Horticultural Technician

BGIS; Toronto; On-site; CAD 54,185 - 67,732; Full time

Job summary

BGIS in Toronto seeks a Senior Horticultural Technician to steward one of the city’s most significant greenspaces, blending high-level plant care with ecological restoration and leadership of the Parks Team. A strong attention to detail and safety is required.

You will manage diverse landscapes from manicured gardens to forested areas, mentor junior staff, and serve as an ambassador for sustainable park management while engaging with the public about ecological projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in professional horticulture or ecological restoration.
• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Ecology, or a related field.
• Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist, CLHT, and ISA certifications are desirable.
• Safety certifications: First Aid/CPR, WHMIS 2015; working at heights and chainsaw safety are assets.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and install ornamental gardens and seasonal planters.
• Identify Ontario native species and invasives.
• Restore Tallgrass Prairie and forested areas to boost biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Mentor junior staff and seasonal workers.
• Act as Competent Person under OHSA and enforce PPE.
• Serve as Park Ambassador, explaining ecological projects to the public.
• Assist in seasonal displays, snow & ice operations, and keep records.

Skills

Horticulture experience

Ecological restoration

Leadership

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture or Ecology

Job description

Job Description

As a Horticultural Technician, you will serve as a steward for one of Toronto’s most significant urban greenspaces. This a senior position within the Parks Team with some leadership responsibilities that demands exceptional people skills coupled with a strong technical background and a high degree of attention to detail. You will help manage a diverse landscape ranging from manicured gardens to forested woodlots and more open event spaces. This role requires a technical expert who can balance high-level plant care, ecological restoration, exterior property maintenance of a high quality and leadership while serving as an ambassador for sustainable park management.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Horticulture

• Maintain and install ornamental gardens and seasonal planters.
• Act as an onsite authority for identifying Ontario native species and invasives.
• Restoration and care of the Tallgrass Prairie and forested areas, implementing strategies to enhance biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Invasive Species Control: Execute mechanical and biological control plans for invasive species like.
• Winter Dormant Pruning: Perform structural pruning on the park’s fruit orchards and forest stands during the off-season.

Sanitation

• Litter and waste collection and control.

Mentorship

• Mentor and direct junior staff and seasonal staff in daily tasks and technical skill development.

Health and Safety

• Act as the Competent Person under the OHSA, conducting daily tailgate meetings and ensuring strict PPE compliance.

Park Ambassador

• Act as frontline Park Ambassador when engaged with the public to explain ongoing ecological projects and answer inquiries with professional tact.

Community Stewardship

• Support community stewardship activities, ensuring on site educational staff or community member participants are trained in proper planting and maintenance techniques.

Other

• Assist in the installation of seasonal displays and decorations.
• Support snow & ice control operation through record keeping, shoveling, operating tractors, utility vehicles, skid steers and spreaders to maintain safe public spaces while minimizing hazardous runoff into park watersheds and greenspace.

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years in professional horticulture or ecological restoration.
• Education: Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Ecology, or a related field.
• Other desirable certifications: Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist, CLHT designation, ISA certification.
• Safety: Current Standard First Aid/CPR and WHMIS 2015 certification. Working at heights and Chainsaw safety certification would be considered an asset.

Licenses and/or Professional Accreditation

• Driver’s License: Valid Ontario Class G (clean abstract).

This is a regular, full-time position with a salary range of $54,185 - $67,732 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to experience, education and performance related to this role.