Gardener

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); Toronto; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional conservation authority in Ontario is seeking a Seasonal Gardener responsible for maintaining and enhancing gardens. The role involves horticultural expertise and management of gardens on conservation lands. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 3 years of related experience, along with the ability to work outdoors in various conditions. This position offers valuable outdoor work experience and the chance to contribute to community conservation efforts.

Benefits

Access to TRCA’s Reciprocal Program

Work outdoors in natural areas

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in garden maintenance and design.
• Experience working in public settings and with volunteers.
• Knowledge of Ontario native plants.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance ornamental display gardens.
• Conduct landscape monitoring and determine site recommendations.
• Volunteer management and training.
• Collaborate with municipal partners for garden objectives.

Skills

Horticultural maintenance procedures

Plant identification skills

Liaison and collaboration

Public relations

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma in landscape design, horticulture, or related discipline

Tools

Powered landscape equipment

Job description

The Village at Black Creek, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, North York, Ontario, Canada

Job Description

Posted Friday, January 30, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:59 AM

Number of Vacancies: 2

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $ 27.02 /hr, Max = $ 31.32/ hr

Employment type: Seasonal

Duration of employment: April - November

Hours of work: up to 35 hrs/week

Work location: The Village at Black Creek

Division: Conservation Parks and Lands

Business unit: Conservation Lands

Travel: 70%

Flexible Work Arrangements: No

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Seasonal Hire TRCA – 2026

Seasonal job opportunities are plentiful at TRCA. If you are looking for seasonal job openings, we can provide great opportunities and seasonal perks. To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon.

Please submit your resume and cover letter in one file (PDF or Word) and upload using only the ‘Resume’ feature within the application prior to 11:59 pm on February 16, 2026.

By working at TRCA you will:

• Work outdoors during the spring and summer in beautiful natural areas.
• Gain valuable experience working at a conservation authority.
• Get access to TRCA’s Reciprocal Program (discounts across various Ontario attractions).

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Gardener is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and establishing gardens on TRCA lands by providing horticultural expertise to support the maintenance, design, planning and implementation of high-profile ornamental display and native plant at TRCA lands and municipal partner sites.

Major Responsibilities:

• Implement and provide on-going maintenance and enhancements for ornamental display gardens, naturalized and native plant gardens, monitoring health and performance of the gardens.
• Maintain associated garden infrastructure including the maintenance of habitat structures, and keeping paths, walkways, lawns and service areas clean and clear.
• Conduct landscape monitoring and analyze conditions to determine site recommendations and best practices, maintaining native species plan inventories.
• Assist with planning and design support for the development of garden concepts and designs, including costing as required.
• Volunteer management (Occasionally train and direct TRCA field staff and volunteers to assist with gardening initiatives)
• Share garden knowledge and information with the public and volunteers, assist with educational initiatives, and develop related interpretive materials or presentations as required.
• Provide a brief tour of the garden for visiting groups.
• Liaise and collaborate with municipal partners to achieve garden objectives.
• Coordinate procurement of all materials and supplies.
• Assist with the creation of funding applications for native plant garden initiatives.
• Incumbents may be assigned other duties.

What will you need to succeed:

Education

• Post-secondary degree/diploma landscape design, horticulture, or related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience related to the major tasks; garden maintenance, garden design/implementation, native plant gardening and design, and plant identification skills.
• Experience working in public settings and with volunteers.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of Ontario native plant and ornamental perennial communities, as well as horticultural maintenance procedures.
• Proven ability to plan, develop, implement, and maintain native plant garden projects with an understanding of environmental restoration and regeneration practices.
• Knowledge of plant health care and integrated sustainable pest management principles and practices.
• Ability to interpret and produce planting plans.
• Ability to safely operate powered landscape equipment (push mower, grass trimmer).
• Ability to work independently with limited on-site supervision.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.