Job ID #31066: Historic Kitchen Garden Supervisor

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 #31066: Historic Kitchen Garden Supervisor


• Union: CUPE 1041


• Job Description ID #: 7281


• Duration: Up to 6 months


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on May 21, 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

Reporting to the Program Manager Sites and Museums is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and delivery of period programming (including public, educational, exhibits and special events) related to Dundurn National Historic Site, the Historic Kitchen Garden.  Works in tandem with the Dundurn NHS and Military Museum Supervisors to ensure site messages are consistent with site wide programming Responsible for the coordination of design and planning, planting, maintenance, and harvest of the historic garden using a combination of historic and modern tools and methods.  Provides visitor orientation, education and interpretation of Dundurn National Historic Site, with special focus on the 19th Century garden and grounds; performs and demonstrates mid-19th century gardening techniques in period costume in a restored garden. 

GENERAL DUTIES

Plan, organize, and direct the administration and operation of the Historic Kitchen Garden which is part of Dundurn National Historic Site according to applicable policies, procedures and interpretive plans.

Supervise, co-ordinate, train and assign tasks to garden demonstrators including interviewing, hiring, orienting, training, scheduling, disciplining and evaluating staff in accordance with established policies and procedures. 

Develop, implement and review public programmes (school and community programmes, outreach, public tours, special events) and exhibitions (permanant and temporary) relating to the Historic Kitchen Garden and Dundurn National Historic Site.

Responsible for managing and delivery of visitor orientation, education and interpretation of Dundurn National Historic Site and Dundurn’s Historic Kitchen Garden demonstrating 19th century gardening techniques, as well as the related sites. As well as represents the museum at off site functions.

Work with the Site Supervisor and Program Manager Sites and Museums to prepare and monitor operational and capital budgets for the Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden including preparation and monitoring of revenue and expenses budgets, and preparing reports on wage and visitor tracking.

Assists with the monitoring and the maintenance of all buildings and grounds (including in-ground archaeological resources) and associated capital inventory. Monitors public safety in garden and grounds. Ensures visitors are safe while in vicinity to sharp tools, equipment, and chemicals. Reports deficiencies in safety/security systems, maintenance issues, and apparent damage or loss to Maintenance and Operations Supervisor.

Collaborates and provides social media content for the Historic Kitchen Garden and Dundurn National Historic Site.

Researches, develops, designs and maintains a functioning, decorative, accurate, and productive kitchen garden using a combination of industry-standard horticultural practices alongside historic tools, techniques and cultivars typically found in a mid-19th century garden.

Schedules and co-ordinates short and long-term planting and maintenance programs, including purchasing and maintenance of all pesticide applications, fertilization programs, cultural requirements for annuals, perennials, shrubs and turf areas.

Research traditional, tools, methods, plant varieties for the 1850’s garden and landscape, maintain inventory of supplies and tools and ensures the security of the artefacts and equipment. 

Ensures that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties.  Ensures that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures.  Ensures that appropriate action is recommended for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Ensure all health and food regulations, required licenses and safety codes are followed and communicated to staff and volunteers. Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

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 related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Recent Historic garden and interpretive experience related to duties listed above normally acquired by obtaining a Community College Diploma in a museum, horticulture or other related discipline or a combination of education and related work experience.


2. Demonstrated experience in horticulture, including technical knowledge required to co-ordinate the planting and maintenance of various Horticulture programs.


3. Demonstrated supervisory experience preferably in a museum environment. Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, report writing and interpersonal skills in order to co-ordinate, develop, supervise and support staff, consultants and contractors. 


4. Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, delivering and evaluating public, educational and special interest programs and special events in a range of formats in both indoor, outdoor, and digital spaces.


5. Experience working/partnering with community/special interest groups for the purposes of programs, exhibition and special events.


6. Experience in providing visitor orientation and interpretation by developing programs, researching pertinent facts and providing interpretation for 19th Century garden and landscape.


7. Experience working in a computerized environment with working knowledge of Microsoft Office XP (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Desktop Publishing) for the purposes of producing reports, spreadsheets, record keeping and for exhibition and program development.


8. Experience as a master gardener.  Master Gardener certification or equivalent would be considered an asset.


9. Must be able to work on weekends, some evenings and statutory holidays.

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.