Job ID

77498

Job Title

GARDENER

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/07/17

Job Type

Limited Term (<12 months)

Close Date

2026/07/31

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 5, O&M;

Favorite Job

Department

Grounds

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Custodian, Grounds & Logist 1

Salary Range

$27.57 - $27.57 (hourly)

Job Code

000955

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Contract Duration

8.1 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

40

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday to Friday

7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

40 hours per week

Education Level

Grade 12 diploma or equivalent

Career Level

6-months of related experience

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Gardener is responsible for the year-round maintenance and care of the campus grounds including gardens, trees, lawns, and pedestrian pathways. This role plays a vital part in preserving the horticultural, landscape and turf elements of the campus, and in ensuring campus accessibility and safety during all seasons, including snow and ice events. As an essential services team member, the Gardener supports core operations by maintaining the beauty, functionality, and safety of our grounds—365 days a year – ensuring all work is completed safely and in compliance with legislative requirements and University standards.

Primary Accountabilities

- Perform a variety of maintenance duties including but not limited to, grass cutting, waste removal, planting, irrigation maintenance, and pruning.
- Conduct snow and ice management duties during the winter months, including the application of salt or sand, manual snow removal, and operation of snow blowers or plows to ensure safe access across campus pathways, stairs, and roadways.
- Operate maintenance equipment associated with landscaped area including but not limited to, mowers, rototiller, weed trimmers, chain saws, and snow removal.
- Service equipment, including, but not limited to; cleaning, lubricating and refueling.
- Complete routine repairs to campus roads, parking lots and sidewalks using gravel and asphalt patches.
- Provide information to a variety of individuals on campus related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.
- Provide recommendations related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.
- Update and maintain information and records.
- Operate a motor vehicle or golf cart for transportation on campus.

- Performs pre- and post-work tasks such as preparing and securing the job site, transporting tools and equipment, and restoring the area upon completion

General Accountabilities

- Operate within established security and safety regulations.
- Ensure compliance to all University Policies, and Health and Safety guidelines.
- Communicate with fellow workers, faculty, students,



staff and visitors in an appropriate and effective manner to establish effective working relationships and respond to needs.
- Perform job assignments in an efficient and effective manner with minimum supervision.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with organizational while delivering high-quality work in a safe, team-oriented and customer-focused manner.

Qualifications

Education:

- Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
- 1 year post-secondary training equivalent
- Must posess a valid Class G driver's license
- Additional certifications are considered an asset

Experience:

- 6 months of related experience

Physical Effort:

- A typical work day consists of more than 3.5 hours of moderate physical effort for activities such as:
- Standing and working on feet for prolonged periods of time.
- Working in awkward positions with hands above head

- A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hours of high physical effort for activities such as:

- Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs).
- Shoveling and lifting snow and operating snow clearing equipment in challenging conditions.

Mental Effort:

- A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hour of routine mental effort for activities such as:
- Update and maintain information and records.

- A typical work day consists of more than 2 up to 3.5 hours of moderate mental effort for activities such as:

- Provide information to a variety of individuals on campus related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.
- Provide recommendations to Supervisor related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.

Working Conditions

Physical Environment:

- Frequent exposure to dust and dirt.
- Frequent exposure to loud noise.
- Frequent exposure to vibration from machinery and tools.
- Frequent exposure to inclement weather.
- Occasionally required to work in confined spaces.
- Continuously required to wear personal protective equipment.

Psychological Environment:

- Frequently required to work alone and/or in isolated work environments.
- Occasionally interacts with individuals who may be rude or upset.

Health & Safety:

- Possible slip or fall hazards
- Occasionally climbs on ladders
- Lifting heavy tools, objects cables or equipment
- Potential for repetitive strain injuries from use of hand and power tools
Risk of cuts, burns, or abrasions while operating a variety of equipment and instruments

-

Supervision

- Occasionally provides orientation an show procedures to others.





THE ACCOUNTABILITIES DESCRIBED ARE REPRESENTATIVE IN NATURE AND ARE NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL JOB DUTIES. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE JOB.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

- Human Resources Service Centre at (phone hidden) ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.

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