Site Coordinator, Strathcona BIA Resource Park
The Strathcona Business Improvement Association (SBIA) is seeking a part-time Site Coordinator for its
Resource Park, a project in commercial waste diversion and small-scale urban farming. The site, located
at 1245 East Hastings Street, allows the SBIA to collect organic and recyclable waste from its member
businesses and process the organic waste into finished compost using a variety of low-tech methods. The
site also has an educational and outreach mandate.
Reporting to the Sustainability Coordinator, the Site Coordinator’s main role will be managing the
composting process, ensuring that waste is handled safely and correctly and that all procedural
requirements are adhered to such that the finished product is of the highest possible quality. Other duties
will involve maintaining accurate records, preparing reports for funders and regulators, detailing site
activities on the SBIA’s blog, maintaining the onsite urban garden and liaising with its renters,
coordinating volunteers, conducting site tours, purchasing supplies when necessary, and keeping the site
tidy.
This position is for 20 hours per week in 5 shifts, one of which must be on Saturday or Sunday.
It is important to note that the composting site is set up as a demonstration and research site. The main
objective of the project is to demonstrate the viability of primary composting with the Jora JK 400 invessel system, followed by a vermiculture curing system as a means of preparing compost from
commercial food waste in a small scale, urban-based facility. Familiarity with these specific systems is an
asset but not a requirement.
Demonstration aspects include assessing the performance of the site’s various pieces of equipment for
their ease of operation and effectiveness, the project’s adherence to the temperature requirements of the
Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR), and processing organic waste as efficiently as possible.
Research aspects include the overall monitoring of compost moisture and temperature (and oxygen if
required), the development of the correct ingredient mix for primary composting, and the assessment of
the most appropriate length of time to cure primary compost in preparation for the secondary vermiculture
composting process.
The Site Coordinator will conduct tests and collect data to maintain and optimize the on-site systems.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Manually sorting food waste, grinding food waste and loading it into composting units
Attending daily to the composting matter, checking consistency and progress
Conducting semi-regular sampling of the finished compost to assess whether it meets the
regulatory specifications
Recording data related to the consistency and progress of composting matter
Being familiar with all safety and emergency protocols for the site, and being prepared to call for
help in the event of an emergency
Maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of the site including power washing the site regularly
Organising and leading tours of the facility to individuals and groups of up to 20 people
Promoting the Resource Park on social media and in blogs on the SBIA website
Maintaining data records and preparing reports for Metro Vancouver and the City of Vancouver
Coordinating use of the urban garden plots with other groups and volunteers
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Organising and managing volunteers to assist in the running of the site
Assisting with other SBIA activities and events on an as-needed basis
Desired qualifications and experience:
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Willingness to learn and a dedication to continual improvement
A passion for waste diversion and an interest in urban ecosystems; knowledge of composting
procedures will be considered a strong asset
Familiarity with urban gardening
Willingness to be outside on a daily basis, even during cold, wet months
Must be able to commute to the Hastings/Clark area on a daily basis
Detail-oriented
Reliable and dependable
Able to work alone and unsupervised
Proficient in oral and written English; able to chronicle project activities in accurate, and engaging
formal reports and blog posts
Capable of completing multiple data tracking forms
Able to handle repetitive lifting of up to 20 kg
Experience organising volunteers is required
Some form of teaching experience is also required
Experience writing formal documents (e.g. reports, manuals, Terms of Reference) is an asset
A valid Class 5 driver’s license and clean driving record (personal vehicle is not necessary)
The successful candidate will receive extensive training on the technical components of the composting
process. S/he must also be willing to undergo a criminal record check.
The SBIA will provide protective gear for onsite duties.
Deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 9 at 5pm but interviews will begin immediately. The
expected start date is Tuesday, November 12. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in PDF or
MS Word format, Attn: Joji Kumagai, Executive Director. The subject line must include “Site Coordinator
Application” and your full name or your application will not be considered.
Please, no phone calls.
Compensation: $18/ hour to start. This is a p/t position and does not include benefits.