Regular Full-Time Gardener

Job Description

Under the direction of the Manager, Parks, Forestry & Trails and reporting to the Supervisor, Parks Horticulture, and/or the Working Foreperson, perform horticultural duties.

Responsibilities:

• Perform various greenhouse operations such as plant development, pest control, watering, and general maintenance, etc.
• Perform floral and shrub bed maintenance duties, including planning, design, evaluation, preparation, planting, fertilization, and pruning, etc.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area and ensure assigned equipment is in good working condition
• Perform pesticide applications in accordance with the Ontario Pesticides Act
• Provide direction to and work alongside temporary seasonal employees as required
• Perform tree and shrub pruning including periodic assignments with the Forestry and/or other Parks crews
• Perform snow and ice removal during the winter months, including operating equipment, and manually shoveling and salting sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, etc.
• Work in accordance with City of Oshawa Safe Work Standards and the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Provide input into the development and improvement of safety procedures
• Maintain good public relations
• Provide maintenance services as required outside of normal working hours
• Perform various duties related to the Operations Services summer and winter callboards
• Support and demonstrate the City of Oshawa core values of Authenticity, Courage, and Trust
• Perform other related duties as required

Requirements:

• Two (2) year Horticultural Technician Diploma with three (3) years of relevant operational experience in all aspects of horticulture and greenhouse operations with emphasis on soil science, plant propagation, garden and landscape design, plant identification and greenhouse management
• Possess or the ability to obtain the CNLA's Landscape Horticulturalist Technician certification or equivalent
• Current Landscape and Greenhouse/Interior Plant Exterminator pesticide licences is considered an asset; or willingness to obtain if required
• Demonstrated abilities in tree and shrub pruning and willingness to work safely at heights greater than 3.0 m
• Demonstrated ability and expertise in the maintenance and operation of all greenhouse structure and equipment including heating and cooling systems
• Demonstrated organizational skills related to the keeping of inventory records
• Demonstrated abilities in the growing, designing, planning, planting and maintenance of flower and shrub beds
• Excellent working knowledge of and ability to apply all safety policies, standards and legislation (Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act)
• First Aid and WHMIS training are assets
• Able to lift and move heavy items (80 lbs/36 kgs), as well as stand, bend and walk for extended periods of time and capable of performing the work assigned in a safe manner
• Good communication skills and ability to understand and follow oral and written general and technical instructions
• Able to complete forms and records relevant to the job
• Good interpersonal skills, common sense and courtesy to deal with the general public and to discuss routine information with colleagues
• Able to work alone or with minimal supervision, personal qualities of reliability and co-operation
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Ontario Driver's Licence, in good standing (minimum "DZ"), a driver's abstract showing no demerit points, and the ability to pass the Corporation's tests for motor vehicle operation

As a condition of employment, the City of Oshawa will require successful candidates to undergo a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters check and an employment medical.