedule and solicit feedback
  • Oversee the sign-up of fruit trees and volunteers – ensure all systems are running smoothly 
  • Follow up regularly with key volunteers to ensure they feel supported in their volunteer work

Harvest Support

  • Oversee harvest – support Harvest Leaders in signing up for picks and ensure communication with volunteers and homeowners is consistent, clear and timely
  • Source boxes and other materials needed for fruit picks and farm gleaning
  • Lead fruit picks and farm gleans as needed and learn to assess trees for picking suitability
  • Communicate across different mediums with all project participants to set clear expectations and provide updates
  • Ensure our vans, tools and other supplies are kept clean, restocked and in good working condition
  • Support tree assessment and ensure all newly registered trees are appropriately assessed, either by volunteers or through analysis of previous year’s records
  • Oversee data collection of picks and volunteers

Food Distribution and Social Enterprise

  • Manage the efficient storage of fruit and ensure the walk-in cooler is organized
  • Coordinate the redistribution of fruit including for special requests/events
  • Run weekly or twice weekly fruit sorting sessions and move fruit to partner organizations
  • Track and record all data related to food distribution
  • Support social enterprise operations by integrating incoming food with product and service opportunities

Administration and Communications

  • Support the administration of LifeCycles, including tasks as necessary to keep records, agreements, and projects organized
  • Contribute to the social media and communications strategy of the organization as needed – take photos of project activities
  • Contribute content to organizational communications such as newsletters and social media
  • Contribute content to End of Season Report
  • Assist in the maintenance of partnerships with community associations including hosting some juicing days, kitchen space, van sharing and other events. 

Desired Qualifications and Attributes:

  • Experience with and/or interest in fruit trees (knowledge of fruit varieties, harvesting best practices and fruit tree pollinators would be an asset)
  • Experience working with community-based projects and non-profit organizations
  • Ability to work with a diversity of people
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Experience recruiting and coordinating volunteers
  • Good computer skills
  • A valid BC Class 5 or 7 Driver’s License and comfortable driving a large vehicle
  • Must work well independently and as part of a team
  • Commitment to and awareness of food, health, poverty and transforming our food systems – awareness of food security issues and sustainability on Vancouver Island
  • Ability to liaise with the community and help run special events 
  • Must be able to lift and move up to 40 pounds 
  • Problem solver – you learn quickly; you can spot problems or gaps and are excited to find solutions to make systems more efficient/impactful

TO APPLY, email your resume and cover letter (as a single PDF) to Alex McArdle at info@lifecyclesproject.ca by May 15, 2025. Please use the subject line: “Harvest & Volunteer Coordinator.” 

Harvest Support Worker

POSITION DETAILS

Title: Fruit Tree Project Harvest Support Worker 
Term date: June 30, 2025 – September 26, 2025
Hours/week: 37.5 hrs per week, some evenings and weekends may be required
Wage: $ 21.50 per hour

This job is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs grant. Applicants must be between 15 – 30 years old, and be Permanent Residents/Canadian Citizens to be eligible.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

LifeCycles cultivates healthy communities by bringing people together to grow, harvest, and share local foods. Working in urban gardens and orchards, we are reimagining the way that we live and eat in cities. We believe that food is at the heart of thriving, diverse communities and a healthy planet. Our programs distribute fresh local produce to community members and service agencies, while mentoring the next generation of food leaders. Through transformative learning experiences, we strengthen our connections with each other, the food we eat, and the land it comes from. In doing so, we are building a more resilient and equitable food future.

Our projects operate on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically the lands of the Lekwungen and WASÁNEC peoples. For more information about what we do, visit: www.lifecyclesproject.ca 

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a summer team member to support harvest coordination, food distribution, and volunteer management for the Fruit Tree Project.

The Harvest Support person will work as part of a small team to facilitate the picking, sorting, and redistributing of over 40,000lbs of produce gleaned from hundreds of backyards across the region. This is a physically demanding position that involves coordinating operations for hundreds of volunteers, helping manage logistics, and using our fruit tree database and harvest scheduling system. Other tasks include sorting fruit, organizing the warehouse, and ensuring equipment and supplies remain stocked. This role is suitable for a self-starter who is able to work as part of a team to help us run our community-powered harvest program.

This role will report directly to the Fruit Tree Project Manager. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Training/Support

  • Support other Fruit Tree Project staff members in the recruiting, onboarding and coordination of volunteers
  • Train volunteers on outings and help them navigate the harvest scheduling system
  • Follow up with key volunteers and ensure program participants feel supported
  • Communicate with homeowners and volunteers to ensure smooth operations and clear expectations

Harvest Support

  • Source boxes and other materials needed to keep supplies stocked
  • Lead fruit pick outings and learn to assess trees for picking suitability
  • Keep the vans and tools in good working condition
  • Assist with other emergent/unexpected tasks as needed, including events and outreach

Warehouse Management, Food Distribution and Products & Processing Support

  • Manage the efficient storage of fruit, and ensure the walk-in cooler remains organized
  • Help organize and run fruit sorting sessions, and deliver fruit to partner organizations
  • Pack pallets of food and distribute to Food Rescue Project – coordinate needs and systems for weekly distribution with Mustard Seed staff in addition to accommodating Social Enterprise needs
  • Track and record all data related to food distribution
  • Supporting the Fruit Tree Project Manager and the General Manager, identify project-harvested fruit that requires cold storage or further processing to extend shelf life.
  • Support the production of existing value-added products, such as quince paste and Backyard Blend Cider

