Job Brief:

This position is responsible for the design and preparation, planning and maintenance of City horticultural displays for indoor and natural area plantings and landscapes. 

Description: 

Job Title                 Horticulturist

Wage                     $27.22 - $29.44 per hour (2023)

Reports to              Supervisor, Forestry and Horticulture Operations

Department            Community Services 

Location                 Central Area

Hours                     Temporary, Full-time, Up to 18 months' duration. Normal working hours are 40 hours per week.  

Other                     General office environment with some travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes, in accordance with job requirements.

Job Description:

·       Recommend, design and prepare various horticultural displays

·       Responsible for the growing of, and maintenance of plant material, such as: propagating, planting, fertilization, transplanting and maintenance of various species of ornamental plants

·       Inspect materials for insect and weed infestations or disease and report damage

·       Perform general landscape functions such as sodding, gardening, path and wall construction

·       Operate landscape equipment including trucks, tractor, mowers, hand or mechanized ground maintenance tools and equipment

·       Perform park maintenance such as litter control, snow removal and washroom cleaning, as requested

·       Act as a resource to seasonal employees, providing information and guidance as needed

 ·      Administer procedures and recommend solutions to challenges or process improvements

·       Complete continuous research and analysis of industry trends and issues to make recommendations to management and remain current in area of specialty

·       Respond to customer service concerns, investigating, problem solving and responding within defined processes and advancing to the attention of the manager and/or supervisor, as appropriate

·       Work collaboratively with others to deliver the outcomes as defined; report any challenges to the supervisor

·       Maintain documentation, databases and corporate records in accordance with policy and divisional practice; consider legislative municipal requirements such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)

·       Provide data to allow reporting and decision making

·       Procure services and goods as authorized by the supervisor

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

·       Post-secondary diploma in Horticulture or a related field

·       Minimum two (2) years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment

·       Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certification and/or accredited course in Plant Health Care, or willingness to obtain

·       Pesticide license, or willingness to obtain

·       Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain

·       Demonstrated experience as practical gardener and horticulture including bed preparation, planting and maintenance of displays and landscaping

·       Demonstrated ability to design and implement garden and landscaping plans; effectively use fertilizers; recognize pests, diseases and weeds

·       Demonstrated knowledge of plant materials with experience in propagation and seasonal growth cycles

·       Must have knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and other relevant legislation

·       Effective oral communication and strong interpersonal skills; strong written communication skills; attention to detail and accuracy

·       Demonstrated customer service skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization

·       Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision

·       Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures

·       Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet and any other related software

·       Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class “D” Driver’s Licence with “Z” endorsement or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe

Upon a conditional offer of employment, a Criminal Record Check will be required