Seasonal - Leadhand, Horticulture

Job Details
Temporary Full Time (CUPE 136T)

Posting Status
Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants.

Duration
One contract lasting up to eight months, commencing in March and ending in November.

Internal secondment applications are welcome. Please note, however, that members of management will not be considered for secondments into bargaining unit positions.

Closing Date
Applications for this position must be received at by no later than 11:59pm on
January 16, 2026.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

This position reports to the Supervisor, Horticulture and is a working Leadhand role that assists the Supervisor and Horticulture Leadhand in the planning and scheduling of all resources necessary to conduct parks horticulture and contracted services programs.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate, execute, and provide input to horticulture programs, services, and/or processes.
• Delegate work assignments to staff and students ensuring appropriate scheduling and quality control.
• Ensure work is performed efficiently and effectively in accordance with Town or department maintenance standards/specifications, and other legislative requirements (e.g.: Labour and Health and Safety Regulations, Traffic Control, etc.)
• Monitor performance including initiating corrective action and/or progressive discipline when required.
• Consult closely with Supervisor and/or Manager to report progress, resolve issues, and refine planning.
• Respond and investigate public inquiries, by-law issues, and initiate work orders as appropriate.
• Oversee allocation of resources (employee hours etc.).
• Maintain daily records accurately for the purpose of tracking, reporting, and documenting of maintenance activities and adjusts maintenance schedules, as necessary.
• Interpret appropriate planting plans and designs for landscape maintenance and installation of new developments.
• Ensure all equipment is operated competently, safely and maintained in good operating conditions, ensuring proper and timely documentation for repair of defective equipment (including circle checks of all assigned rolling stock).
• Keep current with ongoing technical, cultural, and procedural improvements in horticulture.
• Train and guide staff, students, part-time staff, and volunteers involved in activities.
• Support information dissemination, training, and communication for horticulture activities.
• Consult with and oversee the work of contractors and other service providers.
• Analyze information, data, progress etc. and look for means of improving horticulture program/activity performance.
• Represent the Corporation and Department in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner in all dealings with the public, other groups, and associations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Landscape Design, Horticulture or related area, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of related parks horticultural experience, horticulture related equipment operation, and turf or grounds maintenance including fertilizing, soil amendments IPM, and/or pesticide application.
• A valid Ontario Ministry of Environment Landscape, Forestry & Industrial Vegetation Exterminator License is required. Certifications in Forklift operation, 0-8 tons crane operation and load securement are desirable.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite and GIS mapping is desirable.
• Proven experience in directing and assigning work to others, including training and monitoring work performance.
• Demonstrated effective communication, both oral and written, customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient time management skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties. Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Must possess an understanding of the Highway Traffic Act and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Must hold and provide a copy of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver's License Class DZ minimum (standard and automatic transmission) with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Note: Applicants with six or more points are ineligible for consideration. The successful applicant will be required to provide the Corporation with a current drivers abstract (no older than 30 days) prior to assuming the position.

DATED:
December 18, 2025

The town's recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short listing of qualified candidates.

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. The minimum threshold score for each of the testing and interview components of the recruitment process is 75%.
We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.