Gardener

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University is seeking a Gardener responsible for landscape and grounds maintenance on campus. The role includes planting, pruning, and overseeing groundskeepers. Applicants should have a diploma in Horticulture and relevant experience. This position requires physical fitness and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in grounds and landscape maintenance required.
• Must possess a valid Nova Scotia driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Maintains plants in assigned common areas in University buildings.
• Responsible for planting and maintaining flower and shrub beds on campus.
• Oversees the work of groundskeepers assigned to them.

Skills

Communication

Team Leadership

Gardening Techniques

Physical Fitness

Education

Diploma in Horticulture

Tools

Landscape Maintenance Equipment

Job description

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our 18,800 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that’s celebrating 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Environmental Services, the Gardener is responsible for performing landscape and grounds maintenance duties within the University campus. As well, the Gardener has the primary responsibility for all planting and pruning functions. Overseeing the work of groundskeepers assigned to them they perform a team leader function.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains plants in assigned common areas in University buildings.
• Responsible for planting and maintaining flower and shrub beds on campus including annuals, perennials, and doing seasonal display design.
• Responsible for planting and pruning of University trees and shrubs
• Provides input for the general landscape requirements of the University and assists with planning for both short and long term landscaping projects
• Assists with winter snow and ice control
• Performs waste/litter control as required
• Performs lawn maintenance activities (mowing, whipping, rolling, aerating, sod replacement)
• Maintenance of and accountability for all tools issued to them
• Performs other duties as required

Note

This position may be assigned working foreperson duties as required.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• A diploma in Horticulture, or Parks and Golf Course technology, or Environmental Horticulture technology including course work in grounds and plant maintenance, is required. (Equivalent experience may also be considered.)
• Thorough knowledge of proper gardening techniques, plants and planting cycles, soil chemistry and fertilizers, is required
• Three to five years recent and related experience in grounds and landscape maintenance is required
• Must be capable of operating all landscape maintenance equipment
• Must have effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must possess a valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and be willing to provide a driving record history
• Must be able to take and give direction and work with minimal supervision
• Must be willing and able to work overtime as required
• General safety and WHMIS training an asset
• Must be able to work at heights
• Must be physically fit and able to lift up to 50 pounds, repeatedly

Assets

Additional Information

Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees are given first consideration and will be notified regarding the status of their application. All other applicants will be considered when there is no qualified internal candidate and will only be contacted if selected for an interview.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

Cover Letter