Horticulture Labourer

Job Description

CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE

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

Horticulture Labourer

J

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 benefits 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

Assists with general seasonal maintenance activities that support safety, usability and attractiveness of city's horticulture assets, rights-of-way, and other City-owned properties. Primary activities include assisting with maintaining garden beds, flowerpots, pruning vegetation, picking up debris, caring for trees, plants and shrubs, removing snow and ice, and applying winter salt at city facilities. To complete these tasks, Labourers are responsible for safely operating hand tools, power tools, tillers, and snow blowers, as well as to drive ride-on equipment, tractors and Class G vehicles.

Responsibilities

General Labour Function for Horticulture:

• Perform maintenance of horticultural assets, including hanging baskets, barrels, flowerpots, shrub beds, and assist in the installation of horticultural elements according to design plans.

• Conduct routine maintenance of horticulture beds in islands, boulevards, flower beds, shrub beds, and garden beds, including debris removal, trimming, pruning, and general upkeep of horticulture assets across the City.

• Assist with greenhouse operations, including planting, watering, fertilizing, propagating plants, and re-potting.

• Operate various City vehicles and equipment including but not limited to, tractors, trailers, water trucks, loaders, trimmers, field liners, stump grinders, hand tools, snow blowers etc.

• Participate in the pick-up and removal of litter and vegetation on City-owned properties.

• Operate small equipment and light vehicles used in the maintenance of facilities and removal of snow.

• Water, fertilize, prune, and weed as directed by the horticulture maintenance schedule.

Interactions with Others:

• Respond courteously to inquiries from the public and escalate concerns and questions to their direct supervisor.

• May be required to lead and provide guidance to a crew of other Labourers and colleagues, as needed.

Reporting/Administration:

• Complete log book/records/check lists related to equipment used and supplies needed.

• Record daily, individual duties performed, and equipment used through completion of assigned forms.

Other Duties

• Respond to emergency situations, including seasonal events (i.e. ice and snowstorms, flooding, etc.), as required.

• Assist with moving equipment and materials to and from designated work areas, as required.

• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and the corporate Occupational Health and Safety Policy and related procedures.

• Perform other related duties, as assigned, that are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary departmental or corporate objectives.

• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act (AODA) and related policy and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or suitable equivalent.

• One (1) year of work experience in landscaping, horticulture, greenhouse or similar experience. Knowledge of horticulture or plant knowledge is an asset.

• Valid Class Ontario "G" Driver's License in good standing with satisfactory driver's abstract.

• Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labour.

•Ability to operate hand mowers, string trimmers, hand snow blowers, and other related small equipment.

• Ability to drive pick-up trucks, cube vans, and other large Class G vehicles.

•Ability to attach trailers to tow hitches on Class "G" vehicles.

• Ability to Drive Class "G" vehicles with trailers attached.

• Ability to become competent in driving mobile equipment, tractors, and other ride-on equipment.

Working Conditions

• Majority of duties are performed outside.

• Available to work beyond regular working hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays), as required, and in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

• Ability to perform physical demands of the job, including lifting to 20kg.

• Required to wear personal protective equipment and provide own CSA-approved safety boots with green patch and a minimum 6" ankle height.

• Ability to work in a greenhouse environmental condition (humid, hot/cold, bright sun).

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.