Greenhouse and Garden Assistant Summer Student Position

Start date: Starting immediately and continuing until Thursday, August 28, 2025

Position status: Full-time, Temporary (8 or 9 weeks); (32 hours/week, flexible schedule which can be arranged with supervisor. Some availability will be needed for our Saturday market).

Location: Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Compensation: $23.50/hour

Submission deadline: June 9th, 2025

About Ecotrust Canada

Ecotrust Canada is an enterprising non-profit that works with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities toward building an economy that provides for a healthy and resilient natural environment; sustainable and abundant energy, food, and housing; prosperous and meaningful livelihoods; and vibrant cultures and inclusive societies. We call this approach building an economy that provides for life. Our on-the-ground work and systems approach is entrepreneurial, partnership-based, and relentlessly practical. To learn more visit ecotrust.ca.

The Greenhouse and Garden Assistant will join Ecotrust Canada’s Food Systems Program, which is based on Coast Ts’msyen territories in Prince Rupert, BC. Our team works towards creating collaborative, vibrant, and innovative local food economies built by and for communities, supported by local and regional food production and marketplaces that are resilient and sustainable.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and reliable summer student to support the setup and maintenance of six school-based greenhouses (three new and three existing), as part of a collaborative food security and land-based learning initiative with School District 52 in Prince Rupert.

Over a 9-week placement, the School Greenhouse & Garden Assistant will gain hands-on experience in greenhouse setup, food growing, greenhouse care, and community-based food programming. The student will work under the supervision of the Greenhouse Coordinator and/or Program Manager, contributing to daily greenhouse tasks such as planting, maintenance, and harvesting, while also assisting with educational and food distribution activities tied to the School Food Program. This position is ideal for a youth passionate about sustainability, food systems, and making a tangible difference in their community.

This position offers hands-on training in greenhouse growing, food systems, and environmental sustainability. You will build employable skills in agriculture, teamwork, communication, and data tracking—ideal for those exploring careers in food systems, climate action, education, or community health.

We’re looking for someone who is dependable, eager to learn, and enjoys working in a hands-on setting. No prior greenhouse experience is necessary—we’ll provide training!

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup and organization of three new school greenhouses
• Support the maintenance of three existing greenhouses
• Water, weed, and care for greenhouse crops
• Plant seeds and transplant seedlings
• Harvest vegetables, herbs, and other crops
• Help with composting and soil preparation
• Monitor plant health and report any issues (e.g., pests, diseases)
• Keep greenhouse spaces clean, organized, and safe
• Record planting, watering, and harvesting data
• Participate in occasional educational or community activities if scheduled
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures

Skills and Qualifications

• Must be between 15–30 years of age and legally entitled to work in Canada (as per Canada Summer Jobs program)
• Interest in gardening, food production, sustainability, and/or Indigenous food systems
• Ability to work independently and in all weather conditions
• Dependable, organized, and able to follow instructions
• Able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to support accessibility needs.
• Previous experience with gardening or greenhouse work is an asset but not required
• Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to community-based projects

Additional Information

This position is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program and was approved under the Canada Summer Jobs title “Greenhouse Labourer.”. Ecotrust Canada strongly encourages applications from Indigenous youth, youth from rural or remote communities, and others who reflect the diversity of Prince Rupert and surrounding areas. Training and support will be provided throughout the placement.

Equity at the centre

Ecotrust Canada holds a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as core principles integral to the work we do. We seek diverse perspectives and lived experiences that foster learning, creativity, and innovation. Likewise, decolonization is central to the change we seek to make in the world, and we highly encourage Indigenous applicants to consider this position.

Reconciliation

Ecotrust Canada is committed to building respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities and peoples. We are committed to upholding and respecting Indigenous governance, rights, and title in the places we live, work, and dream together. For more information, please see our Framework for Advancing Reconciliation here.

Submission Details

Please submit resume, cover letter, including two references, as one PDF titled with your name and position title, with “CSJ – Greenhouse Assistant” in the subject line by midnight PST on June 9th, 2025.

If you don’t have a formal resume or cover letter, feel free to submit a titled PDF with a short introduction, your interests, and any experience you’d like to share. We’re happy to work with you.

Job Application - CSJ Greenhouse Assistant Job

Please submit your application as one PDF by midnight PST on June 9th, 2025.