Job ID #31019: Garden Demonstrator

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31019: Garden Demonstrator


• Union: CUPE Local 5167


• Job Description ID #: 2767


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on May 7 2025


• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reports to the Historic Kitchen Garden Supervisor. In accordance with museums standards: Provides visitor orientation and interpretation of Dundurn National Historic Site for on and off-site functions; wears period costume; interprets nineteenth century gardens and grounds and demonstrates historical gardening activities; plans and implements public and educational programs, exhibits and special events for all ages and abilities, performs clerical duties and maintains security forbuildings and collections.

GENERAL DUTIES

Works as part of a team with Historic Kitchen Garden Supervisor, Garden Demonstrators, summer students, interns and volunteers.

Receives visitors, gives tours and provides historical interpretation of the site (including public tours of Dundurn Castle, the Historic Kitchen Garden, Dundurn Park and all associated out buildings).

Wears period costume and demonstrates the role of a nineteenth century servant or gardener

Responsible for all aspects of tours, programmes and special events such as demonstrations, timing, group control, visitor and artifact safety, planning, promotion, and implementation for the site.

Provides interpretation while engaging in historical gardening activities.

Plants and maintains period gardens using both traditional and modern methods and equipment.

Researches traditions, techniques, information and equipment for 1850s gardens and estate grounds as well as information relating to Dundurn Castle.

Maintains security for historic kitchen garden, associated out buildings and artifacts.

Assists with developing and implementing public programs such as workshops, special events, educational programs, lectures, demonstrations, tours, etc. for the public including school age children, seniors, adults, disabled and special interest groups.

Represents the museum at off site functions

Assists with the setting up and dismantling of displays and exhibits.

Assists with collections management such as artifact registration, records and inventory.

May be required to take tickets and complete related forms.

Orders materials and supplies.

Reports maintenance deficiencies.

Maintains tools and work area.

Opens and closes Historic Kitchen Garden as required.

Word-processes correspondence, garden notes and educational support material.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.  Demonstrated recent experience in gardening or farming and interpretation experience related to duties listed above normally acquired through a combination of education and relevant experience.


2. Have a working knowledge of fruits, vegetables, herbs (including edible, medicinal and ornamental varieties). Have a working knowledge of both historic and modern tools, techniques and equipment.


3. Ability to identify modern and heirloom annuals, perennials, biennials, and weeds.


4. Demonstrated ability to provide visitor orientation and interpretation, research pertinent facts and assist in the planning and implementation of special events, programs and exhibits on and off site.   Must possess practical knowledge and skill relating to a specific field.


5. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills with visitors of all ages and interest; must have experience communicating with groups of mixed ages, knowledge, ability, and interests.


6.  Experience in a computerized environment.  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office XP (Word, Excel and Microsoft Outlook).


7.  Must be available to work days, nights and weekends.
   


8.  Bilingualism would be considered an asset.


9.  Experience with artifact handling would be considered an asset.
   

Note 1: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain, at their own expense, a Criminal Record & Judicial Matter (CRJM) Check, satisfactory to the City of Hamilton, prior to beginning work in this position.

Note 2: This position may be required to work nights and weekends, as well as staggered work hours to meet operational needs

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.