Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly

Gardener

Job Title: Gardener
Reports To: Employment, Training, and Asset Manager
Term: Full-time, Term (4 months)
Compensation: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Start Date: As soon as a suitable candidate is found
Closing Date: June 19th, 2026

Position Purpose
Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly (CNA) was created in 2013 as a powerful and unifying voice for eight Nlaka’pamux Bands regarding the Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine. It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the eight Participating Bands. Headquartered in Merritt, BC, with a workforce of over 40, CNA provides training and job readiness along with cultural, social, and technical programming to the over 3035 members of the eight Participating Bands.

Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly (CNA) is seeking a motivated and reliable Gardener to support the care, maintenance, and stewardship of CNA gardens, greenhouse operations, landscaping, and outdoor spaces. This four-month term position plays an important role in maintaining safe, welcoming, and productive environments across multiple CNA-owned properties while supporting community beautification, food security initiatives, and environmental stewardship.

Reporting to the Employment, Training and Asset Manager, the Gardener will assist with greenhouse operations, plant care, gardening activities, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and general upkeep of CNA facilities and properties. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively while demonstrating respect for the land, community, and organizational values.

Because this role supports multiple CNA-owned and operated properties, regular travel between work sites is required throughout the term.

Primary Duties

• Monitor and maintain greenhouse conditions, including temperature, watering schedules, ventilation, and cleanliness,
• Plant, transplant, water, fertilize, and care for flowers, vegetables, herbs, traditional plants, and other plant species,
• Monitor plant health and identify pests, diseases, weeds, or other issues requiring attention,
• Assist with seed starting, propagation, harvesting, composting, and seasonal crop planning,
• Prepare garden beds and planting areas for seasonal planting and cultivation,
• Plant, cultivate, weed, mulch, maintain, and harvest crops as required,
• Support community garden, greenhouse, and food production initiatives,
• Provide light daily care for small livestock, including feeding, watering, monitoring wellbeing, collecting eggs where applicable, and maintaining clean and safe enclosures in accordance with established procedures,
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot irrigation systems where applicable,
• Maintain lawns, landscaped areas, pathways, parking areas, and outdoor gathering spaces,
• Perform routine groundskeeping activities including mowing, trimming, edging, raking, watering, sweeping, and debris removal,
• Assist with seasonal grounds maintenance, property clean-up, and site beautification activities,
• Travel between multiple CNA-owned properties to perform gardening, groundskeeping, and maintenance duties,
• Conduct routine inspections of gardening and groundskeeping equipment and report maintenance concerns, repairs, or supply shortages,
• Clean, organize, maintain, and properly store tools, equipment, and materials,
• Support community events, workshops, and activities requiring garden, greenhouse, or outdoor space preparation,
• Promote environmental stewardship, sustainable gardening practices, and respect for the land,
• Interact respectfully and professionally with community members, visitors, contractors, and staff,
• Follow all CNA policies, procedures, and safe work practices,
• Safely operate tools, equipment, and vehicles associated with gardening and grounds maintenance,
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), report incidents, hazards, and near misses, and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, and
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Management and delegates.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of gardening, greenhouse operations, landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, or grounds maintenance practices,
• Knowledge of fertilizers, soil amendments, irrigation systems, and plant health management is considered an asset,
• Knowledge of WHMIS requirements and the safe handling, storage, and application of fertilizers, chemicals, and related products is considered an asset,
• Ability and willingness to care for small livestock, including feeding and watering, is considered an asset,
• Ability to safely operate gardening, landscaping, groundskeeping, and maintenance equipment,
• Ability to identify and address common plant health concerns, including weeds, pests, and disease,
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail,
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing positively to a team environment,
• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks,
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills,
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and take initiative,
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment,
• Willingness to learn nłeʔképmx cultural values and protocols while recognizing and respecting cultural diversity,
• Demonstrated respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and community-centered approaches, and
• Alignment with CNA's values of Trust, Respect, Community, Stewardship, and Adaptability.

Experience and Requirements

• Valid BC Class 7N Driver's Licence or higher,
• Acceptable driver's abstract,
• Ability and willingness to travel between multiple CNA-owned properties and work locations as part of regular job duties,
• Ability to safely operate gardening, landscaping, and groundskeeping equipment,
• Ability to lift, carry, transport, and move gardening supplies, harvested goods, equipment, and materials,
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions,
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying for extended periods, and
• Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Work Environment

• Schedule: Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm, with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break, fluctuating when needed. On average, 35 hours per week,
• Overtime: All daily overtime over 8 hours will be banked at 1.5x, all hours over 12 will be banked at 2x,
• Reporting Office Location: Office work will be conducted from the CNA office at 2025 Granite Ave, Merritt BC, with the expectation that this role is primarily field based, at various locations,
• Vacation: Vacation will be paid out bi-weekly at a rate of 4% in accordance with the BC Employment Standards Act ("ESA").

While this position is a four-month term, we are always looking for great people; term employees who demonstrate a strong work ethic, align with our values, contribute positively to our workplace culture, and consistently perform at a high level may have opportunities to continue their journey with CNA.

We will provide training and professional development to support the right candidate. We believe in growth and curiosity. If you have some of these qualities and believe you would be of value to our organization, then we want to hear from you!

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The Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to building a respectful and inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve. This position is open to all candidates who meet the qualifications. A hiring preference will apply for qualified candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, with a priority for qualified nłeʔkepmx candidates.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Your application to this posting is deemed to be your consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.