Curator/Instructor, Vegetable/Rose Garden

Curator/Instructor, Vegetable/Rose Garden (12-Month Contract)

Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager School of Horticulture and Botanical Gardens and within established policies, procedures and guidelines. Curates the selected garden areas within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. In conjunction with the Botanical Gardens Supervisor, ensures specimens are maintained according to policy; monitors and oversees instructional aspects of maintenance of selected plant specimens and landscapes. Primarily teaches and evaluates full-time students in horticulture skills and techniques; directs parks staff, co-op students, interns, and volunteers. Under the guidance of the Superintendent, instructs and evaluates full-time students in academic courses as required.

Niagara Parks offers a range of $31.55 to $38.79 per hour for this position.

Applications for this position will be accepted until December 7, 2025.

This position is on-site in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This requisition is to fill an existing vacancy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree or a (3) year Horticultural diploma, and relevant botanical gardens and/or horticultural industry experience.
• Five (5) years of related botanical gardens or horticultural industry experience; demonstrated experience in selection, knowledge and use of roses, vegetables and herbs.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certificates; extensive working knowledge of ornamental plant culture and maintenance
• Valid Landscape Exterminators License.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management Programs and instructional techniques; having extensive knowledge of industrial and horticultural safety practices and the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Knowledge of and experience in developing and delivering programs related to roses, vegetables and herbs.
• Knowledge and experience in landscaping techniques, design principles and an ability to approach garden development creatively.
• Additional certifications in related horticultural trades are also an asset
• Knowledge of and experience in IPM and plant health care practices; ability to strategically plan, organize and direct the work of students, co-ops, parks staff, interns and volunteers.
• Organizational skills with the ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and horticultural industry professionals.
• Position takes hands on approach to actively instruct students within the Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Under the general supervision of the Senior Manager of the School of Horticulture and Botanical Gardens is responsible for design, maintenance as well as collection management of Rose Garden and Old Specimen Area.

Curatorial/Management Responsibilities

• Manages and Curates the Rose Garden, Vegetable Garden, Herb Garden and OSA. collections including oversight of plant cultural requirements and related plant health care
• Manages the design/installation/removal of plants and landscapes in the Rose Garden and OSA.
• Oversees the implementation and maintenance of seasonal displays and supervises winter projects pertaining to collections.
• Proposes design changes, acquires new plants as necessary, and oversees installation of selected gardens and construction projects within areas of responsibility.
• Participates in the marking and evaluation of students on the practical program.
• Trains students to develop professional leadership skills competence in horticulture.
• Trains students to develop professional horticulture skills, techniques, and procedures through practical learning activities.
• Activity demonstrates skills and techniques and physical engages in garden maintenance
• Assists management with directing staff and students to maintain the Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture.
• In coordination with management, conducts meetings with employees and students to resolve problems, determine work priorities, assign and monitor work and organize work schedules
• Instructs, manages, plans, and organizes students' professional horticulture skills, techniques, and procedures through practical learning activities.
• Prepares and instructs selected academic courses as required.
• Assesses and evaluates students regarding horticultural skill development, work performance, personal leadership skills; advises students on areas of improvement and encourages their strength
• Responsible for ensuring that equipment is in proper/safe operating order and monitors proper operation through observation.
• Oversees volunteer participants and/or coop students and interns.
• Updates, administers and enforces policies and procedures relating to the BG and SOH
• Assesses and evaluates students regarding horticultural skill development, work performance, personal leadership skills; advises students on areas of improvement and encourages their strength.

The personal information in your candidate profile is collected under the authority of the Niagara Parks Act, R.S.O. 1990, C.N.3, s.4(l) and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It will be used to assess your qualifications for the job postings to which you apply. If successful, your information will also be used for the creation of your employee profile under the authority of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, c.41, s We are an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), Niagara Parks will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability – related accommodations, please inform the Human Resources (HR) staff. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require additional information regarding the collection and use of the personal information in your candidate profile, or would like to request an alternate format, please contact Niagara Parks at ext. 0 or by e-mail