Jobs at the Arb
The Humber Arboretum employs both regular staff and work-study students for positions in areas such as horticulture, landscaping, nature education, events management, communication, and administration. All staff are employed through Humber College, which in 2019 was named by Mediacorp as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the fourth year in a row. Humber College also won Smart Commute's 2017 Employer of the Year Award for the Toronto region.
Work on Campus: Student Employment Opportunities
The Humber Arboretum hires Humber College and University of Guelph-Humber students for a variety of challenging, hands-on work-study positions throughout the year. No matter your program of study, you can apply for an engaging and fulfilling role at the Arb.
Recurring positions offer work in:
- gardening, landscape construction, and greenhouse operations
- nature education and children's day camp (learn more about working at the Arboretum's summer nature camp)
- business operations and office & events assistance
- social media, graphic design, and videography/photography
Along with paid employment experience, working at the Arb also offers students the opportunity to learn about nature and add to their Co-Curricular Record.
Current and prospective Humber College and Guelph-Humber students can visit Humber Career Services to learn about eligibility for work-study positions and use CareerConnect to search for other currently available opportunities across campus.
Work-Study Positions Available at the Humber Arboretum
Student Gardeners (multiple positions)
$14/hr, part-time September to April; 35 hrs/wk from May to August (work takes place Monday-Friday; no weekends required)
Student Gardeners play a vital role in maintaining the aesthetics of the grounds and botanical gardens. With over 50 annual and perennial bed displays along with planters, the Humber Food Learning Garden, and a variety of natural areas, students hired to a Gardener position at the Arboretum can look forward to learning a variety of horticultural and ecological skills.
Previous experience is not required. We are looking for positive and energetic individuals with a passion for horticulture/environment who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty. Working within a team environment, students will learn a wide assortment of landscaping techniques including:
- Seasonal clean up
- Planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, annuals, and perennials
- Plant protection techniques
- Deadheading and specialty pruning
- Bed design
- Landscape maintenance
- Plant identification including pest and disease
- Invasive species identification and control methods
- Safe operation of grounds maintenance equipment
Qualifications:
- Must be a Humber College or UofGH work-study approved student
- Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Must be able to work cooperatively as part of a team
- Must be able to work independently as needed
- Being detail-oriented is a real asset
- Related experience is an asset but is not required
- First aid training is an asset but not required
- Valid driver's licence is preferred but not required
- Must have own pair of C.S.A. (green patch) safety boots
- Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds
- Must be able to sustain physical activity necessary for the maintenance of gardens and grounds
Please note, these positions are open to students from any program.
We always accept applications for Student Gardeners. Send your resume, cover letter, and a copy of your work study approval to Humber Arboretum Horticulture Technician Andrea Sudak at andrea.sudak@humber.ca
There are a variety of camp counsellor positions available at the Humber Arboretum's Nature Camps, which run as up-to 40 hrs per week positions in July and August with paid training beginning in mid-to-late June.
Get more information and details on all of the positions by visiting this page: Work at the Humber Arboretum Nature Camps
Permanent and Contract Employment
All regular full and part-time staff of the Humber Arboretum are employed through Humber College. Visit the Humber College Careers Portal at any time to search for the most up-to-date information on available positions and to apply.
- We are now accepting applications for those interested in working at Summer Nature Camp in July and August.
Learning by Leading™: Student Service Learning Opportunities
Another way for students to get involved at the Arboretum is to apply to take part in a Learning by Leading™ opportunity. Developed by the University of California at Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, the Learning by Leading™ Program is based on the idea that students learn best by taking leadership in helping to solve real-world problems. Learning by Leading™ at the Humber Arboretum provides a growing number of experiential and service learning opportunities for Humber College and University of Guelph-Humber students that will develop some of the same skills as working at the Arb and is a great way to explore your related interests in a fun and supportive environment.
Students can get involved with:
- The Humber Arboretum Ambassadors (community outreach)
- The Arb Creatives (communications)
- Sustainable Horticulture and Environmental Stewardship (upcoming program; under development)
Applications to join the Arb Ambassadors or the Arb Creatives will generally open in the late summer and close in late September. Please visit the Learning by Leading™ page for more details.
(Tip: If you are interested in joining but discover you have missed the current year's deadline, it could still be worth sending an email!)
