Summer Job: Heritage Gardens Assistant

The Grist Mill and Gardens at Keremeos is a provincial historic site that features spectacular gardens, fascinating heritage buildings and the only working waterwheel-powered flour mill in Western Canada.

In the last eight years, the Grist Mill has seen incredible growth with a six-fold increase in attendance, thanks in part to a commitment to on-site experience. Fueled by our talented and enthusiastic staff, we are united in our passion to being one of the fastest growing attractions in BC as we work to be an innovative leader in the heritage community.

We’re looking for a student who wants to join our team to help us tend to and expand our gardens, vegetables, herbs and ornamentals. The selected candidate will work closely with our Head Gardener.

Responsibilities:

This position will be responsible for assisting gardens staff maintain and expand the signature heritage gardens on the site during the 2024 summer season. These grounds are used extensively by our community partners for a wide variety of community and other special events during the summer season as well as being a significant regional tourist draw themselves.

This position will also be instrumental in an expansion of the pioneering heritage seed research that has been happening on site, exploring the viability of nearly extinct heritage varieties for renewed commercial cultivation. We will be partnering with the Canadian Seed Library and others for this work.

Qualifications:

  • currently enrolled as student in a horticulture or similar program or in a Museum Studies, Education or Heritage Interpretation program with a strong personal interest in small-scale agriculture.
  • excellent communications and interpersonal skills
  • ability to lift 50 lbs
  • ability to work both independently and in a team
  • ability to think creatively
  • between 15 and 30 years of age and returning to school in the fall of 2024
  • willing to commit to working 35 hours per week from May 15 – September 4, 2024
    Students still in high school will also be considered even if they don’t meet the above qualifications, with the understanding they may work limited hours until late June.

Hourly Wage: $18.50/hr + 4% in lieu of benefits.

How to Apply:

Please direct questions and submit resumes to:

Chris Mathieson
Grist Mill and Gardens
2691 Upper Bench Road
Keremeos, BC V0X1N4
chris@oldgristmill.ca
(250) 499-2888

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis, so quick applications are encouraged. If you plan to apply for more than one position, only a single resume is required. Please note in your cover letter which position(s) you are applying for.

This position is funded in part through Service Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs program. Government of Canada job equity groups are encouraged to apply. This position is subject to final funding approval.