Under general direction of Farm and Food Systems, Lead (Farm Lead), the Gardener, Farm Assistant is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the Farm’s food growing spaces and assists with volunteer engagement and coordination at The Farm at Royal Roads.

The role provides hands-on support for farm operations and volunteer coordination. The incumbent contributes to the stewardship of the Farm while coordinating a diverse group of volunteers, under the direction of the Farm Lead.

The position supports implementation of farm activities and volunteer programs and does not hold responsibility for overall farm planning or program direction. The Gardener, Farm Assistant is also responsible for a variety of farm related horticultural duties including tasks that require specialized training in the horticulture trade: organic and/or sustainable food growing practices, greenhouse operation and arboriculture to name a few.

The incumbent must be capable of periods of high intensity physical work and have an ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet the needs of the clients. The incumbent is required to lift, carry and place heavy loads as a routine requirement of the position.
May be required to meet operational requirements including working in extreme weather conditions.

Job Requirements

Required:

• Red Seal certification in Horticultural with two (2) years’ experience in horticultural or Technical Horticultural trade certificate with three (3) years’ experience in horticultural field.

• Grade 12 graduation from a secondary school or equivalent.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating or supporting volunteers, students, or community groups in a structured environment.

• Experience supporting organic food growing activities, community programming or outdoor operations is required.

• Knowledge of maintaining a historic landscape and historic landscape records and research.

• Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Possession of a valid B.C. Pesticide Applicator License.

• Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license in the Province of B.C.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of sustainable and/or organic food growing or horticultural practices

• Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment related to small-scale farm operations.

• Strong interpersonal and instructional skills, with ability to provide supportive feedback.

• Ability to organize schedules, manage multiple priorities, and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.

• Ability to work in all types of weather conditions and perform sustained physical work.

• Commitment to customer service, professionalism, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and by email.

• Ability to work in all types of weather conditions.

• Ability to operate equipment related to the duties.

Preferred:

• Heritage landscape or botanical garden experience

• Ability to provide interpretive services and continued education.

Additional Information

This is a temporary part-time position working 22.5 hours per week until March 31, 2027. The successful candidate must have the ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends. This is a CUPE Local 3886 Bargaining Unit position, and the hourly rate is $30.59. The University is pleased to offer a percentage of salary in lieu of benefits. Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note – all postings will close at 10.00 p.m. on the closing date.

While Royal Roads University values all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, you will need to be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the employment contract. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us directly at human.resources@royalroads.ca attention: Abbi Rogers or 250-391-2600 extension 4408 so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our recruitment and hiring process. ALL COMPETITIONS WILL CLOSE AT 10.00 P.M. ON THE DATE OF CLOSING