‘The Garden’ began as an idea over 20 years ago when a group of plant enthusiasts on the Sunshine Coast dreamed of creating a botanical garden for the community to learn from and enjoy. Today, the Garden, a non-profit organization and Living Wage employer, showcases over 2,000 plant species across 40 acres in a coastal forest on the swiya of the shíshálh Nation.
Some of what we do: we engage with the local school district to teach youth about plant life cycles, pollinators and pond life; we partner with local conservation and environmental organizations for shared learning around biodiversity, and we grow food to support the local food bank and food security programs.
Visitors from all over the world come to see the native plants that grow in this region and learn about the supported ecosystems. Locals come to celebrate, birdwatch, paint, meditate, laugh and reflect.
The Garden is a special place, and all of us--the staff, Board members and volunteers--have shared values of learning from one another and being good stewards of this land.
If, like us, you believe that plants are for everyone, we’d love to work with you.
The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society values the diversity of the people in our organization and the community we serve. Diversity at the Garden means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.
Job Summary
We are looking to add a part-time gardener to our team. The successful applicant will perform all duties associated with maintenance, care, and development of our outdoor displays and collections. This position is seasonal and will run until the end of November, with the opportunity to return in March for another season.
Hourly wage is $30.
Working Relationships
This position will report to the Head Gardener and work closely with other staff and volunteers.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Routine and specialized plant maintenance, including weeding, watering, mulching, monitoring plants for pests and diseases, using appropriate hand and power equipment, identifying and eradicating invasive plants, and path maintenance.
- Work cooperatively with volunteers, assigning tasks and monitoring work while underway.
- Ensure tool storage and work areas are kept organized and tidy.
- Ensure all applicable safety protocols are followed.
- Greet visitors and answer questions about the Garden in general and the plant collections in particular.
- Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation throughout the Garden with co-workers, supervisors, volunteers, and visitors.
Preferred Competencies
- Completion of a BC or other provincial horticulture certificate or diploma program, or degree in horticulture or other plant-related discipline.
- Previous experience or a willingness to learn propagation and care of indigenous and introduced plant species.
- A strong knowledge of environmentally sustainable landscaping practices in accordance with our Mission.
- An understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and practices.
- Effective oral and written English communication skills.
- Ability to lift 20kg and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Applications
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a current resume and cover letter by email to: [email protected]
No phone calls, please.
While we appreciate all responses, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you live on the lower Sunshine Coast?
Experience:
- gardening/horticulture: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
