Collections Management Curator

The Niagara Parks Commission

5d•CA$32 - CA$39•Onsite

About The Position

Join us in shaping the gardens and the gardeners of tomorrow! You'll curate vibrant plant and library collections, keep our living landscapes beautifully documented, and inspire students as they grow into confident horticultural pros. At Niagara Parks, every day brings an opportunity to work somewhere extraordinary. As a self‑financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, we are the caretakers of 56 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and the hosts of millions of visitors from around the world. Our vision is ambitious: to become one of the most spectacular parks in the world. And we’re well on our way thanks to the passionate, enthusiastic, and caring people who power our organization. From attractions and retail to heritage, culinary, and golf operations, our career paths are as diverse as the lands we protect. This role blends plant curation, records management, and hands‑on teaching. You’ll manage and document the Botanical Gardens’ living collections, maintain plant records and the herbarium, and oversee the School of Horticulture’s library resources. You’ll also teach and evaluate students in horticultural skills, helping them grow into future industry leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Horticulture or a closely allied field with course work in Botany, Taxonomy and/or Plant Systematics.
A minimum of three (3) years of hands-on collections management experience at a botanical garden or arboretum; thorough knowledge of perennials, woody plants, arboriculture, soil biology and plant health care.
Extensive working knowledge of botanical garden collection management principles and taxonomic principles in relation to ornamental plants.
Thorough knowledge of botanical garden documentation procedures and protocols (both living and preserved).
Excellent working knowledge of BG-Base, AutoCAD and other database, spreadsheet and word processing software.
Ability to accurately identify ornamental and native plants using taxonomic keys, monographs and other technical references.
Knowledge of, and experience in, landscaping techniques and design principles and an ability to approach garden development creatively.
Excellent written and oral communication skills to teach and instruct students in horticulture theory and practice and to manage effectively the work of students, co-ops , full-time and seasonal bargaining unit staff, interns and volunteers.
Highly developed organization skills with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous programs yet maintain attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Teach and mentor students in horticultural skills, techniques, and leadership.
Plan and deliver hands‑on learning activities for groups of up to 45 students.
Demonstrate horticultural practices and develop students’ professional and supervisory skills.
Assess student performance and skill development on a daily basis.
Ensure student adherence to all safety procedures.
Contribute to course instruction and curriculum development
Document and manage living and preserved plant collections in alignment with collection policies and mission.
Maintain and update plant records using BG‑Base and support mapping through AutoCAD.
Oversee daily operations of plant records systems, troubleshooting software/hardware issues.
Conduct inventories and prepare reports on the living and preserved collections.
Verify plant specimens and support grounds surveying and mapping.
Create, maintain, and inventory plant labels and signage.
Support development and compliance with plant collections management policies.
Accession new and existing plants, including research into provenance.
Maintain and develop the herbarium, verifying specimens and creating new vouchers.
Manage the School of Horticulture library collection using specialized database systems.
Order, catalog, process, circulate, and archive textbooks and reference materials.
Issue overdue notices and manage associated fines.
Maintain library and archival selection criteria and perform annual inventories.
Assist staff and students in locating information and resources.
Maintain archival databases and records.
Train student librarians, staff, and students in library use and research skills.
Deliver workshops on research techniques.
Maintain the library resource page within the LMS.
As assigned.

Benefits

Employer‑matched Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
Life and disability insurance
Vacation entitlements and paid time off
Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Professional development and growth opportunities
Discounts at Niagara Parks retail, culinary, and golf locations
Complimentary passes to Niagara Parks attractions to share with family and friends
Free entry at Niagara Parks attractions
Access to the Attractions Ontario Reciprocal Program
Exclusive Perkopolis discounts
Free transportation on the WEGO Green Line and Falls Incline Railway