Horticulturist

About the Position

The Museum

The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is an original Cole Harbour farm, cultivated continuously for over 200 years. It has operated as a community museum since 1978 and is owned and operated by the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society (CHRHS). The museum site is a rural oasis tucked into the middle of a now bustling urban centre, and consists of 12 buildings. Of those, two are historic houses, six are historic barns and outbuildings and the remainder are museum support structures. This "open air" museum also includes gardens, pastureland, pathways and a small wetland and natural reserve. In addition to the heritage buildings, the museum collection consists of approximately 4000 artifacts representing the evolution of agriculture in the area, along with the implements and personal items of the peoples who made Cole Harbour home. A small representation of traditional farm animals is kept on site along with heritage gardens and native species of trees and shrubs, creating our living collection. The site contains a busy tearoom and gift shop within the original farmhouse, as well as a working blacksmith shop, and is a cultural and social hub for the community of Cole Harbour. The Museum operates on a free will donation basis, welcoming over 20,000 visitors per year.

The Position 

The gardens of the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum are a core attraction for visitors from near and far. They are a focal point of the Museum’s interpretation, connecting visitors directly to the farming heritage of the area, and encouraging the sharing of stories of Cole Harbour’s past. The role of the horticulturist is to care for the vegetable and perennial gardens at the farm, as well as greet visitors and answer any questions they may have. They will collaborate with volunteers and other staff members to ensure the gardens respond to the needs of the farm, and they will give tours to school groups and day camps. Through this role, the horticulturist will be integral to the success of the farm’s summer season.

• Develop an appreciation for the role the garden plays in the everyday operation of the museum from its interpretation of the community’s agricultural past to its value in promoting healthier lifestyles and use of local produce;
• Collaborate with interpretive and tearoom staff to make the garden responsive to their needs, i.e., making staff aware of areas specially suited to introducing children to nature and assisting in the development of plant  and food-related program ideas;
• Perform routine tasks (with the guidance of museum staff and gardening volunteers) to keep the garden thriving and productive, including: planting, weeding, watering, staking, dead-heading and harvesting;
• Develop a sensory garden incorporating the Farm Museum’s raised permaculture bed for usage by children and/or seniors;
• Record and coordinate the activities of garden volunteers and oversee the master plan for the gardening year;
• Maintenance and development of the Orchard Project to ensure a successful fruit tree and shrub growing season;
• Coordinate with garden volunteers to implement and maintain a garden Market Stand, ensuring there is a regular supply of harvested produce for purchase;
• Learn the names of as many species as possible and which are of special significance to the area’s gardening history;
• Assist with the farm walk/trail interpretation development; 
• Develop and deliver garden tours for diverse audiences: school groups, senior groups, and community groups; 
• Track and record highlights of the 2024 garden season; successful plantings, challenges, etc; 
• Develop awareness of, and when required, care for the museum’s resources, including its buildings, collections, gardens and animals; 
• Share knowledge with visitors.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications and Skills: 

• Enrolled in a horticultural, agricultural, science, or food and nutrition degree or certificate; A genuine interest in gardens and their importance in society through the ages; 
• Excellent customer service and oral communication skills; 
• Ability to work well with others; 
• Experience with children’s programming; 
• Experience in gardening and/or landscaping is an asset;
• Planning and organizational skills.

Working Conditions

• Frequent physical demands;
• Working outdoors in all conditions;
• Potential for cuts, scrapes, bites;
• Repetitive tasks; digging, lifting, bending, squatting; Ability to lift 50lbs/25kg, push/pull 80lbs/40kg.

The Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society is committed to developing a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities it serves, and welcomes applications from all eligible African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women (applying for non-traditional positions), persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community. The chosen candidate must meet the eligibility requirements for the SKILL program, which can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/programs/student-summer-skills-incentive/Skills_Guidelines.pdf (scroll to “Student-Employees” section). Rate of pay is $15.50/hour for a 35-hour work week. This is a summer term position for up to 14 weeks. Applications should consist of a cover letter and resume, and should be submitted as PDF documents. They will be accepted until the position is filled and should be addressed to Janice Kirkbright, Executive Director, Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, 471 Poplar Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2W 4L2 or emailed to hello@coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca. The interview will be conducted by a panel of a minimum of 2 persons consisting of Executive Director, Collections Manager, and/or Board Representative. This is a term position subject to provincial funding.

About the Company

Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum
471 Poplar Drive
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2W 4L2

Company Contact

Janice Kirkbright
hello@coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca
Preferred Contact: Email

Documents to be Forwarded

• Resume
• Cover letter