Your Campus Connection

Description:

Do you have a green thumb, a passion for plants, and an interest in local history? If so, Rutherford House’s Garden Volunteer position may be right for you!

Rutherford House is the restored home of Alberta’s first premier and founder of the University of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford and his family. Today, the stunning post-Edwardian style home overlooking the North Saskatchewan
River is a designated provincial historic site restored to the year 1915.
Operated by the Heritage Division of Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women, Rutherford House is dedicated to promoting Edmonton’s vibrant cultural heritage, as well as introducing visitors to the fascinating history of
both Rutherford House and its inhabitants.

As a Garden Volunteer, you will play a vital part in ensuring that the museum’s
historic gardens flourish by helping with the on-going care and upkeep of the
site’s flora. Tasks include:

·Helping to prepare the historic gardens for the summer season.
·Assisting with routine garden maintenance, including planting and ongoing
watering and weeding throughout the summer season.
·Interacting with site visitors during opening hours and events, and provide
them with information about Rutherford House and its gardens.
·Aiding in the documentation and cataloguing of the RH garden, including
helping with the development of garden-focused programming and activities.
·Assisting with end of season tasks including winterizing and helping with seed saving projects, as needed.

Garden Volunteers will be guided by the site’s Senior Historical Interpreter and
Interpretive team, and on-site training will be provided. Volunteers must be
enthusiastic, outgoing, and have previous gardening experience. This role will involve physically demanding activities including heavy lifting, digging, raking, spreading fertilizer, and weeding.

Scheduling is flexible and will be mutually agreed upon.

Garden Volunteers will be provided with Rutherford House polo shirts to wear and tools to use during their shifts, but are expected to bring their own gloves and water bottle.
Volunteers must also be prepared for sunny weather, heat, and insects.

Qualifications:

No experience is required, although a positive attitude, an interest in learning, and a love of the outdoors are essential!

Training:

Training will be provided on site at Rutherford House by Rutherford House staff and volunteers.

Benefits:

-Gaining hands-on gardening experience and caring for historic plants
-Getting to work in a historic home and museum
-Making connections and meeting new people
-Spending time outside in the sun