Grounds and Garden Coordinator

Eldon House is seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Grounds and Garden Coordinator. The individual we seek must be motivated to champion Eldon House in our community. We are seeking someone who is energetic with an eye for detail, forward thinking and have a genuine ability to engage the community, co-workers and our stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual seeking a unique position in London’s oldest home and heritage museum.

**Summary**:
Reporting to the Curator Director, the Grounds and Gardens Coordinator works seasonally from April to November to ensure the Eldon House greenhouse, gardens and grounds are maintained in a responsible manner in keeping with a public institution and a Heritage property.

**Key Objectives**:
Supporting the goals of the Eldon House Board and Gardens Committee, this active position combines seasonal grounds, gardens and greenhouse duties.
- Plan and implement a gardens, grounds and greenhouse program in conjunction with staff and the Eldon House Gardens Committee
- Implement sound horticultural strategies and techniques in the form of plant cultivation, plant identification, pruning, weed control, turf management, soil management, irrigation and horticultural machinery use and maintenance
- Coordinate garden resources, monitor and order an adequate supply of products, materials and supplies and liaise with suppliers
- Plant seeds and seedlings, grow plants ready for sale/planting, carry out all garden maintenance with the help of volunteers (where available)
- Recommend and schedule outside landscaping services as required, including tree trimming/cutting, aeration, weed maintenance, seeding, etc.
- Prepare an annual landscaping schedule in conjunction with the Curator Director and Gardens Committee
- Contribute to the creation and launch of the seasonal “Victorian Christmas” celebrations
- Required to work in all weather conditions in all seasons
- Serve as staff resource to the Eldon House Gardens Committee
- Perform other related duties, as assigned

**Working and Environmental Conditions**:

- The Coordinator is required to spend the majority of time at work standing, walking, and bending
- The Coordinator is required to be able to lift up to 50 lbs
- The Coordinator works with gardening machinery and products that must be handled according to safety standards
- The Coordinator may be required to clean up bodily fluids, needles, and debris left on the grounds by the public. As such, the Coordinator is required to follow safety protocols as per Public Health, Ministry of Labour and WHMIS requirements
- Eldon House and its grounds are a 100% smoke free environment

**Qualifications**:
To achieve the purpose of the position, the following attributes are required:

- Post-secondary school diploma or degree in an environment related field from a recognized college or university or at least 5 years of equivalent work experience
- Experience working in a professional horticultural environment is essential
- Experience working in a public or large garden is desirable
- Demonstrated strong horticultural knowledge and plant identification skills
- Understanding of the needs of garden visitors and members of the general public
- Sound knowledge and experience developing and maintaining gardens, growing plants from seeds/cuttings, greenhouse procedures and maintenance of lawn/household equipment
- Proficiency in gardening techniques and practices, including greenhouse care and tool/machinery maintenance
- Sound knowledge and experience in garden planning and maintenance, and minor repairs
- Familiarity with the Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS), Ministry of Labour regulations, Ontario Heritage Act and the Standards for Community Museums in Ontario
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and time management skills
- An ability to work with little or no supervision, and manage a team of volunteers
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively
- Works well in a team environment, and manage their own individual workload
- Positive attitude
- Passion - High energy, caring individual
- Flexible
- Stays calm under pressure
- Able to perform tasks that require physical activity
- Has an eye for detail and appreciation for excellent customer service

**Safety and Security Requirements**:

- A police record check with the vulnerable sector will be required upon hiring
- Proof of vaccination, or valid exemption is required

**Assignment**:
This position is part of the CUPE bargaining unit. It is a seasonal part-time position and may involve daytime, evening and weekend work. Benefits are outlined in the Collective Agreement. Monthly hours vary depending on seasonal needs: April =10 hours/week; May =15 hours/week; November =12 hours/week; September and October = 15 hours/week; and June through August 21.5 hours/week = 581 hours annually. The starting rate of pay for this position is $21.20.

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