Temporary Gardener

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic and passionate about wildlife conservation and protecting our planet.

Our Toronto Zoo is a mission-based, research, not-for-profit organization whose mission is connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction.

Our Toronto Zoo serves more than 1.2 million guests each year on over 500 acres and the foundation of all of our work is based on four cares:

- We care about our animals
- We care about our team
- We care about our guests
- We care about our community

We strive to have this caring culture grounded in the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. We commit to collaborating with our teams, guests and community to reflect and celebrate the rich diversity of Toronto and Canada.

As a world class accredited zoo and part of the global conservation community we work with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and collaborate with governmental agencies, conservation and science non-governmental organizations and corporate and academic partners to share our knowledge and learn from each other to enhance our collective impact.

We are currently embarking on our new Master Plan and creation of a Community Conservation Campus. As one of the GTA’s Top Employers, we are seeking an experienced Gardener to join our Horticulture team.

**RATE OF PAY: Start**:$21.97/hr. **3 month rate**: $23.44/hr **6 Month rate**: $24.41/hr

**HOURS OF WORK**: 40 hours/week

**Basic Function**: Reporting to the Supervisor of Horticulture or Supervisor of Horticulture/Materials Collection, this position, under close supervision, is responsible for the day to day maintenance and care the plant collection, as well as assisting in the removal of snow and ice and litter control on Zoo property. This position is also responsible for assisting and providing support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Under direction of the Horticulture Supervisor or the guidance of Gardeners Grade 2, 3, and 4, prepares ground for planting of areas and specimens.
- Under direction of the Horticulture Supervisor or the guidance of Gardeners Grades 2, 3, and 4, plants and cares for specimen, in an acceptable manner, on a day to day basis.
- Assists in providing guidance to seasonal staff.
- May be required to carry and use a radio.
- Attends appropriate training courses as required.
- Maintains tools and equipment in good repair and order and stores away supplies.
- Cleans plant exhibit areas, studies and observes specimen for signs of disease.
- Notes needed repair and reports same to his/her Supervisor.
- Works in a safe manner at all times in compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS legislation and Toronto Zoo Safety Policy. Immediately reports all accidents and hazards to his/her Supervisor.
- Answers queries from Zoo visitors.
- May be required to make brief public presentations and assist with behind the scenes tours.
- Operates a variety of equipment used in cultivation, propagation and maintenance of plants and planted areas.
- Operates CVOR trucks and assorted motorized vehicles.
- Assists in snow and ice removal.
- Maintains turf areas as per instruction.
- Assists in litter removal from Zoo property.
- May be required to work in any other area of the Zoo.
- Other related duties as requested by the Supervisor.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Post secondary degree, diploma or certificate in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design or related field or apprenticed experience or equivalent training and experience.
- Must have two (2) years previous horticulture experience.
- Must possess excavating experience with equipment such as backhoe, front-end loader, skid steer and tractor.
- Must have previous landscape construction experience or equivalent experience.
- Must have previous experience operating CVOR trucks and assorted motorized vehicles including tractors, skid steers, and ride on mowers.
- Must have class "D" license valid in the Province of Ontario with "Z" endorsement for air brakes, along with a good driving record.
- Must have the ability to read, write and speak intelligently with the Zoo visitors and to produce brief but accurate reports.
- Must be capable of meeting physical demands of the job: ability to lift and carry 23 to 44 lbs. (10.5 to 20 kilo) on a re-occurring basis, lift and carry 60+ lbs. (27+ kilo) with assistance, ability to bend, walk, push, lift, pull, twist, kneel, climb, crouch, stoop, grip and reach.
- Must possess a land class 1 and 3 exterminator’s license and knowledge of pest control and I.P.M. practices.
- Must be able and willing to work shifts, weekends and holidays.
- Previous experience in the attractions and/or tourism sector preferred.
- Must have working knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Information