We Are Hiring Garden Assistants for the 2026 Growing Season!

Role Summary

The Garden Assistant is an entry-level role designed for individuals seeking immersive, hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. The successful candidates will develop a foundational understanding of cultivation techniques that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and resource conservation. By bridging the gap between agricultural theory and hands-on practice, participants cultivate a deep understanding of seasonality and biodiversity while contributing to a robust campus food system.

Position Details

  • 30 hours per week

  • 17 week duration (May 4th - Aug 28th)

  • $18.60/hr

  • This position is contingent on funding

Essential Skills & Attributes

  • Able to perform repetitive physical tasks in various weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.) and lift up to 50 lb

  • Strong time management skills and a commitment to maintaining a consistent field schedule

  • Ability to work effectively within a diverse team and communicate clearly and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and community members

  • An adaptable attitude when faced with the changing priorities of a seasonal growing environment

  • A demonstrated interest in ecological agriculture, biology, environmental studies/science, food justice, and/or community gardening

  • Experience or interest in public outreach, social media, or community organizing

  • Awareness of basic tool safety and commitment to maintaining a clean, organized workspace

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assist the Director with the full crop cycle including, seeding, transplants, propagation and irrigation

  • Execute integrated pest and disease management and maintain soil fertility through natural amendments, cover cropping, and crop rotations

  • Participate in the harvesting and distribution of fresh produce to the Seasoned Spoon Café and various community partners serving free meals in the Peterborough Nogojiwanong community

  • Participate in team-led food processing and preservation workshops using garden-grown yields

  • Work alongside the Director, independently and as a team, to complete daily garden tasks

  • Support event planning, volunteer supervision, and outreach initiatives

  • Assist in the support of on-site space sharing community partners

  • Assist with volunteer engagement, supervision, and support

  • Assist with the delivery of workshops, events, and garden tours

  • Support the management of community garden plots

  • Keep an accurate and up to date work log of tasks completed and hours contributed

Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, & Equity

At the Trent Vegetable Gardens, we believe that a resilient local food system, is inseparable from social justice. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities feel valued and empowered. We recognize that systemic barriers have historically excluded marginalized groups from Land access and agricultural leadership, and we work actively to challenge these inequities within our own programming and hiring practises. We encourage applications from persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, Black people, members of racialized communities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

To be eligible applicants must be:   

  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,  

  • Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations  

To Apply:

Please email job applications to trentvegetablegardens@gmail.com with the subject line “Garden Assistant Job Application.” Attach your application as one PDF document containing both a resume and cover letter.