head gardener
Closing date: January 31, 2025
The Fredericton Botanic Garden Association (FBGA) is a non-profit organization operating a 21-hectare property adjacent to Odell Park. The site has an eclectic aesthetic and includes ~20 gardens (including a food forest and a native seed nursery), trails, ponds, streams, and forest. Infrastructure includes a resource building, two greenhouses, a potting shed, a utility terrain vehicle, and a maintenance yard.
We are seeking an experienced individual with a broad knowledge of plants, to join our team as Head Gardener. This seasonal position reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with other Garden staff, volunteers, and the Site Development Committee. The successful candidate will supervise other seasonal employees and work both independently and as a team member, always with a focus on safety.
We are seeking an experienced individual with a broad knowledge of plants, to join our team as Head Gardener. This seasonal position reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with other Garden staff, volunteers, and the Site Development Committee. The successful candidate will supervise other seasonal employees and work both independently and as a team member, always with a focus on safety.
OVERVIEW
Working within an assigned budget, and in coordination with the Site Development Committee, volunteers, other staff, and partners including the City of Fredericton, the incumbent will plan and execute maintenance of gardens, nurseries, holding beds and green spaces of the Garden, as well as garden-related equipment and infrastructure. They will propagate and maintain different groups of plants including perennials, annuals, evergreens, natives, etc., in the gardens and the greenhouses.
The Head Gardener will assist with Garden events, including workshops, tours, and the annual spring plant sale (including ordering, pricing and preparation, and onsite expertise).
The Head Gardener will train and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers, with a focus on a safe and welcoming working environment. They should be confident in their leadership skills and diplomatic in their delivery. Often the first point of contact for visitors, the Head Gardener will be a welcoming ambassador for the Garden, in keeping with our principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
REQUIREMENTS
Working within an assigned budget, and in coordination with the Site Development Committee, volunteers, other staff, and partners including the City of Fredericton, the incumbent will plan and execute maintenance of gardens, nurseries, holding beds and green spaces of the Garden, as well as garden-related equipment and infrastructure. They will propagate and maintain different groups of plants including perennials, annuals, evergreens, natives, etc., in the gardens and the greenhouses.
The Head Gardener will assist with Garden events, including workshops, tours, and the annual spring plant sale (including ordering, pricing and preparation, and onsite expertise).
The Head Gardener will train and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers, with a focus on a safe and welcoming working environment. They should be confident in their leadership skills and diplomatic in their delivery. Often the first point of contact for visitors, the Head Gardener will be a welcoming ambassador for the Garden, in keeping with our principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
REQUIREMENTS
- A love of gardening, and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with volunteers, staff, and visitors.
- Degree, certificate, or diploma in ornamental horticulture, or certification as a Master Gardener, or equivalent training and experience.
- Two or more years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
- Experience in the operation of greenhouses for optimal plant development.
- Valid New Brunswick Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
- Must be able to lift 23 kg, squat, kneel, climb, and stand for extended periods.
- Legally entitled to work in Canada at time of application.
- Familiarity with the use of basic hand and power tools.
- Willingness to work in hot, cold, or wet weather, assuming it is safe to do so.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Suite of products.
ASSETS
- Three or more years of experience working in a botanic garden, or horticultural experience with a municipality, park, or other large venue, or equivalent experience.
- The ability to speak French would be a definite asset.
- Experience operating a utility terrain vehicle
- Access to a truck (the occasional use of which would be compensated)
RESPONSIBILITIES
Propagation and maintenance of different groups of plants including annual, perennial, evergreen, woody, greenhouse/nursery, holding beds, etc., including:
- staking, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, etc.
- propagation of plants by seeds, cuttings, layering, grafting, etc.
- preparation of soils and potting mixes, planting, transplanting, potting, watering, etc. using techniques appropriate for different plants.
Oversight and maintenance of greenhouses, maintenance yard, potting shed, resource centre basement and contents of each, including:
- inventories
- reordering
- cleanliness
- good repair (structures and gardening equipment and machinery)
- safety.
Oversee and assist volunteers in the preparation, operation, and execution of annual Spring Plant Sale, excluding administrative functions, but including:
- assisting with volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and stewardship
- ordering within assigned budget
- pricing
- potting up
- alphabetizing greenhouse
- onsite presence at plant sale
- participating in setup and tear down of plant sale
- participating in post plant sale de-briefing
Supervision of summer students and interns, including:
- Reviewing existing job descriptions and suggesting changes.
- Participating in hiring interviews.
- Training summer students/interns in tasks for which they will be responsible.
- Ensuring summer students/interns are working according to health and safety standards (including heat extremes and electric storm activity), and have been provided with, and are using, all necessary safety equipment.
- Providing ongoing, constructive feedback.
- Scheduling summer students/interns hours to maximize coverage.
Participating in ongoing plant inventory, by labeling and recording new plantings and ground truthing existing plantings.
- Serving as staff support to the Site Development Committee (SDC), including:
- Attending all SDC meetings.
- Tabling a short report on the state of the Garden at each meeting.
- In consultation with the Executive Director, carrying out tasks identified by SDC.
Contributing to the Garden’s budgeting and planning processes as it pertains to specific areas of responsibility.
Other duties as may be assigned.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Seasonal, 32 – 38 weeks per year
$26.00 – $30.00 an hour
35 hours a week, some evenings and weekends required
2025 season: February 10th – October 31st
To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to: info@frederictonbotanicgarden.com, using the subject line: Head Gardener.
Applications will be accepted up until January 31, 2025.
Thank you for your interest. Only candidates being considered for an interview will receive a response.
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