Position Title: Practical Skills Instructor (two contract positions available)
Department: Pacific Horticulture College
Reports To: Senior Educational Administrator
Start/End Dates: Training starts early March, instruction from April until mid November, with possibility of continuing in future program years
Hours: - Weekly on Tuesdays 9am-4pm during contract period; and/or
- Alternate Fridays 9am-12:30pm during contract period
Rate of Pay: $50 per hour of instructional time
Background
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is a multi-dimensional not-for-profit society situated on 43 hectares in Saanich. The HCP is home to nine acres of demonstration gardens, a conservation area, a horticulture library, gift shop and plant sales, weddings and other events, and a wide range of youth, community, and professional education.
Established in 1987, the Pacific Horticulture College (PHC) offers full-time and part-time training opportunities in all four levels of the Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship. The PHC is designated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) and is a SkilledTradesBC (STBC) designated training provider. The mission of the PHC is to provide excellence in horticulture training, enabling students to maximize employment opportunities while encouraging environmental stewardship of green space.
Position Description
The PHC is seeking one or two instructors to coordinate and teach Practical Skills sessions for a small cohort of students enrolled in the Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program. Practical Skills is a foundational component of this program as it provides students with opportunities for knowledge application, skill development, and technical competence. This position involves, but is not limited to, the following:
- Preparing and organizing learning activities based on learning objectives, seasonality, and on-site garden needs
- Instruction, demonstration, and facilitation of practice for various horticultural techniques and equipment use
- Coordinating with the HCP Head Gardener and staff to accomplish projects on-site
- Organizing and leading relevant field trips
- Organizing and leading community-based outreach projects
- Assisting PHC staff in hiring specialists for instruction in areas outside of expertise
- Assessing students’ horticultural skills in written and practical formats
- Communicating with students and staff by email and in person
- Maintaining PHC student tool and equipment inventory
The Practical Skills sessions on Tuesdays involve a diverse array of seasonal horticulture activities and projects, including greenhouse work, landscape maintenance, and landscape installation. The Practical Skills sessions on Fridays involve educating and supervising students on equipment use, including blowers, string trimmers, push mowers, and ride-on mowers. It is possible for the same candidate to be hired for both positions.
The successful candidate(s) will be responsible for creating a valuable, well-rounded horticulture education experience while ensuring adequate development of required skills in the provincial trades curriculum. More detailed information about the curriculum requirements may be found on the STBC website: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/landscape-horticulturist
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with HCP staff and students
- Able to explain concepts and demonstrate techniques to a diverse group of students
- Demonstrate patience and respect when working with students
- Excellent organization, planning skills, and time management
- Proficiency in diverse horticultural practices, preferably including equipment use and large-scale property maintenance
- Demonstrate safe work practices and ensure student safety in the learning environment
- Exhibit professionalism at all times
Experience
- Minimum two years of experience in instructing groups is preferred
- Minimum five years of relevant horticulture industry experience is preferred
Education
- Degree, diploma, or certificate in horticulture or related field; Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal in Landscape Horticulture or equivalent preferred
- Instructional Skills Workshop or other teaching course is preferred, but arrangements will be made with the successful candidate to obtain teacher training
