Horticulturist

Job Description

· Recommend, design and prepare various horticultural displays

· Responsible for the growing of, and maintenance of plant material, such as: propagating, planting, fertilization, transplanting and maintenance of various species of ornamental plants

· Inspect materials for insect and weed infestations or disease and report damage

· Perform general landscape functions such as sodding, gardening, path and wall construction

· Operate landscape equipment including trucks, tractor, mowers, hand or mechanized ground maintenance tools and equipment

· Perform park maintenance such as litter control, snow removal and washroom cleaning, as requested

· Act as a resource to seasonal employees, providing information and guidance as needed

 · Administer procedures and recommend solutions to challenges or process improvements

· Complete continuous research and analysis of industry trends and issues to make recommendations to management and remain current in area of specialty

· Respond to customer service concerns, investigating, problem solving and responding within defined processes and advancing to the attention of the manager and/or supervisor, as appropriate

· Work collaboratively with others to deliver the outcomes as defined; report any challenges to the supervisor

· Maintain documentation, databases and corporate records in accordance with policy and divisional practice; consider legislative municipal requirements such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)

· Provide data to allow reporting and decision making

· Procure services and goods as authorized by the supervisor

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· Post-secondary diploma in Horticulture or a related field

· Minimum two (2) years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment

· Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certification and/or accredited course in Plant Health Care, or willingness to obtain

· Pesticide license, or willingness to obtain

· Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain

· Demonstrated experience as practical gardener and horticulture including bed preparation, planting and maintenance of displays and landscaping

· Demonstrated ability to design and implement garden and landscaping plans; effectively use fertilizers; recognize pests, diseases and weeds

· Demonstrated knowledge of plant materials with experience in propagation and seasonal growth cycles

· Must have knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and other relevant legislation

· Effective oral communication and strong interpersonal skills; strong written communication skills; attention to detail and accuracy

· Demonstrated customer service skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization

· Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision

· Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures

· Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet and any other related software

· Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class D Drivers Licence with Z endorsement or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe