Job Posting – Integrated Pest Management Instructor

Position Title:           Integrated Pest Management Instructor – Part-time, Contract
Department:              Pacific Horticulture College
Reports To:                 College Director
Start Date:                  March 2020 (negotiable)
Hours:                         Varies; each course is two days in length and there are several courses scheduled throughout the year
Rate of Pay:                $48 per hour of instructional time
Background
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 Institutions Training Branch (PTIB) and is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) designated training provider. In addition to apprenticeship training, PHC also offers professional development opportunities for industry professionals. The mission of 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 an instructor to teach Integrated Pest Management courses on a contract basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating an engaging and informative learning experience while also preparing students to successfully complete the provincial Pesticide Applicator Certificate exam. This position involves course preparation and organization of learning activities based on course objectives in addition to classroom instruction. Training will be provided, as well as a copies of the existing instructional materials.
Each course is two days in length, totalling 14 hours of instruction. The days may or may not be scheduled consecutively, and may occur on weekdays or weekends. Most courses are held at PHC, but travel to alternate locations in Victoria or throughout BC (e.g. Nanaimo or the Lower Mainland) may be necessary. The successful candidate will have the flexibility to accommodate this varied schedule.
Course Information
Course Description:
This course is designed to prepare those working in horticulture, forestry, and related fields to work with pesticides safely and in an environmentally-conscious manner. In addition, this course prepares students to write the provincial examination depending on their certification category. The categories currently taught at PHC include Landscape General, Forestry Management General, Domestic Dispenser, and Industrial Vegetation/Noxious Weed.
Course Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Interpret pesticide labels;
• Describe federal and provincial pesticide legislation;
• Outline safe handling and first aid procedures pertaining to pesticides;
• Choose appropriate personal protective equipment when working with pesticides;
• Perform pesticide use calculations;
• List types of pesticide application equipment;
• Describe the procedure for calibrating pesticide equipment;
• Perform calculations relating to equipment calibration;
• Describe best practices to reduce environmental impact when using pesticides;
• Outline the steps of Integrated Pest Management;
• Apply Integrated Pest Management to specific pest situations;
• Outline basic pest biology information; and
• Use resources to find more information about managing pests.

Required Skills

• Able to explain difficult concepts (e.g. pesticide legislation, IPM) to a diverse group of students, with emphasis on practical application
• Able to effectively explain calculations to people with varying math backgrounds
• Demonstrate patience and respect when working with students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management

Required Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in the horticulture industry is an asset
• Minimum five years of experience in pest management is preferred; experience in pesticide application is an asset
• Minimum two years of experience in instructing or training groups is preferred

Required Education

• Current BC Pesticide Applicator Certification is required (or must be obtained upon hiring)
• Instructional Skills Workshop or other teaching course is preferred

Application Information
Please submit a current resume that includes evidence of any teaching or training experience and industry experience to [email protected] by Monday January 20, 2020 at 4:30pm.