Gardener - Vaughan, Canada - City of Vaughan - Vaughan, ON

Description

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.

• 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.
• 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 interrelated schedules, gain efficiencies in operations, and to share equipment, materials, and staff.
• Collects digital infield 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 safe 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

• 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 problemsolving skills.
• Proficient time management and record keeping skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
• Ability to work with mínimal supervision, and is a reliable selfstarter, 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.

• Majority of duties are performed outside (85% outside, 15% inside).
• Ability to perform physical demands of the