Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Horticultural Lead
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Bruce Botanical Food Garden (BBFG)
Location: Ripley, near Lake Huron / Kincardine ON

The Bruce Botanical Food Garden is one of only two spaces in Canada with that designation. There is one acre full of over 250 different food plants, with room to grow in every way. The BBFG is a multifaceted space. The gardens produce food for the community and local food banks while acting as a community space and demonstration garden. The garden is also used to run educational programming for adults and children.

The Horticulture Lead position is an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about growing food for their community. As a Horticulture Lead, you will gain valuable experience with full cycle food production. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working outside, experimenting with no-spray growing techniques and getting their hands in the soil. We offer candidates looking to gain field experience the freedom to try new garden practices in their own space. The Horticulture Lead role includes opportunities for mentorship and professional development.

Our not-for-profit organization depends on student grants to fund seasonal staff. Those grants require that candidates meet the following parameters:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Ace for the duration of employment, and
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations

Responsibilities

• Work independently to plan and coordinate all garden crops and garden maintenance
• Prepare garden beds for planting, directing volunteers when needed
• Plan and implement planting of garden beds and greenhouse
• Transplant and propagate plants for annual plant sale
• Monitor and manage the compost system
• Manage pest and disease control through no spray methods, crop rotation and companion planting
• Plan, monitor and deploy watering schedules according to plant requirements
• Assist Garden Manager with tours and garden events when needed
• Engage with visitors, answering general inquiries and providing information
• Collect seeds for community share and garden planting
• Prepare an end of season report for the Board of Directors

Experience

• Currently enrolled horticulture or agriculture student with at least one year completed
• Knowledge of plants or ability to conduct research on species
• Knowledge of organic and no spray practices
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills
• Previous farming or garden manager experience is an asset
• 1-3 years of horticultural farm experience is preferred

Job Type: Full-time, Seasonal

Contract length and pay is negotiable for the right candidate
Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2026-05-05

 

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