GARDENER 2

City of Toronto; Old Toronto; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking city as a gardener, where you will enhance the beauty of public parks and green spaces. This role involves preparing flower beds, maintaining plant materials, and ensuring the health of various horticultural displays. You will engage with the community, respond to public inquiries, and manage park maintenance duties. If you are passionate about horticulture and enjoy working outdoors, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the beautification of the city while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Diploma in horticulture or equivalent experience required.
• Considerable experience as a practicing gardener is essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain flower beds and horticultural displays.
• Inspect plants and manage pest control effectively.

Skills

Knowledge of plant materials

Ability to identify insect pests

Ability to propagate and grow plants

Physical capability for gardening duties

Customer service skills

Education

Diploma or certificate in horticulture

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Motor vehicles for park maintenance

Mechanized grounds maintenance equipment

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

• Division & Section: Parks, Forestry & Recreation, PFR Parks
• Work Location: To be determined
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Temporary/Seasonal
• Hourly Rate: $30.81 (2024 rate)
• Hours & Shift Information: 40 hours per week between Monday to Sunday
• Number of Positions Open: To be determined
• Posting Period: 03-Jan-2025 to 07-Mar-2025

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepares flower beds, by hand digging or rototilling and raking, for planting; prepares plants and maintains flower beds, horticultural displays and plants in greenhouses.
• Maintains plant materials in a park area in a neat and orderly manner.
• Participates in the design, preparation, planting and maintenance of horticultural displays, turf grass areas, indoor and natural area plantings and landscapes including all aspects of Plant Health Care inclusive of I.P.M. and pesticide use.
• Prepares various growing media prior to planting; gathering, cleaning and storing propagules; planting and transplanting as required and determining and maintaining correct growing environment.
• Inspects plants, flowers, shrubs and trees and reports damage, insect infestation or disease. Prepares chemicals for spraying and sprays flowers, shrubs, etc.
• Performs park maintenance such as litter control, winter duties such as snow removal by hand and/or with equipment, ice removal, and washroom cleaning.
• Loads materials, plants, etc. and delivers, as required, to various locations. Operates various types of motor vehicles and mechanized grounds, garden and turf maintenance equipment, etc.
• Responds to horticultural questions from the public.
• May be required to perform landscaping functions such as sodding and constructing retaining walls etc. May be required to direct other staff.
• Keeps equipment and tools clean and in good working order.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

• Diploma or certificate in horticulture or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable experience as a practicing gardener.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Province of Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and must qualify for the City's equipment operating permits and requirements.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain within 6 months an Ontario Landscape Exterminator's License.
• May require Structural Greenhouse/interior Plant Exterminator License.

You must also have:

• A good knowledge of plant materials and the ability to propagate and grow a wide variety of plants for the beautification of park areas. Ability to arrange, plant and maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees according to the best horticultural methods and to achieve an attractive appearance.
• Ability to identify insect pests, diseases and weeds and to treat them in the most effective manner.
• Ability to make the most effective use of fertilizers and an understanding of the water requirements of plants. Must be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to this work.
• Must be physically capable of performing required duties. Ability to deal courteously with the public.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, and overtime as required.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.