Heritage Gardener

Sherbrooke Restoration Commission or Sherbrooke Village Museum

Sherbrooke, NS

Heritage Gardener

Sherbrooke Village is seeking a collaborative, friendly, and knowledgeable person to develop and maintain heritage gardens across the Museum site. Sherbrooke Village occupies a 53-acre site with over 80 frame buildings reflecting rural village life of the 1860-1880 period. Gardens are important to the Museum program, representing decorative, medicinal, and food-producing plants and trees in various areas of our grounds. Heritage Gardeners are responsible for undertaking work related to the planning, development and maintenance of the gardens and trees at Sherbrooke Village, and work as part of a grounds maintenance team.

Sherbrooke Village is in search of someone who can bring an adaptable and dependable attitude backed by accountability and sound judgment. We seek to improve the enjoyment and understanding of authentic Nova Scotian histories presented in a unique museum setting. You’ll work with various gardens across the Museum site, including Heritage Park, during busy tourism seasons where excellent service to our visitors is our priority.

The Heritage Gardener reports to the Supervisor of Interpretation and the Heritage Interpretation Team, with support from the Site Maintenance Supervisor. They provide vital services that support the Tea Room Restaurant, Heritage Interpretation, community use of site and general enjoyment of the Museum grounds.

Type of Employment: Full-Time, Seasonal with entitlement to annual recall
Salary: $20.40 per hour at 35 hrs per week, plus 4% vacation pay and 2% in lieu of benefits
Closing Date: March 31, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Start Date: May 12, 2025 for a minimum of 18 weeks

Core activities include:
 

• Working alongside other site staff, will greet visitors and provide them with introductions to gardens, heritage plants and trees, Museum program, and Sherbrooke Village history.
• Research historically accurate plants appropriate to the time(s) and place(s) on display in the Village; research where to obtain plants or seeds and when to plant them.
• Develop and maintain the gardens during the growing season; prepare gardens for winter according to heritage practices.
• Support development and delivery of visitor experiences like tours and programs.
• Ensure all work carried out is done with public presentation in mind.
• Maintain tools used to perform a variety of work (planting, weeding, watering, trimming and pruning), garden buildings and other equipment.
• Wear period clothing according to Sherbrooke Village Wardrobe standards.
• Lifting will be required, in excess of 50lbs, in addition to working on uneven surfaces, and use of heavy equipment on occasion.

Qualifications
The successful candidate may have a combination of experience listed below - Sherbrooke Village values transferrable skills. We are seeking candidates who have:
 

• High School Diploma and some work experience; Preference will be given to individuals with demonstrated interest in gardening, landscaping and/or environmental design
• Knowledge of gardening and landscaping techniques.
• Ability to speak in front of groups and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Ability to coordinate activities with other staff in a manner that causes harmonious and effective teamwork when working close to the public.
• Currently has or is willing and able to get certified upon appointment in the following: First Aid, WHIMS, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Occupational Health & Safety training and Safe Work Practices.

Great-to-Haves

• Experience and education in horticulture, landscaping, or environmental studies
• Demonstrated interest in heritage gardening techniques and sustainable gardening practices.

Please provide complete and thorough details of your education and experience. All complete applications must include a cover letter and current resumé with references and should be clearly marked “Heritage Gardener”. Resume and Cover letter must be sent or delivered:

Sherbrooke Village, ATTN: Executive Director,
42 Main St., PO Box 295, Sherbrooke, NS B0J 3C0 by close of business March 21st, 2025.
Emails must include a cover letter and current resumé with references and must be sent to: Sherbrooke.ED@novascotia.ca

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union. External applicants are welcome; preference is given to qualified Sherbrooke Village NSGEU bargaining unit candidates first. A criminal record check and Child Abuse Registry check will be required of successful candidates. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone or faxed applications will be accepted.

HOW TO APPLY

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