Horticulturist/Operator (Full-Time)

We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!

Watch this video to learn more about our City at:

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Supervisor and the general direction of the Leadhand – (Curator) Botanical Conservatory, participates in the growing, planting, and maintenance of botanical displays within the Botanical Conservatory, production greenhouses, streetscapes, and parks, and supports delivery of programming and services.

MAJOR TASKS:

• Prepares, grows, and maintains seasonal and permanent botanical displays within the Botanical Conservatory, streetscapes, parks, and the community.
• Carries out all growing aspects of plants i.e. potting, cultivating, soil preparation, pest control, etc.
• Applies the principles of Integrated Pest Management to all horticulture work activities.
• Records data related to horticulture operations and work, as required.
• Operates and maintains environmental control systems related to the Botanical Conservatory and the production greenhouses to support optimal growing, display environment, and user experience.
• Provides knowledge transfer and training to other staff, as required.
• Operates equipment with machine operator classification in parks, on streets, or other locations, as required.
• Inspects equipment daily, carries out minor servicing of equipment being operated, and reports all equipment defects.
• Guides various groups touring the Botanical Conservatory, production greenhouses, and botanical displays.
• Supports events, programming, and room bookings as required, including but not limited to set up and tear down of temporary botanical displays, chairs, tables, and coordination of other supplies or equipment.
• Carries out building maintenance at the Botanical Conservatory, as required.
• Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Industry recognized Certificate in Horticulture or related equivalent certification and 3 years of applied experience in horticulture and/or green house production operations.
• Must be able to work independently, take responsibility and make decisions when supervisory personnel are absent
• Previous experience in parks maintenance is preferred

Skills/Abilities:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s Licence, or equivalent
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• Must be capable of performing manual labouring duties
• Must be tactful and courteous with the public

Assets:

• Integrated Pest Management Accreditation (IPMAP)
• Pesticide Licence

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must be prepared to work weekends without supervision as required
• Within 3 months of hire, must attain and maintain certification in the applicable licensing categories of pesticide application
• Within 15 working days of receiving a conditional offer of employment, must successfully obtain a written beginner’s licence for an Ontario “D” Class drivers licence with a “Z” endorsement
• After training, must successfully obtain and maintain a Class “D” Driver’s Licence with a “Z” endorsement as soon as possible within 12 months of initial date of employment in the position.
• Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
• Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)

General Information:

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources & Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources & Corporate Safety Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866