Gardener Leadhand (Temporary Approx. 12 months)

People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Job Profile

A Temporary Gardener Leadhand position within the Infrastructure Services – Operations Division is available effective June 25, 2026. The Temporary Gardener Leadhand assists Horticulture Operations in the planning and scheduling of all resources necessary to carry out the City of Cambridge's horticulture programs, including oversight of horticulture maintenance personnel and contractor work activities. Performs functions in accordance with established standard operating procedures, departmental and corporate policies, sound horticulture construction and maintenance principles and practices, with a focus on providing excellent customer service and continuous improvement processes. This leadership position requires excellent communication and customer service skills and duties such as directing crews, providing training, and assisting with administrative tasks. Reporting to the Supervisor of Horticulture, the following requirements apply:

What you will be doing

• Makes safety a top priority and enforces applicable corporate policies on all job sites and ensures that the OHSA and other applicable regulations are followed.
• Motivates others using effective communication strategies and demonstrate a positive attitude, strong worth ethic, good judgement and effective leadership skills.
• Empower staff using a team-based approach, positive feedback, discussing concerns in private, and asking for their ideas.
• Performing horticulture duties such as design and maintenance of citywide garden features that include the preparation and planting of annuals, maintenance of trees, perennials, shrubs, as well as the watering, pruning, fertilizing, cultivating, and mulching of beds and gardens to enhance horticultural areas within parks, road allowance & traffic medians throughout the City of Cambridge.
• Responsible for greenhouse operations and the growing and maintenance of various plant materials, such as: propagating, planting, fertilization, transplanting, pruning, chemical control and watering.
• Responsible for setting thresholds, monitoring and identifying pests (insect, fungal, invasive and noxious plants), prevention and control of pests as part of the Integrated Pest Management program (IPM) in alignment with practices directed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and in alignment with a Commercial Pest Management License.
• Grass cutting/trimming, vegetation control, maintenance and landscaping on boulevards, parks, trails, trail heads, city owned lands and facilities as scheduled or as required.
• Assist with the identification, monitoring and control of invasive species and noxious weeds citywide through a variety of methods.
• Sets daily work schedules for crews and records work activities in daily log book. Follows up and ensures work is complete to a specific standard.
• Performs all tasks as well as directs supporting Full Time, Part Time, Temp, and students. Lead staff and coordinate work with supporting equipment, materials, and parts for all activities detailed this job description in a safe manner.
• Responsible for record keeping all inspection and work completed as well as follow-up work required.
• Plan and organize materials, supplies, and equipment to carry out daily job assignments of self and of crews.

Education

A 2-year college diploma in Horticulture, Greenhouse technician, Landscape technician, Turf management or a related discipline is required.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of work-related experience in a similar role.
• Proven effective leadership skills and implementation of those skills within a team environment.
• Competent in all aspects of Horticulture operations.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and understanding of garden design, plants, soils, tools, equipment and procedures relevant to gardening/horticultural activities.
• Thorough knowledge in plant health care including propagation techniques, greenhouse environmental controls, insect and disease identification, and Integrated Pest Management controls.
• A current Landscape and Greenhouse Exterminator class applicators license from Ontario Ministry of the Environment and experience in greenhouse management is required.
• Possesses a valid Ontario "G" License, in good standing.
• Knowledge of all equipment associated with Horticulture operations and the ability to operate equipment when required. Equipment includes, but is not limited to horticulture hand tools, line trimmers, rototillers, brush chippers, backhoes/loaders, agricultural tractors, chain saws, rotary mowers, leaf blowers, sod cutters etc.
• Proficient time management and record keeping skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, is a reliable self-starter, as part of a team, and in a team lead position.
• Strong customer service skills; must be able to communicate effectively with staff, departments, and the public
• Proven ability and initiative to take pride in and manage crew to produce target quality and quantity of work.
• Knowledge of computer systems, ability to operate a tablet for the purposes of monitoring and tracking work.

We will ask you for these items if you are hired

A valid Ontario Class G driver’s license in good standing, with a driver’s abstract acceptable to the City (4 or less demerit points may be considered acceptable)Confirmation that you are physically able to perform the essential duties of the position, as assessed through our third party provider, prior to commencement in the position.Current and valid Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check to be provided prior to commencement in this position.Proof of your current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications.Worker Health and Safety Awareness Training Certificate from the Ministry of Labour

Your compensation

This position is within the outside workers union Salary Schedule Grade 7 and has an hourly range of:

• Starting Rate: $35.93

• 12 Month Rate: $37.04

• 24 Month Rate: $38.16

Hours of Work

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Stand-by Duties/Overtime

Overtime, Stand-by duties as required are an expectation of employment.

Advertisement expiration date

Interested candidates should apply at . This posting will close on May 26, 2026.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy

The City of Cambridge is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, and will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the recruitment and hiring process.

Please contact Human Resources to make your needs known in advance, with the nature of any accommodations that you may require in respect to any materials or processes used to ensure your full and equal participation throughout the recruitment and hiring process.

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge only.