Horticulturist-En. (1-Year Term)

Assiniboine Park Zoo; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Horticulturalist to join their team in creating vibrant and sustainable gardens. This full-time role involves maintaining a diverse collection of plants, engaging with the public, and ensuring high-quality standards in all horticultural practices. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background in plant science or horticulture, along with hands-on experience in gardening and greenhouse management. Join a passionate team committed to delivering extraordinary experiences in a beautiful outdoor environment, where your contributions will help shape the future of a cherished community space.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of plants and garden design required.
• Minimum 2 years of gardening experience in horticultural practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain gardens and displays to high quality standards.
• Interact with visitors and conduct public presentations.
• Assist with plant propagation and seasonal clean-up tasks.

Skills

Horticultural Practices

Plant Identification

Greenhouse Production Procedures

Customer Service

Team Collaboration

Physical Stamina

Education

Post-secondary education in Plant Science

Horticulture

Green Space Management

Tools

Gardening Tools

Greenhouse Equipment

Computer Software

Job description

Creating the future vision for one of Winnipeg’s most prized treasures, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) located at 55 Pavilion Crescent in Winnipeg is the not-for-profit organization that oversees Assiniboine Park’s operations and ensures its ongoing redevelopment and financial viability. Our team is inspired to create and deliver extraordinary experiences for the people who visit and use the Park and Zoo including building friendly, supportive, effective relationships with stakeholders, community and the general public.

The Opportunity

We are seeking one (1) full-time Horticulturalist (1-Year Term) who will perform horticultural work with a very diverse collection of plant material and is responsible for routine duties that ensure APC gardens, planters and displays are upheld to the highest quality standards and aesthetics according to APC’s master plan. Horticulturalist positions may be assigned to work anywhere throughout the Park and Zoo.

Subject to operational needs and depending on the incumbent’s horticultural knowledge of and experience including but not limited to Tropical and Mediterranean plants, the Horticulturalist may be assigned to work at The Leaf, the Greenhouse or anywhere throughout the Park and Zoo.

Responsibilities

• Interact with visitors through chats, seasonal exhibits, tours, etc.
• Conduct presentations to the public as directed.
• Plant annual, perennial, shrubs, and bulbs in selected locations as per planting plans, schedules and timelines, ensuring plants are properly staked when required.
• Seed, divide, propagate, and transplant plant material within both the production facilities and gardens.
• Record all crop scheduling data and plant material as requested by the Lead Horticulturalist or Horticulture Supervisor(s).
• Assist with arranging floral and plant displays.
• Assist with the production and maintenance of specialty specimens, and assembly of special event floral displays.
• Relocate plant material as required.
• Apply soil amendments, till, fork, and edge beds as required. Ensure facilities and displays are free of all weeds.
• Conduct appropriate watering regimes for all plant material.
• Ongoing maintenance of all plant material by fertilizing, spacing, pinching, pruning, deadheading and staking plant material, while removing non-performing material.
• Identify pest issues, threats, and mitigation controls, ensuring pest management practices are followed.
• Assist with correctly identifying and remediating greenhouse mechanical issues including but not limited to roof inflation, poly roof repairs, injectors, hoses, wands, bench integrity, misting controls, temperature and ventilation controls and motors, doors, evaporative cooling pads, and pumps.
• Keep work space and display space clean and free of debris.
• Conduct and maintain indoor/outdoor display changes across the Park and Zoo as directed.
• Pinch and prune plants, trees, and shrubs using appropriate techniques as directed.
• Rake leaves, sweep sidewalks and pathways.
• Pick up garbage and debris in plant beds and surrounding areas.
• Conduct season-end clean-up and winterization of gardens and fields.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in plant science, horticulture, green space management, or a related field with the ability to demonstrate a strong knowledge of plants and garden design.
• A minimum of 2 years performing specialized seasonal labourer – gardener work or proven gardening experience in a range of horticultural practices and procedures.
• Previous experience working in teams and dealing with both internal and external customers.
• Must have experience with modern greenhouse production procedures, and/or modern indoor/outdoor garden display maintenance techniques.
• Must possess a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Intermediate technology and computer skills.
• Ability to obtain a valid Manitoba Pesticide Applicators License.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Physically demanding and repetitive tasks.
• Must be able to perform physically strenuous work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Combination of sitting, standing, pushing, lifting, kneeling and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently handling heavy loads of up to 45-50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 50-250 lbs.
• N oise exposure from operations , mechanical equipment and animal vocalizations.
• Greenhouse environmental conditions.
• Exposure to strong scents from animals and chemical products.
• Contact with plants and animals which may cause allergic reactions.
• Physically demanding and repetitive tasks.
• Must be able to perform physically strenuous work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Combination of sitting, standing, pushing, lifting, kneeling and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently handling heavy loads of up to 45-50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 50-250 lbs.
• N oise exposure from operations , mechanical equipment and animal vocalizations.
• Greenhouse environmental conditions.
• Exposure to strong scents from animals and chemical products.
• Contact with plants and animals which may cause allergic reactions.

APC Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment Equity may be a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, racialized minorities, women and persons with disabilities.

Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.