Horticultural Technician

Job description

SUMMARY

As a Horticultural Technician, you will serve as a steward for one of Toronto’s most significant urban greenspaces. This a senior position within the Parks Team with some leadership responsibilities that demands exceptional people skills coupled with a strong technical background and a high degree of attention to detail. You will help manage a diverse landscape ranging from manicured gardens to forested woodlots and more open event spaces.

This role requires a technical expert who can balance high-level plant care, ecological restoration, exterior property maintenance of a high quality and leadership while serving as an ambassador for sustainable park management.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Horticulture

- Maintain and install ornamental gardens and seasonal planters.

- Act as an onsite authority for identifying Ontario native species and invasives.

- Restoration and care of the Tallgrass Prairie and forested areas, implementing strategies to enhance biodiversity and climate resilience.

- Invasive Species Control: Execute mechanical and biological control plans for invasive species like.

- Winter Dormant Pruning: Perform structural pruning on the park’s fruit orchards and forest stands during the off-season.

Sanitation

- Litter and waste collection and control.

Mentorship

- Mentor and direct junior staff and seasonal staff in daily tasks and technical skill development.

Health and Safety

- Act as the Competent Person under the OHSA, conducting daily tailgate meetings and ensuring strict PPE compliance.

Park Ambassador

- Act as frontline Park Ambassador when engaged with the public to explain ongoing ecological projects and answer inquiries with professional tact.

Community Stewardship

- Support community stewardship activities, ensuring on site educational staff or community member participants are trained in proper planting and maintenance techniques.

Other

- Assist in the installation of seasonal displays and decorations.

- Support snow & ice control operation through record keeping, shoveling, operate tractors, utility vehicles, skid steers and spreaders to maintain safe public spaces while minimizing hazardous runoff into park watersheds and greenspace.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

- Experience: 5+ years in professional horticulture or ecological restoration.

- Education: Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Ecology, or a related field.

- Other desirable certifications: Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist, CLHT designation, ISA certification.

- Safety: Current Standard First Aid/CPR and WHMIS 2015 certification. Working at heights and Chainsaw safety certification would be considered an asset.

Licenses and/or Professional Accreditation

- Driver’s License: Valid Ontario Class G (clean abstract).

This is a regular, full-time position with a salary range of $54,185 - $67,732 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to experience, education and performance related to this role.