Landscape Construction Foreman / Equipment Operator

Garden City Tree & Landscape LTD.; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental benefits

Health spending account

Life insurance

On-site parking

Job summary

Garden City Tree & Landscape Ltd. is seeking an experienced Landscape Construction Foreman / Equipment Operator to lead residential and commercial projects around Greater Victoria.

You will operate mini excavators and excavators, guide a small crew, and ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and within budget. The role combines hands-on equipment work with crew leadership and landscape construction, offering opportunities to build outdoor spaces while developing new skills in a

Qualifications

• 5+ years of equipment operating experience, including mini excavators/excavators.
• 2+ years of Foreman or crew leadership experience.
• Proven track record commanding crews safely and on budget.
• Strong excavation/ground disturbance experience in British Columbia.
• Ability to read grades and plans; work around structures and utilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate mini excavators for site prep and drainage.
• Lead a small crew to complete projects safely and on schedule.
• Assist with hardscape/softscape installs (patios, walls, planting).
• Use skid steers and other landscape equipment as needed.
• Read grades, plan layouts, and track materials and progress.
• Maintain equipment and ensure site safety and organization.

Skills

Equipment operation

Foreman leadership

Crew management

Reading plans/elevations

Ground disturbance/BC regs

Communication/leadership

Driver’s license (Class 5)

Tools

Mini excavator

Excavator

Skid steer

Grading/compaction tools

Trenching equipment

Job description

Landscape Construction Foreman / Equipment Operator

Victoria Garden City Tree & Landscape Ltd.

Location: Victoria, BC

Job Description

We are hiring an experienced Landscape Construction Foreman / Equipment Operator to lead and complete residential and commercial landscape projects throughout Greater Victoria.

This is a hands‑on role combining equipment operation, crew leadership, and landscape construction. You’ll operate mini excavators and excavators, lead a small crew, and take ownership of completing straightforward projects safely, efficiently, and within budget.

Our projects are typically smaller and more focused than large civil construction projects, giving experienced operators and foremen the opportunity to work with less complexity, see the finished product, and build beautiful outdoor spaces while developing new landscape construction skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate mini excavators for site preparation, excavation, drainage, grading, and backfilling.
• Lead and coordinate a small crew to complete projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Lead or assist with hardscape and softscape installations, including patios, pavers, driveways, retaining walls, planting, sod, and mulch.
• Use skid steers and other landscape equipment as required.
• Perform trenching, drainage, irrigation, and pipe installation.
• Read grades, slopes, plans, and assist with site layout.
• Track materials, equipment, and job progress.
• Complete required safety documentation and follow proper excavation and ground disturbance procedures.
• Work confidently around houses, underground utilities, and existing infrastructure.
• Maintain equipment and keep the job site organized.
• Communicate with the Project Manager and take ownership of completing the job on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of equipment operating experience, with extensive mini excavator or excavator experience.
• 2+ years of Foreman or equivalent crew leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing crews and completing projects safely, efficiently, and within budget.
• Strong experience with excavation and ground disturbance in British Columbia.
• Confident working around houses, foundations, underground utilities, and existing infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of utility locates and proper excavation procedures.
• Experience with grading, drainage, trenching, and backfilling.
• Ability to read plans and understand grades and elevations.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable, accountable, and able to work independently.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to perform hands‑on physical work outdoors.

Assets

• Landscaping experience
• Ground Disturbance certification.
  
• Civil construction experience.
• Experience with skid steers, loaders, compactors, and other construction equipment.
• Paver and hardscape construction experience.
• Retaining wall and drainage experience.

Compensation

• $37–$45 per hour, depending on skills and experience.

Benefits

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits.
• Health Spending Account.
• Life Insurance.
• Quality work clothing.
• Training and career advancement opportunities.
• On‑site free parking.
• Access to in‑house mulch and soil for personal use.
• Free coffee from our in‑office machine.
• Monthly team gatherings with food and beverages.
• Supportive, friendly, and safe work environment.

Schedule

Regular: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Seasonal Hours (May–September): Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Work Location

Various residential and commercial work sites throughout Greater Victoria.

About Us

Garden City Tree & Landscape Ltd. is a leading landscaping company serving Greater Victoria for over twenty years. We take pride in quality craftsmanship, safety, professional development, and providing our employees with competitive wages, quality equipment, benefits, and opportunities for growth.

If you’re coming from civil construction, excavation, or another heavy equipment environment, this is an opportunity to bring your experience into landscape construction, work on smaller and more focused projects, and see the finished product while building beautiful outdoor spaces.

Our Core Values

Respect for Individuals
Personal Accountability
Quality of Work
Safe Work Environment
Peer Support
Client Experience