Do you have a passion for plants and a knack for making things bloom? Are you looking for a meaningful job that contributes to the beauty and vibrancy of your community? Then look no further than the Horticulture Assistant position at the City of Barrie!
Job Details
Vacancy: Horticulture
Salary: $54,724.80 to $65,520.00 per year (Unionised position under CUPE Local 2380)
Job Type: Casual Full-time (Up to 8 months)
Shift and Schedule: Varied hours, including weekends and some early mornings
Languages: English proficiency is required.
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, along with relevant horticulture or landscaping experience.
Experience: One year of experience in a horticulture-related field is considered an asset.
Who is a Horticulture Assistant?
A horticulture assistant is a crucial member of the City of Barrie’s Parks and Forestry team, responsible for maintaining and enhancing the city’s green spaces.
Job Description
- Assist in the installation and maintenance of seasonal plant displays throughout the city.
- Monitor plant health, soil conditions, and potential infestations to determine watering and fertilization needs.
- Perform greenhouse tasks, including plant propagation, transplanting, and pest & disease control.
- Participate in landscaping projects, such as planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers.
- Maintain garden beds, walkways, and other green spaces by weeding, mulching, and edging.
- Operate and maintain various horticulture equipment, such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems.
- Assist with special events and community initiatives related to horticulture.
- Provide excellent customer service to residents and visitors while promoting responsible gardening practices.
Qualifications and Skills
- Strong knowledge of plant identification, care, and maintenance.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent physical fitness and stamina for outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Proficient in operating and maintaining horticulture equipment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible gardening practices.
Worksite Environment
- Primarily outdoors, working in parks, gardens, and greenhouses.
- Exposure to various weather conditions, including sun, rain, and wind.
- Potential for physical exertion, lifting, and bending.
Job Responsibilities
- Plant Installation: Use planting tools like trowels, shovels, and dibbers to plant annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.
- Pruning and Trimming: Employ hand shears, loppers, and hedge trimmers to maintain the shape and health of plants.
- Weed Control: Utilise hand tools and herbicides to remove unwanted vegetation from garden beds and walkways.
- Watering and Fertilisation: Operate irrigation systems and apply fertilizers according to plant needs and soil conditions.
- Pest and Disease Management: Identify and control pests and diseases using appropriate methods and pesticides.
- Mulching and Edging: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and use edging tools to create clean lines around garden beds.
- Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain horticulture equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems.
- Greenhouse Work: Propagate plants from cuttings and seeds, transplant seedlings, and manage greenhouse climate and pests.
- Special Events: Assist in setting up and taking down displays for floral shows, community events, and festivals.
- Customer Service: Answer questions from residents about plants, gardening practices, and city initiatives.
Tasks
- Using planting trowels, hand cultivators, and shears for various tasks
- Operating wheelbarrows and lawnmowers for transporting materials and maintaining turf
- Mixing soil amendments and preparing planting beds
- Identifying common plant species and pests
- Monitoring weather conditions and adjusting watering schedules accordingly
- Learning basic tree identification and pruning techniques
- Assisting with the installation of decorative elements like planters and benches
Who Can Apply for This Job?
If you’re someone who thrives in the outdoors, finds joy in the delicate balance of nature, and possesses a dedication to environmental stewardship, this Horticulture Assistant position might be your calling.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or an eager horticultural apprentice, the City of Barrie offers a platform to cultivate your skills, contribute to a vibrant community, and witness the magic of nature unfold before your eyes.
Leave a Comment