Horticultural Technician

Located in the heart of the Niagara Region - just minutes from one of the world’s most well-known tourism destinations - Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs between our campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since opening its doors in 1967, Niagara College has grown to become a leader in education and training and one of the most enterprising colleges in Canada.

Applications are invited for the regular position of Part-time Horticulture Technician in the School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies, located at the Niagara on the Lake Campus. The starting salary is $26.68/hour for a 24-hour work week. Additional hours may be required as necessary.

Reporting to the Supervisor Grounds and Greenhouse, the incumbent is responsible for a wide range of tasks related to greenhouse/nursery operations. The Horticultural Technician plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the gardens, lawns, garden structures, ecological areas, agricultural zones within the living laboratory concept of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. In collaboration with the Indigenous Education department, the Horticulture Technician would also assist with maintaining the Indigenous Garden and assist in the ongoing creation of experiential learning materials used in the delivery of the Traditional Knowledge course.

**Responsibilities include, but are not limited to**:

- Coordinate the physical facilities including supplies, equipment, purchasing, and inventory control.
- Prepare supplies and equipment for the laboratory components of Greenhouse, Landscape and Horticulture programs.
- Assist in the delivery of practical components of Greenhouse, Landscape and Horticulture programs.
- Demonstrate necessary skills and assist students with practical learning, while in class and/or students participating in work study on campus
- Property maintenance of the campus including the Indigenous garden, as well as turf management, garden bed maintenance, tree care and landscape structures such as walkways, retaining walls and benches.
- Operate various equipment such as, utility vehicles, gardening tools, mowers etc.
- Coordinate timely and effective pest and disease control measures as required.
- Diagnose and implement remedial action for plant stress.
- Assists customers, providing sales and technical advice.

**Qualifications**:

- 2-year diploma in Horticulture/Greenhouse technician or equivalent
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a horticultural related field
- The incumbent must be of Indigenous heritage (i.e., Turtle Island - First Nations Status and non-Status, Métis or Inuit) and have strong ties to Indigenous community
- Exhibit initiative, responsibility, intuition and leadership
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Keen attention to detail
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to work with mínimal supervision
- Possess Indigenous Knowledge particularly as it relates to traditional Indigenous cultural practices and land-based knowledge

**Preferred Qualifications**:

- Experience delivering culturally appropriate Indigenous horticulture content to students
- Knowledge of specialized program, course and college knowledge considered an asset
- Pesticide License or Ministry of the Environment Exterminators license
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Significant practical experience in horticulture/greenhouse/landscape
- Proven success working in a team environment
- Chainsaw and skid steer certificates are considered an asset
- Experience with health and safety protocols and standard operating procedure

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.