Gardener Jobs in Toronto, ON

Job Posting

Eco Gardener

Reports To: Environmental Director, Summer Camp Director, Assistant Summer Camp Director

Job Type & Contract Length: Full time, Seasonal – 9.5 weeks
(Wednesday June 17th, 2026 – Saturday, August 22, 2026)

Starting Rate: $5000 (room and board included)

Position Summary: As the primary caretaker for Camp Kawartha’s gardens, the Eco Gardener is responsible formaintaining and enhancing these spaces, so they are healthy, productive, and thriving throughout the season. Working with the Kitchen Liaison, the Eco Gardener grows and harvests food for use in the camp salad bar and other meals. This role supports simple, hands-on programming connected to the gardens by inviting campers into the space to learn about plant growth, environmental care, and how growing food can support sustainability. The Eco Gardener keeps the Environmental Director informed on garden progress and brings forward purchase requests that meaningfully support garden health and camp use.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains and enhances Camp Kawartha’s vegetable, pollinator, and shoreline gardens. Works independently, with other gardener, and/or Kitchen Staff to manage and carry out day-to-day gardening tasks, including planting, pruning, mulching, watering, harvesting, and general garden upkeep. Coordinates with garden volunteers to ensure all garden care tasks are completed effectively and consistently.
• Collaborates with the Kitchen Liaison and Kitchen Team to support the supply of fresh, nutritious food for the Summer Camp community. Coordinates with the Kitchen Team around available supply, harvest timelines, ongoing plantings, and produce storage.
• Leads garden-related programming for day and overnight campers, including engaging campers in caring for gardens and teaching about the value of gardening, local food, and naturalizing. Collaborates with Summer Camp staff to provide engaging, age-appropriate programming experiences.
• Supports staff and campers in building skills and developing knowledge related to gardening and the environment through teaching, mentorship, and the creation or sharing of resources.
• Coordinates with the Environmental Director to support the integration of the gardens into broader environmental programming across camp.
• Works with the Environmental Team to maintain garden materials and inventory, including seeds, fertilizer, and tools. Ensures organization and upkeep of the greenhouse and garden spaces.
• Takes on additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and ensure a positive camp experience.
• All staff at Camp Kawartha are expected to adhere to all policies as outlined in the 2026 Policy Manuel

Job Requirements:

• Standard First Aid with CPR-C (required)
• Clear Police Record Check / Vulnerable Sector Check (required for ages 18+)
• Gardening experience or related coursework (asset; priority given in hiring)
• Experience and/or strong interest in working with children and youth
• Organized and reliable, including tool/material care and keeping spaces tidy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well independently or in a team environment
• Enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude, with a genuine love of the outdoors and learning
• Demonstrates kindness, empathy, patience and respect in working with campers and colleagues
• Ability to meet the physical, emotional, and scheduling demands of working in an overnight camp environment
• National Lifeguard (NL) (asset; priority given in hiring)

Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Camp Kawartha is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all. We support applicants and staff with disabilities throughout the recruitment and employment process and, upon request, will work with individuals to identify reasonable accommodations that maintain camper safety and program quality.

Camp Kawartha is an equal opportunity employer and values the diversity of our community, including differences in race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences who share our commitment to inclusion and stewardship.