Work in the Humber Arboretum Gardens
Do you love being outdoors and appreciate nature? Do you want to learn new skills and be part of a team? Apply to be a Horticulture and Landscape Assistant at the Humber Arboretum!
Throughout the year, the Humber Arboretum has a team of Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students who help maintain the grounds, serve as nature stewards, and create an outstanding experience for Arboretum visitors.
About the Humber Arboretum
The Humber Arboretum offers 100 hectares of public gardens and urban greenspace connected to Humber Polytechnic North Campus. It operates as a tri-partnership between Humber Polytechnic, the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry, and Recreation Department, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
The grounds of the Humber Arboretum are free to visit and open to the public during daylight hours year-round. Numerous programs at Humber Polytechnic use the grounds to facilitate experiential learning opportunities, and the Arboretum's Centre for Urban Ecology offers events and programs for schools and the general public.
The Humber Arboretum's 2019-2024 Strategic Plan identified three priorities: World-Ready Citizens, Healthy Communities, and Thriving Nature.
About the Job
Horticulture and Landscape Assistants play a vital role in maintaining the aesthetics of the grounds and public gardens. With over 50 annual and perennial bed displays along with planters, the Humber Food Learning Garden, and a variety of natural areas, accepted candidates can look forward to learning a variety of horticultural and ecological skills.
Related previous experience is an asset but is not required. We are looking for positive and energetic individuals with a passion for horticulture and/or the environment who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty. Working within a team environment, students may learn a wide assortment of landscaping techniques including:
- Seasonal clean up
- Planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, annuals, and perennials
- Plant protection
- 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
Status: Applications for 2025 are now closed
Position: Horticulture and Landscape Assistant
Position Details:
Pay rate: Starting between $17.20 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience
Dates: April 28 to August 29, 2025
Hours: 35 hours per week (work takes place Monday to Friday; no weekends required)
Location: Humber Polytechnic North Campus (205 Humber College Blvd)
Deadline to Apply: February 28, 2025
Job Description:
The Humber Arboretum Horticulture and Landscape Assistants have the unique opportunity to receive training from our Red Seal Landscape Horticulturalist and work with Humber Arboretum Landscape and Horticulture staff to increase their horticultural knowledge and gain practical work and leadership experience within a public garden and arboretum setting.
Working as a Horticulture and Landscape Assistant is also a great chance to meet and work with like minded peers who share a similar passion for creating beauty for all to enjoy!
Further develop skills and gain experience in:
- Spring garden cleanup including edging, perennial cut-back, mulching, and removal of winterizing materials,
- Annual and perennial bed preparation, planting and maintenance, including bulb removal from annual beds, roto-tilling, and layout and spacing of plants from garden bed designs generated in Dynascape.
- Tree and shrub planting, pruning, and maintenance when required.
- Operation of grounds maintenance equipment including utility vehicles (EV John Deere Gators), loppers, pruning saws, pull saws, leaf blowers and roto-tillers.
- General maintenance of turf, hard surfaces, garden structures and pathways.
Required Qualifications/Skills/Experience:
Must be a current student of either Humber Polytechnic or the University of Guelph-Humber. These positions are open to students from any program but preference is given to students enrolled in Humber's Landscape or Horticulture programs.
Other Qualifications:
- 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
- Related experience is an asset
- Valid driver's license is required to operate utility vehicles
- Must have own pair of C.S.A. (green patch) safety boots
- Must be able to sustain physical activity necessary for the maintenance of gardens and grounds
To Apply:
Applications are now closed for 2025
Email your resume and cover letter to Humber Arboretum Landscape Operations Coordinator Rob Gray at: robert.gray@humber.ca
Please be sure to indicate in your email subject line the title of the position you are applying for. Please indicate in your application if you have Work Study approval.
More Opportunities
If you don't think the Student Gardener role is right for you, students of Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber may also be interested in other student employment with Humber Arboretum in the office or as a summer Nature Camp leader, or volunteering in the Humber Arboretum Learning by Leading™ program. Learn about all of the opportunities for students at the Humber Arboretum.
