Horticulturist

Job Title:                        Horticulturist                                              

Department:                 Community Services                

Wage:                             $30.18 (2026)

Reports To:                    Supervisor, Forestry and Horticulture

Hours:                             Temporary Full Time, 40 hours a week (up to 6 months)

Union:                             CUPE Local 855 Outside         

Location:                        This posting is for an existing, currently open position within Community Services. Travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes in accordance with job requirements and work locations may vary. 

Essential Duties

• Recommend, design, prepare and implement  various types of horticultural displays

• Plant,  transplant and propagate plant material, based on specific cultural requirements

• lnspect woody and herbaceous plant materials for insect infestation or disease and report damage

• lmplement  Plant Health Care programs as required

• Perform general landscape construction functions such as sodding, garden installation, path repair and wall construction

• Perform park maintenance such as litter control,  and related parks-work

• Operate related landscape equipment including trucks, tractors, rototillers, mowers and hand or mechanized grounds maintenance tools and equipment

• Respond to horticultural inquiries from the public, referring matters beyond the scope of this position to the Supervisor

• Act as a resource to seasonal employees, providing information and instruction in gardening and grounds maintenance

• Maintain written records and prepare reports

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications
 

• Post-secondary diploma in Horticulture or a related field

• Minimum 2 years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment

• Experience as a practical gardener/Horticulturist, including bed preparation, planting and maintenance of horticultural displays, turf grass areas and natural area plantings

• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario class D with Z endorsement or willingness to obtain within a specified time frame

• Associated pesticide license preferred

• A certificate in lntegrated Pest Management (lPM), or course in Plant Health Care is an asset

• Thorough knowledge of plant materials, with a demonstrated ability in, and knowledge of, propagation and seasonal growth cycles necessary to continue ongoing parks beautification

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement garden and landscaping plans

• Ability to select proper fertilizers and administer correct application rates

• Knowledge of accurate  water requirements of varying plants

• Ability to recognize insect pests, diseases and weeds and to treat for eradication or control in an effective manner

• Must be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations applicable to carrying out the duties of this position

• WHMIS, First Aid, CPR preferred

• Effective oral communication and strong interpersonal skills to deal with members of the public, council and all levels of staff

• Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines

• Ability to work independently or as an effective member of a team

• Excellent written communication skills; attention to detail and accuracy

• Good analytical and problem solving skills related to area of expertise

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and any other related software

Upon a conditional offer of employment, a Criminal Record Check will be required         

Accommodation

We will accommodate the needs of applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.  Please advise Human Resources to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process.