New Job Trades Gardener In British Columbia

Competition #23/31
Internal/External Posting
Closing date: February 23, 2023

Trades Gardener

(Continuous)
Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department

The City of Victoria is looking for a Trades Qualified Gardener to work and excel in our Nursery Growing Operation. The successful candidate would ideally have previous experience working in a greenhouse growing operation with a strong knowledge of propagation and plant management techniques for Native species, Ornamentals and Edible crops. This position would report to the Leadhand of Nursery Operations, and be part of a 3 person team providing plant material to Parks Operations and community partners through program based initiatives including the City of Victoria’s Hanging Basket Program, Annual flower displays, Interior Plant care, Natural Areas Restoration and the award winning “Get Growing Victoria”.

POSITION FUNCTION
Coordinate and participate in general horticulture work at a trades level.

KEY DUTIES
Participate in the maintenance of various horticultural areas in the City; assist in laying out areas to be planted; analyse and make recommendations on plant selection and areas to be planted; assist in inspecting planted areas and required maintenance programs such as irrigating and fertilizing; clean and repair greenhouses and cold frames; maintain moisture levels, heat and ventilation as required; prepare, construct and repair hanging baskets, window boxes and displays; assist with the installation and maintenance of automatic watering systems.

Perform general maintenance to assigned park horticultural by planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and pruning; operate various hand tools and power equipment such as such as shovels, line trimmers, roto-tiller, electric shears, riding mowers, chainsaws, tractors, trenchers, and turf-cutters.

Determine materials and equipment as required; operate a variety of vehicles as required; perform equipment maintenance; report repairs required and damage to equipment to supervisor and mechanic shop; maintain fuel and equipment supply for staff at various work sites.

Provide work direction and instruction to other staff as required; complete daily and seasonal work records and equipment slips; respond to enquiries from the public, staff and outside agencies regarding general parks information.

Perform related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE
Work is performed according to seasonal schedule and is reviewed regularly while in progress.
Issues such as plant selection are discussed with supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Effort:
Lift and move heavy plants and equipment. (often)
Operate manual and power tools and equipment. (frequent)
Mental Effort:
Normal.
Visual/Auditory Effort:
Normal.
Work Environment:
Work outside in all weather conditions. (continuous)
Exposure to equipment noise. (occasional)
Work in close proximity to moving traffic. (occasional)
Work in an environment where protective measures must be taken to avoid exposure to chemicals and fertilizers (occasional)

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Organize and prioritize work.
Understand and apply horticultural trades skills.
Use hand tools and power equipment.
Direct of the work of assistants.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
Work safely on job sites.

QUALIFICATIONS
Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:
High school Graduation.
Completion of 2 year Horticultural Diploma or completion of 4-year BC Trades Qualification in landcacpe horticulture.
Certified Irrigation Technician Levels 1 and 2 (Landscape) (24 hours)
Current and valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's Licence.
Experience:
1 year of experience at the trades level.
or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER:
May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

Work schedule: Friday – Tuesday, shifts may vary; 7:00am – 3:30pm; 40 hour work week
$38.37 per hour, Pay Grade 10 (Under Review)
Job Code #639
This is a CUPE Local 50 Position

To apply for this opportunity you will need to create an online profile or log back in to our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submission will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications and supporting materials as outlined in your resume.

At the City of Victoria, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at [email protected].