Trades II - Gardener - REPOST

Main Purpose and Function

The Trades II Gardener will perform skilled horticultural work at the journeyman level in high profile park settings. Under general supervision, this position will be responsible for the care and development of an assigned area(s) and will supervise one or more staff.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The Trades II Gardener coordinates and performs a variety of skilled horticulture work in propagating, planting, spraying, pruning, cultivating, fertilizing, and renovating floral displays, shrub beds, and lawns in a variety of horticultural and landscape settings.

• Plants, prunes, and cares for trees; cares for formal lawns, sports fields, and recreational lawn areas; answers a variety of horticultural and recreational questions from the public;
• supervises and participates in the work of one or more assistants engaged in parks horticultural and maintenance tasks; prepares estimations;
• orders materials, tools as well as equipment while coordinating with suppliers and other City departments; provides comments on detailed Landscape Drawings;

maintains routine records related to the work and performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

• Completion of Grade 12, completion of a recognized apprenticeship in Horticulture, considerable experience in gardening, and some experience in laying out areas for track and field sports.
• Completion of a Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal is preferred
• A valid Pesticide Applicator License, as required for some positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices, materials, tools and equipment used in horticultural work.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and practices used in maintaining turf sports areas.
• Considerable knowledge of plant material and tree care.
• Sound knowledge of departmental functions and operations as applied to the work performed.
• Ability to cope with a wide variety of problems involved in the maintenance and supervision of ornamental park and sports areas.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks throughout the year.
• Skill in laying out horticultural displays such as carpet bedding, subtropical displays, and other designed horticultural features.
• Ability to read, understand, and work from Landscape Drawings.
• Ability to direct, supervise and participate in the activities of one or more assistants.
• Skill in the use and care of gardening tools and equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to manage the Integrated Pest Management program as applied to the landscape area under their care.
• Possesses basic mathematical and computer skills.

A current and valid BC Driver’s License is a requirement of this position. The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.

Transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements of the Department.

Preference will be given to those who have successfully completed the Vancouver Park Board's Apprenticeship Program.

Business Unit / Department : Board of Parks & Recreation (1400)