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Permaculture Instructor
Job Number: 6
Position Title: Introduction to Permaculture Instructor – Part-time, Contract
Department: Pacific Horticulture College
Reports To: College Director
Start Date: July 2021
Hours: Approximately 21 teaching hours on Thursdays from July to August 2021; classes are either a half day (3-3.25 hours) or full day (6.25 hours)
Rate of Pay: $48 per hour of instructional time plus addition 10% for preparation and storage of course materials
Background
Established in 1987, the Pacific Horticulture College (PHC) offers full-time and part-time training opportunities in all four levels of the Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship. The PHC is designated by the Private Institutions Training Branch (PTIB) and is an Industry Training Authority (ITA) designated training provider. The mission of the PHC is to provide excellence in horticulture training, enabling students to maximize employment opportunities while encouraging environmental stewardship of green space.
Position Description
The PHC is seeking an instructor to coordinate and teach Introduction to Permaculture classes for approximately 20 Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program students. This position involves, but is not limited to, the following:
- Course preparation and organization of learning activities based on course objectives
- Classroom instruction in the subject area
- Organizing and leading relevant field trips
- Assessing students’ knowledge through quizzes, assignments, and other relevant evaluation methods
- Communicating with students and staff by email and in person
- Coordination with the HCP Head Gardener and staff to accomplish on-site work in the HCP Permaculture Garden
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a valuable education experience while ensuring adequate development of knowledge in this area.
Instructors are hired on a per-course basis depending on their subject area of expertise. Once hired, instructors are responsible for teaching based on the provided PHC learning objectives and will assess students according to these objectives. Instructors are also responsible for course preparation and design of learning and assessment activities, communicating with students by email through the duration of the course, working with the PHC staff to ensure students adhere to college policies, and grading student work and/or performance.
Course Information
Course Description:
This course covers the foundations of permaculture design theory as it applies to the HCP Permaculture Garden. Learning will be facilitated via reading from Practical Permaculture for Home Landscapes, Your Community and the Whole Earth (Bloom & Boehnlein, 2015), class lectures, guest instructors, field trips, and practical application.
Course Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define permaculture
- Describe permaculture ethics & principles
- Understand what it means to have a holistic, ecological mindset vs. reductionist mindset when thinking about a landscape
- Consider the social aspects of permaculture
- Describe planting, soil management, and water management techniques in a permaculture garden
- Compare how different plant systems may be incorporated into a permaculture garden
- Overview key skills involved in permaculture project planning
- Gain practical experience in the HCP Permaculture Garden
Required Skills
- Extensive knowledge of permaculture concepts and practices
- Able to explain difficult concepts to a diverse group of students
- Demonstrate patience and respect when working with students
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organization and time management
Required Experience
- Minimum five years of relevant industry experience is required
- Minimum two years of experience in instructing groups is preferred
Required Education
- Certificate, Diploma, Degree or other education in a relevant field is required
- Instructional Skills Workshop or other teaching course is preferred
Application Information
Please submit a current resume that includes evidence of any teaching or training experience and industry experience to college@hcp.ca. The posting is open until a suitable candidate has been hired.