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 2018 was named by Mediacorp as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the third year in a row, partly due to the work of Arboretum and the Centre for Urban Ecology. 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.
Past positions have offered work in gardening, landscape construction, greenhouse operation, nature education, summer camp, business operations, office & events assistance, graphic design and videography/photography.
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.
The Humber Arboretum is currently hiring Work Study students for:
Student Gardeners
$14/hr, 35 hrs/wk from May to August (work takes place Monday-Friday; no weekends required)
Job Description: Summer gardeners have the unique opportunity to work with experienced and skilled gardening staff. Be a member of the team! Learn practical horticultural knowledge, including garden maintenance, small equipment operation, and sustainable environmental stewardship. Student gardeners will receive horticultural and health and safety training.
General landscape maintenance tasks include but are not exclusive to:
- Garden cleanup, weeding, watering, digging, raking, mulching, and cultivating
- Deadheading and pruning of various plants
- Tree and shrub planting, pruning, and maintenance
- Routine trash pickup
- Operation of grounds maintenance equipment
- Turf maintenance
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
- 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.
To apply email Rob Gray, Horticultural Technologist & Arborist, at robert.gray@humber.ca with your work study confirmation letter, resume and cover letter. Please be sure to indicate in your email subject line the title of the position you are applying for (Student Gardener).
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.
- Manager, Humber Arboretum and Centre for Urban Ecology, apply by May 19 (extended)
Humber Arboretum Ambassadors: Student Volunteer Opportunities
Another way for students to get involved is to apply to be a Humber Arboretum Ambassador. This program provides opportunities to 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. Based on their skills and interests, HAAs focus on one of three streams:
- Community Connector
- Media Maven
- Nature Steward
The application process to become an HAA will generally open in the late summer and close in late September. Please visit the Humber Arboretum Ambassadors page to learn more
(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!)
