Practical Skills Instructor Needed – Pacific Horticulture College

Position Title:              Practical Skills Instructor
Department:               Pacific Horticulture College
Reports To:                 College Director
Start/End Dates:         Training starts mid June, instruction from mid July until early November, with possibility of continuing in 2019
Hours:                         Full days on most Tuesdays during contract period
Rate of Pay:                $45 per hour of instructional time, plus additional paid prep time
Background
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is a multi-dimensional not-for-profit society situated on 43 hectares in Saanich. The HCP is home to nine acres of demonstration gardens, a conservation area, a horticulture library, gift shop and plant sales, weddings and other events, and a wide range of youth, community, and professional education.
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 weekly Practical Skills sessions for up to 24 horticulture apprenticeship students. This position involves, but is not limited to, the following:

• Course preparation and organization of learning activities based on learning objectives, seasonality, and on-site garden needs
• Instruction, demonstration, and facilitation of practice for various horticultural techniques
• Coordination with the HCP Head Gardener and staff to accomplish projects on-site
• Coordination with the two Friday Practical Skills instructors
• Organizing and leading relevant field trips
• Organizing and leading community-based outreach projects
• Co-teaching with an assistant instructor as appropriate
• Assisting PHC staff in hiring specialists for instruction in areas outside of expertise
• Assessing students’ horticultural skills in written and practical formats
• Communicating with students and staff by email and in person
• Maintaining PHC student tool and equipment inventory

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a valuable, well-rounded horticulture education experience while ensuring adequate development of required skills in the provincial trades curriculum. More detailed information about the curriculum requirements may be found on the ITA website: http://www.itabc.ca/program/horticulturist-landscape
Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with HCP staff and students
• Able to explain concepts and demonstrate techniques to a diverse group of students
• Demonstrate patience and respect when working with students
• Excellent organization, planning skills, and time management
• Proficiency in diverse horticultural practices, preferably including machine instruction and large-scale property maintenance
• Demonstrate safe work practices
• Exhibit professionalism at all times

Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in instructing groups is preferred
• Minimum five years of relevant horticulture industry experience is preferred

Education

• Degree, diploma, or certificate in horticulture or related field; Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal in Landscape Horticulture or equivalent preferred
• Instructional Skills Workshop or other teaching course is preferred, but arrangements will be made with the successful candidate to obtain teacher training

Application Information
Please submit a current resume that outlines relevant work experience and credentials to [email protected] by Friday May 4, 2018 at 4:30pm.