News

Master Gardener Program Facilitators (Three positions available)

Alberta, Atlantic and Ontario

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social, and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our more than 20,000 students coming from outside the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, Nova Scotia. Offering technical, undergraduate, and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies.

Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

Offered through Extended Learning at the Faculty of Agriculture, the Master Gardener program is comprised of four independent study, non-credit courses which are delivered fully online. The courses include Science of Gardening, Maintaining the Garden, Plant ID and Use, and Art of Gardening. Students can enter courses three times per year: Oct 1 2024- March 31 2025, Nov 15 2024- May 15 2025, and Feb 1 2025- July 31 2025.

The Master Gardener program is designed for those who have a passion for gardening, who want to expand their knowledge in the horticulture field or want to become a certified Master Gardener. Facilitators will report to the Program Manager, Extended Learning.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Deliver the Master Gardener program, including all 4 courses.

• Facilitate virtual office hours on a weekly basis (30 minutes/course x 4 courses = 2 hrs).

• Provide minor course revisions.     

• Monitor and respond to student questions about course content in a timely manner.

• Communicate with students online.

• Prepare tests and evaluations.

• Mark assignments and submit grades according to timeline.

• Communicate on a regular basis with the Program Manager to ensure course is meeting learning outcomes and troubleshoot any issues.

• Participate in Master Gardener Planning Committee meetings.

• This position works collaboratively with the Program Manager and Manager of Extended Learning.

Note: All information, documents, materials, and deliverables, developed, discovered and/or produced in this role is exclusive property of Dalhousie University.

This position is eligible to work remotely. Must have own computer and access to an internet connection conducive to teaching an online course. Physical space can be provided in the Extended Learning office.

Qualifications:

• At least one year experience in teaching in a post-secondary educational institution.

• Must have demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills as well as collegiality, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Online teaching experience is critical.

• Technical diploma in related field (plant science or horticulture preferred) with approximately two years’ relevant experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g. Brightspace) is an asset.

• Knowledge of, or Certification as a Master Gardener, is an asset.

Atlantic Instructor: This is a casual position from May 15 - August 9, 2024 (max 25 hours), and September 23, 2024 – August 8, 2025 (max 215 hours), with fluctuating hours, with on average 2-5 hours per week depending on the time of year and program stage. Salary rate: $27.28 per hour with a maximum total of 215 hours.

Alberta Instructor: This is a casual position from September 23, 2024 – August 8, 2025, with fluctuating hours, with on average 2-5 hours per week depending on the time of year and program stage. Salary rate: $27.28 per hour with a maximum total of 215 hours.

Ontario Instructor: This is a casual position from May 15 - August 9, 2024 (max 25 hours), and September 23, 2024 – August 8, 2025 (max 215 hours), with fluctuating hours, with on average 2-5 hours per week depending on the time of year and program stage. Salary at a rate of $27.28 per hour with a maximum total of 215 hours.

Any work beyond the scope included can be negotiated. For example, compensation upon completion of new course development, major program revisions, etc., can be negotiated.

Required: Cover letter, resume/CV

Note: Applicants are permitted to apply for more than one position. Please clearly indicate which position (s) are being applied for in the cover letter.

If you are interested in the above position (s), please apply in writing by the application deadline to Kamryn.Findlay@dal.ca. Applications must include a cover letter, resume/CV.

Date to Apply: Tuesday, May 14, 2024.