We are Hiring: Sustainable Food Production Instructor

Position Title:            Sustainable Food Production Instructor – Part-time, Casual
Department:               Pacific Horticulture College
Reports To:                 College Director
Start Date:                  March 2019 (dependent on course scheduling)
Hours:                         Varies; classes are 3 to 6.5 hours per day, typically one to three classes per month, ending November 2019
Rate of Pay:                $48 per hour of instructional time; preparation time is unpaid
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 Sustainable Food Production sessions for approximately 20 Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program students. This position involves, but is not limited to, the following:

• Course preparation and organization of learning activities based on course objectives
• Instruction, demonstration, and facilitation of practice for the skills listed above
• Coordination with the HCP Head Gardener and staff to accomplish projects on-site in the Urban Garden and Farm Garden
• Organizing and leading relevant field trips
• Assessing students’ knowledge and skills in written and practical formats
• Communicating with students and staff by email and in person

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a valuable education experience while ensuring adequate development of skills and 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:

• This course is a series of classroom and practical sessions focused on small-scale and space-efficient food production, with an emphasis on growing vegetables for student use. Students will gain experience in designing, seeding, planting, maintaining and harvesting a food garden and enhancing productivity in small spaces. Students will also visit a variety of local food growers for exposure to larger scale agriculture practices and successful sustainable food production.

Course Learning Objectives:

• Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Create a basic design for a small vegetable garden
  • Describe appropriate timing for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting
  • Demonstrate appropriate techniques for seeding, transplanting, and harvesting
  • Perform basic maintenance of a vegetable garden throughout growing season
  • Apply basic horticultural principles to food production
  • Network with small-scale food farmers in the region
  • Engage in topical discussions about sustainability

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to explain difficult concepts to a diverse group of students
• Demonstrate patience and respect when working with students
• Excellent organization and time management
• Proficiency in horticulture materials, tools/equipment, and techniques
• Demonstrate safe work practices

Required Experience

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

Required Education

• Certificate, Diploma, Degree or other education in a related field is preferred
• 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 Wednesday December 19, 2018 at 4:30pm.