Tradesperson – Grounds Horticulturist

Surrey Schools (School District #36 Surrey); Surrey; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional school district in Metro Vancouver is looking for a Trades Horticulture Foreperson to oversee the maintenance and repair of landscape areas and sports fields. This position requires strong leadership skills, experience in horticulture, and a valid BC driver's license. The role offers a 37.5-hour work week with an hourly wage of $44.77 plus benefits including a pension and health coverage. Applications are invited until August 29, 2025.

Benefits

Liberal benefit package

Municipal Pension

Health benefits

Vacation and sick benefits

Qualifications

• Five years recent related experience in the applicable trade as a tradesperson.
• Strong foundational knowledge of Arboriculture and Horticulture.
• Valid unrestricted Class 5 BC Drivers’ license.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise Grounds Horticulture employees and contractors.
• Oversee maintenance and repairs of shrub beds, trees, and sports fields.
• Prepare and review drawings and budget estimates.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Physical stamina

Education

2-year technical Diploma in Horticulture

Completion of grade 12 or equivalent

Completion of apprenticeship training

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management System

Microsoft Office

GIS Programs

Job description

Surrey Schools values an inclusive school district where equity is deeply embedded, and diversity welcomed. We acknowledge the profound responsibility we all have in ensuring that our schools and district sites foster an atmosphere where everyone feels secure, respected, and valued. Our commitment to providing a quality education extends beyond academic excellence; we are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families. Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and tolerance and recognizes the importance of diversity of identity and thought. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Reporting to the Manager and Assistant Manager in the Grounds Department, the Trades Horticulture Foreperson is responsible for directing, supervising, and coordinating the day-to-day work of Grounds Horticulture employees under various classifications, as well as contractors. The incumbent will carry out and assist in estimating, planning, obtaining licenses or permits, scheduling work, ordering materials, scheduling delivery of materials to job sites, supervision of work, evaluation, and training of employees under the foreperson’s supervision, maintaining records for job costing and operating computer equipment to input and retrieve data.

The Foreperson is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repairs, and programs related to shrub beds, trees, sports fields, and passive turf. They will have the ability to prepare and review drawings and budget estimates, as well as manage trades staff and contractors in each of these fields. The successful candidate will have a strong foundational knowledge in each of these areas and excellent organizational skills.

The Grounds Department offers staff great work-life balance with a shift of 7am-3pm, Monday to Friday, exceptional quality tools and equipment, a well-maintained fleet of vehicles and a beautiful District Facilities Centre with an on-site gym located in the heart of Surrey.

Qualifications

• Experience in a unionized environment an asset.
• Physical stamina to carry out the duties of this position in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing and the ability to understand and carry out oral/written instructions accurately with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience and confidence using various computer applications such as Outlook, Microsoft office, a Computerized Maintenance Management System (Work Orders), and online GIS Programs.
• Strong foundational knowledge of methods, equipment, materials, by-laws & regulations, occupational hazards, and safety precautions within the fields of Arboriculture, Horticulture, and Sports Field maintenance.
• A valid unrestricted Class 5 BC Drivers’ license.
• Five years recent related experience in the applicable trade as a tradesperson, including supervision of others, or an equivalent level of training and experience. Trade qualification (TQ) or BC License, as required for applicable trades.
• Completion of grade 12 or equivalent plus completion of apprenticeship training in an applicable trade, from an institute recognized by the district.
• A 2-year technical Diploma in Horticulture from a recognized college/institution or completion of a Landscape Horticulturalist Red Seal.
• A valid unrestricted Class 5 BC Driver’s license.
• Ability to direct, supervise, and participate in the activities with one or more assistants.
• Must be physically able to perform heavy manual work throughout the year.
  
  

This is a unionized position that offers a 37.5-hour work week with an hourly wage rate of $44.77, plus a liberal benefit package including Municipal Pension, health, vacation and sick benefits.

Qualified applicants can apply by clicking the "apply" button to the right of the posting. The closing date for this position is August 29, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.