The Museum
The Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is an original Cole Harbour farm, cultivated continuously for over 200 years. It has operated as a community museum since 1978 and is owned and operated by the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society (CHRHS). The museum site is a rural oasis tucked into the middle of a now bustling urban centre, and consists of 12 buildings. Of those, two are historic houses, six are historic barns and outbuildings and the remainder are museum support structures. This "open air" museum also includes gardens, pastureland, pathways and a small wetland and natural reserve. In addition to the heritage buildings, the museum collection consists of approximately 4000 artifacts representing the evolution of agriculture in the area, along with the implements and personal items of the peoples who made Cole Harbour home. A small representation of traditional farm animals is kept on site along with heritage gardens and native species of trees and shrubs, creating our living collection. The site contains a busy tearoom and gift shop within the original farmhouse, as well as a working blacksmith shop, and is a cultural and social hub for the community of Cole Harbour. The Museum operates on a free will donation basis, welcoming over 20,000 visitors per year.
The Position
The gardens of the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum are a core attraction for visitors from near and far. They are a focal point of the Museum’s interpretation, connecting visitors directly to the farming heritage of the area, and encouraging the sharing of stories of Cole Harbour’s past. The role of the horticulturist is to care for the vegetable and perennial gardens at the farm, as well as greet visitors and answer any questions they may have. They will collaborate with volunteers and other staff members to ensure the gardens respond to the needs of the farm, and they will give tours to school groups and day camps. Through this role, the horticulturist will be integral to the success of the farm’s summer season.
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
Working Conditions
The Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society is committed to developing a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities it serves, and welcomes applications from all eligible African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women (applying for non-traditional positions), persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community. The chosen candidate must meet the eligibility requirements for the SKILL program, which can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/programs/student-summer-skills-incentive/Skills_Guidelines.pdf (scroll to “Student-Employees” section). Rate of pay is $15.50/hour for a 35-hour work week. This is a summer term position for up to 14 weeks. Applications should consist of a cover letter and resume, and should be submitted as PDF documents. They will be accepted until the position is filled and should be addressed to Janice Kirkbright, Executive Director, Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, 471 Poplar Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2W 4L2 or emailed to hello@coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca. The interview will be conducted by a panel of a minimum of 2 persons consisting of Executive Director, Collections Manager, and/or Board Representative. This is a term position subject to provincial funding.
Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum 471 Poplar Drive Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2W 4L2
Janice Kirkbright hello@coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca Preferred Contact: Email