James Gates Email & Phone Number

Canada

Canada

Tanzania

As a Horticulturalist Advisor, apply your skills in Business Development, branding, and mentoring in this volunteer role to support the SUGECO Kizimba Business Model project in Morogoro, Tanzania.As a Horticulturalist Advisor,you will play a critical role in strengthening SUGECO’s Enterprise Incubation Centre as a hub of learning for Small andMedium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the farm, increasing production and coordinate research programs for selected crops. You will be well supported by the Cusovolunteers’ team and SUGECO staff, who are eager to guide you in the initial steps necessary to promote the SUGECOKizimba Business Model as a center of innovation and practical learning.

Creston, British Columbia

Plan and coordinate infrastructure improvement and development. Plan, organize, maintain and manage operations and reliability of the greenhouses and facility and general infrastructure systems. Coordinates, monitors and oversees work of external contractors to ensure terms of agreements are met and work is completed satisfactorily. Oversee and coordinate greenhouse and growing.Maintain all components of 8 acre greenhouse and field operations.

Kootenay Bay, British Columbia

Project Developer• Leading local food procurement initiative, developing relations with restaurants and institutions Crawford Bay/Riondel to develop processes and create efficiencies sourcing and transporting farm fresh food from Creston to the East Shore.• Participated in community initiative to develop education tourism product development for Area A communities of Kootenay Lake. Led and wrote Rural Dividend grant, worked with community leaders to frame project and seek community wide support. • Developing collaborative funding project to assist several faith groups to transition towards 100% renewable energy by 2050. Currently developing project. • Developed third party fundraising initiative to fund major capital project. • Developed and built community composting facility.Team Leader• Oversee and mentor learning residents in fruit tree management and organic mixed vegetable growing. VolunteerBoard member – Guiding Hands Recreational Society – Kootenay Bay, BC

Richmond, Bc

Organizational Relations• Developed relationship with key partner – The City of Richmond. Initiated collaborative partnerships and projects with like-minded organizations in Richmond. • Developed relations with corporate groups and developed enhanced relationship securing financial support. Organizational Leadership• Listened and contributed to the development of the organization. Defined staff and board roles and responsibilities. Worked with board to develop strategic plan, vision, and mandate as well as staff policies. Coordinated and participated with all Board committees. Developed staff task management system. Led and motivated volunteers in a variety of projects to develop the organization. Financial Management•Worked with treasurer and accountant to create robust financial system. Supervised annual budget preparation and other top-level financial matters. Improved financial transparency, tracking, and book keeping systems. Fund Development• Designed and implement successful fundraising and sponsorship programs raising over $150,000 annually. Sponsorship Development: Initiated four-tier sponsorship program to engage corporate groups to financially support the organizational mandate.Operations Management• Managed daily operations, hired staff, developed job descriptions, chaired weekly staff meetings, ensured projects were supported and kept on track. Project Design and Development• Worked with staff and board to develop projects to deliver our mandate. Researched, wrote and reviewed grants to support projects. Worked with staff to operationalize projects and deliver the expected outcome. Capital Project Development• Worked with municipal and provincial government and corporate sponsors to fund and build a 2500 ft2 barn. • Worked with Richmond City Council and Parks manager to secure donation of new small scale farm tractor. Social Enterprise Development• Initiated and Developed revenue stream from 12% of annual budget to 25%.

Tsawwassen, British Columbia

• Plan, sow, and maintain greenhouse crops for mixed vegetable farm. • Manage seed germination conditions, grow seedlings and transplant.• Oversee heritage tomato operation in high tunnel greenhouse. • Manage and implement the Earthwise Farm Business Plan.• Successfully shepherded farm through to organic certification.• Manage farm-staffing resources: train and supervise apprentices, volunteers, and hired and trained staff.• Implement programs to engage community participation through volunteer and apprenticeship programs, special events and other opportunities. • Set up and manage Community Supported Agriculture program• Deliver farm educational programs for adults, teens and children including a high school program in sustainable agriculture, and organic master gardening modules for adults. • Manage gate sales through farm store, set prices, manage cash, work with volunteers.

Worked collaboratively with three ENGO’s focused on ocean sustainability issues on the west coast. I led and managed a multi-pronged communications project including developing a brand with key messages, developing an interactive educational online game and supporting print and marketing products to support the brand and develop awareness about these issues on the west coast and engaging our target audience. Built and managed website, wrote content, media relations activities.

Associate'S Degree, Forest Management/Forest Resources Management

Activities and Societies: President of Students for Forestry Awareness

Commuinications, Writing, Design, Public Relatiions

Activities and Societies: Education Diploma: Print Futures Professional Writing Program Douglas College, 2001 Courses: Non Profit.

Print Futures, Communications