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CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE

We have an exciting Temporary Full-Time, Unionized opportunity in the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations Department for an experienced and motivated individual.

Gardener

J0426-0503

Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan!

The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused advantages package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.

Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Horticulture Supervisor, the Gardener is responsible for the design and maintenance of all resources in assigned locations that are necessary to carry out the City of Vaughan’s horticulture programs. Performs functions in accordance with established standard operating procedures, departmental and corporate policies, sound horticulture construction and maintenance principles and practices, and applicable codes, with a focus on providing excellent customer service and continuous improvement processes.

Responsibilities

- Performs duties related to the efficient and appropriate deployment, design, establishment, maintenance, and renewal of the City’s horticultural assets, including hanging baskets, planters, shrub beds, streetscapes and landscapes.
- Assists the Lead Gardener in the planning, scheduling, monitoring, quality control and delegation of work of assigned seasonal staff.
- Monitors assigned greenhouse facilities and operations, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation control; and, internal/external pest control via Integrated Pest Management (IPM) best practice, including overseeing pesticide application, compliant with the Pesticide Act.
- Liaises with the Lead Gardener, Supervisor and/or Manager to report progress and variances, incidents and equipment matters, resolve issues,



and refine planning.
- Ensures the safe and proper use of tools, equipment, & materials and that standard operating procedures are followed.
- Ensures all load securement procedures are in place while transporting material, equipment and other items.
- Carries out all necessary maintenance and adjustments while keeping equipment in a safe, clean and tidy condition, and ensures daily circle checks and defects reporting and, if necessary, undertakes small repairs in a prescribed manner and ensures timely documentation to trigger required repairs.
- Maintains accurate and thorough records to corporate standards, related to inventories, employee relations, health and safety, inspections, incidents, and annual production plans and schedules, as required.
- Liaises with internal and external stakeholders, to coordinate projects and inter-related schedules, gain efficiencies in operations, and to share equipment, materials, and staff.
- Collects digital in-field data capture for the Horticulture program.
- Assists with Service in Kind stage operations, stage setup, take down, and special events
- Adheres to all safety rules, policies and procedures and wears all required personal protective equipment and ensures a clean and protected work environment at all times.
- Provides general guidance to staff members and assists in the training of seasonal staff
- Performs duties related to winter snow removal operations, including parking lots, sidewalks and entrance area snow/ice removal.
- Responds to and/or resolves citizen inquiries/concerns and provides customer service to residents, internal and external stakeholders and departments
- Provides support to, and assumes duties of Lead Gardener, in their absence, as required

Other Duties

- Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and the corporate Occupational Health and Safety Policy and related procedures.
- Performs other related tasks and projects, as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary departmental or corporate objectives, and the Collective Agreement

Qualifications and Experience

- Up to two (2)



year College Diploma or Certificate in Horticulture, Landscape, or related field, or suitable equivalent
- Minimum of two (2) years of related gardening experience in a municipal or commercial environment.
- Strong leadership skills with experience in directing and assigning work to others, including training, monitoring work performance, and motivating staff.
- Possesses working knowledge of pest control and IPM-PHC practices. IPM accreditation considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of garden design, plants, soils, tools, equipment and procedures relevant to gardening/horticultural activities.
- Thorough knowledge in industry practices for plant health care including propagation techniques, greenhouse environmental controls, insect and disease identification, invasive exotics, and Integrated Pest Management controls.
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written, customer service and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient time management and record keeping skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, and is a reliable self-starter, as part of a team.
- Possesses an understanding of the MTO’s OTM Book 7 for Temporary Conditions, and proven knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legislation.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Possesses a valid Ontario “G” License, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use. A “DZ“license would be considered an asset.
- A current Landscape, Industrial Vegetation and Greenhouse Exterminator class applicators license from Ontario Ministry of the Environment and experience in greenhouse management would be considered an asset.
- Certifications in Chainsaw, irrigation and confined space entry would be considered an asset.
- Stage line training certificate would be considered an asset.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.

The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2l3jy4

📌 Gardener (Contract) (Vaughan)
🏢 City of Vaughan
📍 Vaughan