Plant Identification Instructor
Position Title: Plant Identification Instructor – Part-time, Contract
Department: Pacific Horticulture College
Reports To: College Director
Start Date: January 2020
Hours: Varies; classes are 3 hours in length, typically one to two classes per week from January to November 2020, to be shared with another instructor
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. The mission of the 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 coordinate and teach Plant Identification classes for approximately 20 Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program students. This course is shared with another instructor. This position involves, but is not limited to, the following:
- Course preparation and organization of learning activities based on course objectives
- Classroom instruction in the subject area
- Organizing and leading relevant field trips
- Assessing students’ knowledge through quizzes, assignments, and presentations
- Collaborating with the other course instructor to ensure alignment in instruction and grading
- Communicating with students and staff by email and in person
- Informing staff of plants taught each week and providing staff with copies of all handouts
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a valuable education experience while ensuring adequate development of knowledge in this area.
Instructors are hired on a per-course basis depending on their subject area of expertise. Once hired, instructors are responsible for teaching based on the provided PHC learning objectives and will assess students according to these objectives. Instructors are also responsible for course preparation and design of learning and assessment activities, communicating with students by email through the duration of the course, working with the PHC staff to ensure students adhere to college policies, and grading student work and/or performance.
Course Information
Course Description:
An introduction to a wide range of plants used in all areas of horticulture, including trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, perennials, biennials, and annuals. Plant descriptions include distinctive stem, leaf, and flower characteristics, form and growing characteristics, maintenance practices, and landscape function. Growing requirements and critical pests and diseases will also be covered as they apply to the plants studied. Weeds and common invasive plants will also be identified.
Course Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and describe over 300 plants including the plants in ITA Apprenticeship Levels 1 & 2 as well as common weeds and invasive plants
- Recognize basic characteristics for each plant family studied
- Employ correct botanical nomenclature and plant identification terminology
- Explain the importance of accurate identification of plants
- Demonstrate the use of a dichotomous key for plant identification purposes
- Identify growing requirements and critical pest and disease for each of plants studied
- Identify correct maintenance techniques for each plant/plant group studied
- Describe the landscape function of plants studied
- Select plants suitable for difficult conditions, e.g. seaside gardens, dry shade, wet shade, etc.
- State particular requirements of specialty gardens such as rhododendrons, mixed gardens, drought-tolerant gardens, annual displays, vegetable gardens, roses, heathers, and containers
- Compile and organize a personal file summarizing information gathered in the course
Required Skills
- Extensive local and regional plant knowledge
- Able to explain difficult concepts to a diverse group of students
- 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 relevant industry experience is required
- Minimum two years of experience in instructing groups is preferred
Required Education
- Diploma, Degree, Red Seal, or other education in a relevant field is required or must be attained during contract term
- 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 Friday August 9, 2019 at 4:30pm.
