NR1 Horticulture Instructor: Landscape Machinery - Competition ID: 4574

Kwantlen Polytechnic University; City of Langley; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental benefits

Generous vacation package

Professional development days

Job summary

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in Langley seeks a Part-Time Non-Regular Contract Instructor for horticulture courses including Basic Machinery Operation and Maintenance. The instructor will engage students in safe operations and maintenance of machinery, fostering practical skills in a hands-on environment.

Minimum qualifications include five years of industry experience and preference for a Landscape Horticulturist certification. This role offers competitive faculty pay and a vibrant workplace culture focused on equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• At least five years of relevant industry experience in machinery maintenance.
• Preference for teaching experience.
• Ability to organize field trips for students.

Responsibilities

• Teach HORT 1118 and HORT 2432 courses at KPU's Langley campus.
• Ensure students learn safe operations and maintenance of horticulture machinery.
• Design layout plans for mechanics shops adhering to safety guidelines.

Skills

Landscape and turf machinery maintenance

Teaching experience

Safety compliance (WHMIS)

Field trip organization

Education

Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open‑access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID: 4574

Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled

External Closing Date: Open Until Filled

# of Openings: 1

Salary Information: Faculty Pay Scale

Employment Type: Faculty Contract

Workplace Type: On‑Site

Employee Group: Faculty (Kwantlen Faculty Association)

Position Type: NR1

Position Start: September 2026

Position Overview

The School of Horticulture invites applications for Part‑Time Non‑Regular Type 1 Contract Instructor(s) to teach HORT 1118 Basic Machinery Operation and Maintenance and HORT 2432 Grounds Machinery Maintenance at the KPU Langley campus. HORT 1118 is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters with additional classes added depending on demand. HORT 2432 is offered based on demand. Additional courses may include: AHHA 1001 Equipment and Safety and AHHA 1026 Machinery and Equipment.

HORT 1118 Basic Machinery Operation and Maintenance – Students will be introduced to horticulture machinery, perform preventative maintenance, demonstrate machinery operations safely, and complete a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certificate.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Describe the function and working principles of horticulture machinery
• Perform machinery operation and preventative maintenance
• Use appropriate safety systems and apparel
• Use basic hand tools in machinery preventative maintenance
• Describe machinery storage procedures
• Evaluate machinery specifications for specific horticultural tasks
• Recognize alternative power sources
• Apply the Workers' Compensation Act in the workplace
• Recognize environmental issues caused by horticulture machinery
• Complete a WHMIS Certificate

HORT 2432 Grounds Machinery Maintenance – Students will perform maintenance on turfgrass machinery used on a golf course or in parks facilities, repair and maintain machinery such as turf cultivation, renovation, mowing, spraying, and other types of grounds maintenance, and design a layout plan for a mechanics shop and storage facility following environmental and safety guidelines.

AHHA 1001 Equipment and Safety – A Landscape Horticulturist has a working knowledge of a variety of equipment and safety related functions. They will use motorised equipment and personal protective equipment and safety related equipment. Apprentices will demonstrate proper selection and use of personal protection equipment, describe the procedure for using a fire extinguisher, and identify jurisdictional regulations, including WHMIS and WBC Regulations. Apprentices will identify basic engine types and be able to perform pre‑start inspections, and perform equipment maintenance and repairs.

AHHA 1026 Machinery and Equipment – A Landscape Horticulturist has a working knowledge of a variety of equipment and safety related functions. They will use motorised equipment and personal protective equipment and safety related equipment. Apprentices will demonstrate power tool maintenance and storage, identify basic vehicle systems and components, inspect vehicles and equipment, and operate motorised vehicles.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for this position include at least five years of relevant industry experience in the use and maintenance of landscape and turf equipment and machinery. Preference will be given to candidates who hold a Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal, another recognised industry certification, and an appropriate bachelor’s degree. Teaching experience is considered an asset. The successful candidate will be expected to organise field trips that provide students with opportunities to observe and learn from professionally maintained sites.

Application Requirements

Candidates are asked to submit the following:

• Current resume/CV
• Cover letter highlighting key qualifications and teaching approach
• Specify preferred workload percentage (FTE) if possible
• Indicate interest in being added to KPU’s Qualified Faculty List, if applicable

Salary Information: Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.

Total Rewards

As part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also provides extended health and dental benefits, a healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top‑up, sick leave, long‑term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, in‑house training & development, inter‑campus transportation, and more. Eligibility requirements apply; benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part‑time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity‑deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialised people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.