Guelph jobs, Summer jobs

Horticultural Assistant Job Description

Position: Horticultural Assistant
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre
Location: 5484 Hwy 6, Guelph ON

Position Overview

Assisting the Hope House Registered Horticultural Therapist in the 2.1 acre Well Being Market Garden which doubles as a field production operation and therapeutic gardening program space. Working with the support of the Hope House farm team, volunteers, and program participants.

Tasks include but are not limited to, watering, transplanting, weeding, bed preparation, pest management, field edge management, plant propagation, and harvesting and packing produce.

Coordination and support of volunteers completing garden tasks, as well as other community members such as new immigrants, individuals with physical or mental exceptionalities, marginalized and homeless youth and adults, or those from low-income families learning horticultural skills.

Assisting with Therapeutic Horticulture programs for participants engaging in agricultural and other plant related activities as part of a program that encourages connection with plants, nature and seasonal change, as well as, healthy dietary habits and physical outdoor exercise to encourage the adoption of healthy lifelong practices.

Reporting directly to the Hope House Horticultural Therapist with daily check ins.

The successful candidate will have gardening experience, a commitment to social justice, and an understanding of the food system and food security, and show sensitivity to those who experience poverty, discrimination, and marginalized lifestyles. The successful candidate will also possess the aptitude and ability to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions for extended periods.

Duties and responsibilities

• Help maintain the Well Being market garden by prepping beds, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting
• Encourage and support program participants in garden maintenance tasks (prepping beds, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and post-harvest field clean-up)
• Help coordinate individual, group, and corporate volunteers, ensuring a seamless, educational, and fun experience
• Plant, transplant, weed, harvest, and clean produce according to Organic and Food Safety protocols
• Provide a welcoming space for participants to build self-confidence, wellness, and personal skills
• Ability to work and follow health & safety protocols
• Other duties as assigned
• Must have a valid G Drivers License and reliable transportation to and from the work site

Qualifications

• Commitment to the vision, mission and core values of Hope House
• Be between ages of 15-30 years of age
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred
• Experience working with marginalized individuals and groups
• Experience in gardening or farming
• Passion for community engagement and social justice
• Physical stamina to perform outdoor manual labour in various weather conditions
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with marginalized populations including the ability to diffuse difficult situations
• Ability to work alone and or with others as necessary.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Provision of a vulnerable sector police check.
• Reliable transportation to and from work site

Compensation and Details

• Hours: Average 30 hrs/week, with a total of 270 hours over 9 weeks
• Days of work: Monday to Friday, occasional Saturday
• Contract term: May 19, 2026 until July 17, 2026
• Hourly rate: $22/hr
• This position is located 5484 Hwy 6, Guelph ON

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre is an equal opportunities employer, committed to employment equity. We value diversity and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We welcome team members with the knowledge and skills to productively work with diverse communities. Hope House values lived experience alongside educational and workplace experience. Feel free to highlight your lived experience in your application, as you feel comfortable, as it will help us consider your application in a holistic way.

About Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre

Hope House in Guelph provides support to vulnerable individuals, including the unhoused, employed, unemployed, and those facing various challenges. Our programs and services aim to promote independence while upholding dignity, belonging, and empowerment. Hope House offers a range of services such as a Food and Clothing Market, Healthy Living programs, the Guelph Community Backpack Project, a daily Café, Affordable Gift Market, and more to assist community members.

Our vision is to help community members achieve their fullest potential, with a mission to enhance the well-being of vulnerable adults, youth, and children through immediate relief and ongoing support.

To learn more visit HopeHouseGuelph.ca

Next Steps

Please email your cover letter and resume, specifying Farm Assistant in the subject line, to garden@hopehouseguelph.ca by 11:59 pm Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Please include in your cover letter the answer to the question, “Why you believe you are a good fit for this role?”

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.