Head Gardener

Benefits:

• Gratuities
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

We're hiring a Head Gardener to join our world class team at Sonora Resort, a luxury all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux Resort, in the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. Nestled in the Discovery Islands, Sonora Resort is a remote location accessed by water taxi from the town of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. This is a Seasonal position that works on site at the Resort in shift work rotations. Seeking a start date of March 2nd, 2026.
  Our team shares a deep appreciation for the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. Our opulent location is an undeniable draw for those seeking an exciting career with a side of adventure. We are completely submerged in the great outdoors with easy access to hiking trails, Florence Lake, and opportunities to get on the water to explore the Inside Passage.   Each one of our team members contributes to the guest experience at Sonora Resort. Working at Sonora means you are part of a team of passionate and trained professionals focused on providing our guests with unique experiences and cherished memories.   Sonora Resort is committed to creating an engaging and supportive work environment, with a focus on developing and promoting talent from within. We offer competitive compensation packages, exciting employee incentives and the opportunity to develop under the prestigious Relais & Châteaux banner.   Resort Life

• All staff are provided with complimentary single bedroom accommodations. Complimentary wifi, cable TV and internet calling provided in each staff room.
• Complimentary meals, snacks and beverages provided from our Staff Kitchen
• Shift work is required from April until October; comprised of 10 working days and 4 non-working working days, subject to change during peak season; employees are expected to be flexible in their scheduling to meet the needs of the business. 
• Water taxi transportation is provided to and from Campbell River for scheduled work shifts
• Staff are required to leave the resort on their scheduled non-working days and are responsible for securing further transportation and accommodation thereafter.
• Team Amenities on site include a staff lounge, fitness facility, hot tub, outdoor staff lounge area, access to trout ponds, hiking trails and Florence lake where a canoe and stand-up paddleboards are available for staff use.
• Enjoy other great work perks such as:
  • 25% off at Sonora's Gift Shop and Island Currents Spa (Services & products)
  • Special room rate for Employees & immediate family members visiting Sonora Resort
  • Staff social events and opportunities to experience adventure tours & activities
  • An Employee & Family Assistance Program offering counseling and mental health supports.
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
• We offer competitive wages, paid hourly, with opportunities for overtime, plus gratuities. 

Position Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Maintenance Manager and Maintenance Manager, this role is responsible for the planning, maintenance, and presentation of Sonora Resort's gardens, lawns, and planted areas to a high aesthetic standard. The position supports the development of planting plans and schedules and works hands-on alongside the Gardens and Grounds Maintenance teams to maintain landscaped areas and the conservatory on a daily basis.  

Job Duties

• Prepare the design and planting schedule.
• Treat of non-native plants and nuisance grasses with herbicide.
• Organize and manage ornamental plants and shrubs in Conservatory. 
• Responsible for timely ordering of supplies and materials required for operations of gardening department.
• Ensure work areas cleanliness is kept to the highest of standards including conservatory, work sheds and vehicles.
• Work closely with Housekeeping & Dining Room Managers in accordance with room drops, table decorations and centerpieces. 
• Assist department manager with administrative work including but not limited to; inventory control, purchasing processes, maintenance logbooks, opening or closing duties and checklists. 
• Ensure effective working relationships and clear communication is maintained with all colleagues and departments. 
• Drive small electric vehicles around the resort. 
• Lead by example at all times by working alongside respective team in the daily operations of the gardening team; 
• Follow effective employee relations practices for 2 Gardeners including supporting all in-house training, maintaining professional supervision of all employees, evaluating performance on a timely basis, and following all progressive discipline and documentation guidelines as requested from department manager.
• Follow all health and safety protocols. 
• Understand and adhere to all guidelines as set out in company policies.

Qualifications

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Two (2) years of experience in a similar role.  
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Experience with power tools such as hedge trimmers, line trimmers, chain saws and brush cutters.
• Experience with zero turn radius riding mowers an asset.
• Thorough understanding of the operations of gardening & horticulture; experience in a live-in resort environment is preferred. 
• High School Diploma required. Any additional education or experience in recognized a Horticultural program would be an asset. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong leadership skills to coach, influence and motivate team.
• Capable of fulfilling physical demands of the job; handling heavy loads, combination of sitting, walking, standing for extended periods of time, bending, crouching, kneeling.
• Must be fluent in English, second language an asset. 
• First Aid & AED certificates are an asset.

About Sonora Resort
Sonora Resort, a Relais & Chateâux property, is located on Sonora Island in the Discovery Islands of British Columbia. It is accessible by boat or air, and 50 minutes by helicopter from Vancouver. Known as one of Canada's hidden gems, Sonora has a unique place in the world because of its secluded location, abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, with luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine. Sonora is part of the Relais & Chateâux association of the world's finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Whether you have an adventurous heart or a desire to live in a remarkable wild place such as this, you will find all kinds of career options at Sonora Resort. We encourage you to visit our website at  

Compensation: $24.00 per hour

JOIN OUR TEAM

Careers Seasonal Opportunities

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Season (May to mid-October) in all departments.

About Working at Sonora

Our team shares a deep appreciation for the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. Our opulent location is an undeniable draw for those seeking an exciting career with a side of adventure. Nestled in the Discovery Islands, we are completely submerged in the great outdoors with easy access to hiking trails, Florence Lake, and opportunities to get on the water to explore the Inside Passage.

Each one of our team members contributes to the guest experience. Housekeeping and Grounds Maintenance set the stage, while Culinary and Dining teams provide an incredible fine dining experience. From our Guest Services team, who ensure all of our visitors' needs are met, to our Guides and Dock hands who help showcase the natural wonders around the resort, we are all passionate about providing unique experiences and cherished memories.

Our leadership team is committed to creating an engaging and supportive work environment, with a focus on developing and promoting talent from within.

Resort Life

The Resort operates seasonally from May through mid-October, during which time our team members work and live on-site at the Resort. Shift work is required. Depending on the department, typical shifts are between 7- 18 days on and 4 days off. Schedules vary by department and peak and non-peak seasons. We require a minimum commitment of one season to be eligible for a position.

Company website:

Apply Today

We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to create a healthy, accessible, and rewarding work environment which highlights employees' unique contributions to our company's success.

We wish to thank all applicants; however, due to the volume of applications we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. No telephone inquiries please. Be advised, we do not use third party recruitment services.

Please be aware that Sonora may collect, use, and/or disclose your personal information (including the information in this application or related information) where it is reasonable for establishing, managing or terminating an employment relationship. This includes the use or disclosure of your personal information to persons inside or external to our organization, for the purpose of checking references or gathering other information to support an assessment of your candidacy.

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