Gardener (Temporary, Full-Time)

Division/Department:

Parks & Forestry/Parks, Recreation & Facilities

Reports to:

Manager of Parks and Forestry

Location:

Various City locations

Hours: 

40 hours/week; Monday to Friday, Overtime and On-Call as required.

Union Affiliation:

CUPE Local 35

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Parks and Forestry, oversees the day-to-day propagation, care and cultivation of flowers and nursery stock, environmental and biological control, landscape design, tree maintenance, and the daily operation of the Municipal Greenhouse.  This position is responsible for all aspects of horticultural maintenance including ensuring that municipal grounds are kept in a safe, well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing state.  Provides technical direction and guidance to seasonal staff. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees and participates in general parks operations and maintenance including the operation of the Municipal Greenhouse.
• Oversees and ensures the propagation, care and cultivation of flowers and other plant material throughout the parks system.
• Participates in the design, preparation and development of horticultural displays, natural area plantings and landscape designs.
• Inspects plants, flowers, shrubs and trees and reports damage, insect infestation or disease.
• Operates various types of motor vehicles and mechanized grounds, garden and turf maintenance equipment (ie. tractors, mowers, chainsaw, brush chipper, water and spraying equipment and hand tools)
• Prunes, maintains, transplants and removes trees; checks for damage/disease, potential hazards and risks, improvements in aesthetics and provides general health management. 
• Keeps abreast of industry trends and practices, researching new plants, equipment, materials and methods.
• Administers biological controls within an integrated pest management program. Adheres to Integrated Pest Management practices to control and eliminate pests, adapting and implementing methods as required.
• Plans, organizes and coordinates work activities as assigned.
• Provides technical direction and guidance to seasonal staff in a work crew environment as well as being responsible for quality, accuracy and quantity of work.
• Directs seasonal staff including assigning, scheduling and verifying onsite work, providing training in departmental and horticultural policies and practices.
• Responds professionally and courteously to horticultural questions from the general public.
• Fulfills administrative duties including but not limited to keeping accurate records, documenting inspections, completing work orders and preparing technical reports as required.
• Performs other such related duties, responsibilities and functions as may be assigned.

Note: The major tasks and responsibilities outlined above are representative but not all-inclusive.  All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs.  In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition. This position must be compliant with all provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, related to “Duties of a Supervisor” and “Duties of a Worker.”

Education/Experience/Skill

Qualifications

• Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma.
• Minimum Two (2) Year Diploma in Horticulture.
• A Three (3) year Diploma from a School of Horticulture would be considered an asset.
• Must have and maintain Greenhouse Exterminator Licence and Industrial Vegetation Exterminator Licence from the Ministry of the Environment. 

Experience

• Three (3) years recent related experience with two (2) of those years including Horticultural supervisory experience.
• Experience in Horticultural Maintenance is required.
• Experience in Arboriculture is considered an asset. 

Knowledge/Skill/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of plant materials and the ability to propagate and grow a wide variety of plants for the beautification of park areas.
• Ability to arrange, plant and maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees according to the best horticultural methods and to achieve an attractive appearance.
• Ability to identify insect pests, diseases and weeds and to treat them in the most effective manner.
• Ability to make the most effective use of fertilizers and an understanding of the water requirements of plants.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and the general public as well as the ability to work with limited supervision to meet goals efficiently.
• Must be computer literate including knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to exchange information, receive and understand instructions.
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and be capable of issuing clearly understandable written instructions. 

Driver’s Licence

• Ontario Driver’s Abstract required
• Must possess a valid “G” Ontario Driver’s Licence and access to reliable transportation
• Possession of a valid “DZ” Ontario Driver’s Licence would be considered an asset

Other

• Corporate Orientation and Health & Safety Training
• Valid First Aid/CPR
• Satisfactory Police Records Check

Working Conditions

• Required to work in all weather conditions and varying temperatures.
• Must be physically capable of performing duties including lifting, loading/unloading, digging, shoveling, raking and climbing ladders.
• Must have the mental awareness to work within overhead power lines and hydro underground utilities, live traffic conditions.
• Exposure to noise, dirt, vehicle exhaust, hazardous materials and uneven terrain.
• Required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work and participate in the rotational weekend stand-by call period.