Head Gardener & Nursery Steward

Glenraven Farm & Nursery is looking for an experienced, hands-on gardener and nursery professional to manage our 30-acre property on Salt Spring Island. This position requires skill, dedication, and a genuine love of horticulture, plant propagation, garden curation, and land stewardship. Our nursery specializes in organically grown hardy perennials, native plants, and seasonal offerings including cut flowers, asparagus, berries, fruits, and vegetables.

Primary Responsibilities:

Nursery Operations: Plant propagation (seeds, cuttings, divisions) - Greenhouse and propagation house management - Germination, potting, transplanting, growing-on - Daily plant care: watering, fertilizing, pest monitoring, inventory control - Preparing nursery stock orders and coordinating pickups or deliveries - General nursery upkeep and organization

Garden & Grounds Maintenance: Managing ornamental gardens, borders, and stock beds - Establishing and maintaining a kitchen garden, with potential for a small market garden - Fruit tree care, pruning, disease, and pest management - Routine garden tasks: weeding, pruning, mulching, planting, harvesting - Property care including mowing, edging, trimming pathways and laneways - Fence building, maintenance, and general repairs - Seasonal harvesting of fruits, vegetables, and flowers

Who We’re Looking For: You have solid experience in nursery work, propagation techniques, horticulture, or estate gardening. - You’re a mature, self-motivated individual who enjoys physical, outdoor work in all seasons. - You notice the details, can anticipate needs, and take initiative independently. - You’re comfortable working alone but also cooperative in small-team environments. - You are friendly, reliable, organized, and committed to your craft. - Non-smoking.

Our location is a convenient 2 km from the Fulford Harbour ferry, making this an easy commute for candidates from Salt Spring or Vancouver Island.

Compensation: $48,000–$62,000 annually (equivalent to $23–$30 per hour), based on experience and scope of responsibilities. Includes vacation, statutory holidays, and nursery/farm perks. For the right candidate, we’re also offering a quarterly bonus based on performance targets related to nursery success, garden care, and overall contribution to the farm. These goals will be set collaboratively and reviewed seasonally.