Outdoor Classroom & Landscape Manager

at  Dalhousie University

JOB SUMMARY

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. 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. Reporting to the Department Chair, Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences (PFES), the Outdoor Classroom & Landscape (OCL) Manager will supervise the Botanical Garden and Horticultural staff while overseeing the maintenance of outdoor classroom spaces, including orchard, gardens, greenhouses, and living/green walls, and managing and coordinating research space in the Demonstration Garden.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in Landscape Horticulture, Landscape Design, Horticulture, Business or a related field plus approximately five years’ progressively responsible management experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience in staff and project management, strategic and long term goal management, and coordinating and liaising with other business units as well as direct garden/landscape management experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills, and the proven ability to balance multiple projects in a fluid, busy work environment.
• Demonstrated success creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
• This position may require lifting up to 50 lbs. and the operation of snow removal and landscaping equipment.

• Manage, and determine and direct the long- and short-term planning and prioritization of OCL work activities for a mix of NSGEU staff, summer student employees and interns, volunteers and contractors. Ensure all work is performed in a safe, effective, environment, and in a timely manner.
• Plan and coordinate OCL work as it relates to teaching, research, campus infrastructure development, and other activities undertaken by all units across the Campus. Liaise and coordinate with Facilities Management and other units across Campus regarding upcoming projects as appropriate.
• Monitor snow/ice conditions to maintain safe walkways and building entrances, and, working with the Farm snow removal team, plan, direct and monitor snow removal/ice control for all walkways and building entrances. Confer with Campus Principal as necessary for winter storm responses.
• Manage requests for course plant and building materials, and demonstrations of techniques and applications for credit and non-credit courses from OCL staff, including delivering demonstrations as required. Liaise with campus stakeholders to determine needs for each upcoming season and long-term.
• Prepare and monitor the OCL annual operational budget. Collaborate with the PFES Dept Chair and Department Administrator on the budgetary need for OCL activities and facilities, including identifying equipment and other large-scale purchase requirements.