Instructor, Horticulture programs

About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences provides dynamic high-tech, hands-on learning opportunities in support of animal health, business and horticulture. The School is also home to the National Meat Training Centre and the Olds College Botanic Gardens. A variety of certificates, diplomas and applied degrees are granted from the School of Life Sciences. Fields of study offered within the School of Life Sciences are: Animal Health, Equine, Horticulture, and the National Meat Training Centre.

The Opportunity - Instructor, Horticulture programs (permanent, full-time)

This position is covered by the Olds College Faculty Association (OCFA) Collective Agreement.

Olds College, School of Life Sciences is recruiting for a probationary full-time permanent Instructor Position for the Horticulture programs. This is a full-time position requiring on-site availability at the Olds College main campus. The position will commence December 2026 with teaching responsibilities from January 2027 through the academic year.

An Instructor teaches in discipline areas in which they have specific training and competence. Instructors are responsible for the planning, preparation, and delivery of instruction and evaluation of learners. This position includes administrative duties and working with other College departments, as required. You will work with other passionate horticulture professionals in creating an exceptional learning experience for students. Our team members are our greatest asset, and coupled with exceptional programming, Olds College has become a destination for students seeking careers focused on the care of living plant life.

The successful candidate will have primary responsibility in horticulture instruction in the Horticulture Technologist Diploma and relevant horticultural experience for instruction in the Bachelor of Applied Science- Horticulture, with a focus towards pest management. In some cases instruction may be delivered to students in other programs through shared delivery models. As part of the teaching portfolio, it is imperative that candidates have a broad understanding of horticulture and practical and safe working knowledge of horticulture operations. The ability to communicate and work within a team environment is critical to this role with the goal of student success.

Key Job Functions:

• Plan and prepare for instruction to both adult learners and high school learners participating in dual credit course offerings
• Instruct courses through delivery in various formats (lecture / hands on lab). The use of a learning management system, such as Moodle, along with instructional technology is essential
• Evaluate and report on students' theoretical knowledge and hands-on ability
• Work with other instructional staff (Instructional Assistants) to deliver quality, hands-on instruction in labs
• Create a learning environment that encourages student engagement and success
• Be accessible to students outside the classroom, providing ample periods of time for counselling and mentoring students in matters related to academic success
• Perform various tasks to support student success:
  • First point of contact for student concerns
  • Monitor student performance and behaviour
  • Submit grades, feedback and forms as required
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of student information
• Potential to conduct applied research and curate the insect collection
• Learn and implement technology and teaching tools to enhance the educational experience when appropriate
• Perform other activities related to instructional assignment such as coordinating activities within a program or programs, and participating in College development initiatives

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• A relevant degree in a related field and five (5) years of applicable industry experience including pest management and horticultural ecology - a combination of education and experience will be considered
• Previous instructional experience would be a definite asset
• Organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks at once
• Faculty members must be dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment that embraces individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives and should demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in their teaching, research, and interactions with students, colleagues, and the wider community
• Relevant computer skills, strong communication, interpersonal and listening skills, and the ability to work in a team environment with students and staff
• Ability to travel within central Alberta to support various hands-on learning activities in a lab environment may be required
• Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College, show a proactive attitude towards safety measures, continuously strive to enhance safety protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standards of protection, and collaborate with colleagues to instill a culture of shared responsibility and accountability when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure work setting

Conditions of Employment:

• May be required to do heavy lifting and repetitive physical work
• Current Criminal Reference check with a Vulnerable Sector Check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

Open until suitable candidate found.

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.