Job ID #32169: Cemetery Gardener

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #32169: Cemetery Gardener
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job Description ID #: 265
• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 19th, 2026.
• Duration: up to
  12+ months
• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reports to Operations Supervisor of Cemeteries. Performs gardening and ground maintenance in City cemeteries.

GENERAL DUTIES

Designs, plans, plants and maintains perpetual and public flower beds.

Maintains records of materials received and used, such as annual flower orders, fertilizer.

Requisitions materials and maintains stock.

Removes, plants and trims bushes, trees and shrubs.

Reads sectional maps.

Places planks/plywood to guide backhoe and truck in preparation of gravesite.

Shores, squares and levels gravesite.

Installs and removes lowering devices, shoring, platforms, tents and dressings.

Installs grave liner lids.

Backfills, levels and replaces sod at gravesite.

Locates grave and installs markers.

Digs and pours foundations for monuments.

Performs ground grooming such as grass cutting, trimming, raking and removal of leaves.

Maintains gravesites and grounds by sodding, seeding and levelling.

Loads and unloads vehicles of equipment and material.

Operates tools and equipment such as push and riding mowers, weedeaters, wacker compactor, skill and chainsaws, leaf blowers and rototiller.

Removes human remains for reinterment.

Performs minor maintenance to buildings and outdoor structures such as repairing and painting building, benches, fences and guardrails.

Removes and cleans snow from walkways and stairways.

Installs and maintains waterlines and irrigation systems at cemeteries.

Trains and directs part time and new staff on gardening procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Previous gardening experience related to duties listed above normally acquired by a combination of education and relevant work experience.

2. Preference will be given to applicants with experience or education in Horticulture.

3. Previous experience, training, and ability to operate equipment and tools in a safe manner.

4. Ability to work with minimal supervision.

5. Ability to comprehend and communicate both written and verbally.

6. Must be able to follow written instructions in performing a variety of tasks.

7. Must be able to understand and follow detailed procedures and instructions.

8. Must be able to lift materials and tools.

9. Must possess a valid Class "G" Licence.

10. Class “DZ” licence is preferred.

SALARY: Salary Grade E

HOURS: 40 per week

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.