Occasional Site Maintenance

  • Support the maintenance of the Welland Orchard as requested by the General Manager or Fruit Tree Project Manager

IDEAL ATTRIBUTES

  • You can manage people, logistics, and fruit harvests
  • You are efficient and enjoy doing diverse (sometimes unexpected) tasks
  • You are organized and can keep multiple people on task
  • You are a self-starter and effective at working as part of a team
  • You are a clear communicator across any medium and to diverse audiences
  • You are a quick learner and enjoy solving problems or finding solutions
  • You are comfortable doing outreach and working with the public to host special events
  • You are aware of food security and sustainability issues on Vancouver Island
  • You have access to a vehicle some or all of your workdays

QUALIFICATIONS

  • You have a valid Class 5 driver’s license and feel comfortable driving large vehicles
  • Willingness to work hard – you are able to climb ladders, carry harvest equipment, and move boxes weighing up to 40 lbs

TO APPLY, email your resume and cover letter (as a single PDF) to Alex at info@lifecyclesproject.ca by May 15, 2025. Please use the subject line “Harvest Support”. 

Welland Orchard Assistant

POSITION DETAILS

Title: Welland Orchard Assistant
Term date: June 30, 2025 – August 29, 2025
Hours/week: 30 hrs per week, some evenings and weekends may be required
Wage: $ 21.50 per hour

This job is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs grant. Applicants must be between 15 – 30 years old, and be Permanent Residents/Canadian Citizens to be eligible.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

LifeCycles cultivates healthy communities by bringing people together to grow, harvest, and share local foods. Working in urban gardens and orchards, we are reimagining the way that we live and eat in cities. We believe that food is at the heart of thriving, diverse communities and a healthy planet. Our programs distribute fresh local produce to community members and service agencies, while mentoring the next generation of food leaders. Through transformative learning experiences, we strengthen our connections with each other, the food we eat, and the land it comes from. In doing so, we are building a more resilient and equitable food future.

Our projects operate on unceded Coast Salish Territories, specifically the lands of the Lekwungen and WASÁNEC peoples. For more information about what we do, visit: www.lifecyclesproject.ca 

OVERVIEW

The Welland Legacy Park houses a community orchard that is among the largest & most diverse in Canada. Together with the Town of View Royal and dozens of volunteers, LifeCycles is working to create a new model of public park stewardship, protecting and nurturing this local treasure. 

The park was once the backyard of Rex Welland, a well known local conservationist. For over twenty years Rex transformed his yard into a mixed orchard featuring more than 150 fruit trees & vines, and built a collection of 100 varieties of rare heritage apples. Rex was passionate about native bees and took meticulous notes on their habits and life cycles. To ensure the orchard would be used as a public resource Rex placed the land in trust with The Land Conservancy and gifted the property to the Town of View Royal. LifeCycles is humbled to be a part of this legacy. Rex’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication to ecosystem health inspired many, and with the help of our many volunteers we are working to build a public park that fulfills his dream.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

This person will report directly to the Welland Coordinator, and sometimes work with the Fruit Tree Project Manager as directed by the Welland Coordinator. 

Orchard Management

  • Assist with orchard maintenance at the discretion of the Welland Coordinator 
  • The position will primarily involve outdoor work and will require the ability to lift 20-30 lbs as well as move a wheelbarrow up and down a significant slope, walk, kneel, or squat, bend, and shovel. 
  • Orchard tasks will include: 
    • General maintenance work (flipping compost, hauling soil, etc.) 
    • Weeding 
    • Assist with summer pruning of fruit trees
    • Irrigation maintenance 
    • Assist with holistic management of fruit tree pest and disease concerns  
    • Orchard inspections (checking for newly broken branches, diseased, dying, stressed trees, weeds taking over, correctly identifying weeds versus intentional plants, etc) 
    • Assisting with organizing workshop events and other LifeCycles events such as the Community Sharing Day
  • Assist in the coordination and management of Welland Legacy Park supplies and tools
  • Coordinate with the Welland Coordinator and Fruit Tree Project Manager to harvest and distribute excess fruit
  • Manage compost toilet system safely & to a standard befitting a public park

Program and Volunteer Coordination

  • Help run 1 volunteer work party by-weekly in coordination with the Welland Coordinator
  • Assist the Welland Coordinator in the preparation and execution of monthly Workshops
  • Assist in the execution of grant funded tours and other projects
  • Assist in the creation of educational signage that pertains to our ongoing programming
  • Attend LifeCycles staff meetings, as necessary 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Methodical, detail oriented, and observant
  • Open to working some weekends
  • Experience working in a physically demanding setting
  • Willingness to work hard for the satisfaction of a job well done in all weather conditions
  • Experience in fruit tree care, gardening/landscaping/farming and volunteer/event coordination preferred. At a minimum, a strong interest in learning about fruit tree care
  •  Awareness of food security issues and sustainability on Vancouver Island and in BC

Please send applications by email to Alex at info@lifecyclesproject.ca by May 15th, 2025. 

Please email your application resume and cover letter (ideally as one pdf) with the subject line: “Welland Orchard Assistant”. 

Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently recruiting for our Board of Directors! For more information click here!

We are also always open to new volunteers joining our Fruit Tree Project as well as at Welland Orchard. Please sign up on our Gleaning Hub!