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 #31681: Gardener I
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- Job Description ID #: 722
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday February 4, 2026.
- Duration:
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- (1) Permanent Full-Time
- (2) Temporary Full-Time (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 Greenhouse Supervisor and/or Horticultural Supervisor. Directs and works with a crew to carry out horticultural practices in parks, traffic islands, City owned properties and in a greenhouse environment as directed by the Supervisor
GENERAL DUTIES
Direct and work with a crew to maintain various types of flower beds, gardens, planters, and greenhouse(s).
Work with a crew to carry out greenhouse functions as directed including transplanting seedling plugs and other plant material, propagation, watering, fertilizing and spraying.
Analyse, create and implement the use of horticultural materials such as annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, tropical plants and sod.
Assist in the design of horticultural displays for annual shows within the greenhouse, City facilities, conventions, and annual beds. Such as Implement and maintain horticultural displays such as "Chrysanthemum" Show & “Spring Bulb Show”.
Maintain flower beds and shrubs by weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and watering.
Assess, diagnose and report annual, perennial, shrub, soil and turf problems; implement corrective action such as cultural, biological or chemical controls (while maintaining compliance with the Ontario Pesticide Act).
Operate tools and equipment such as edger, sprayer, hedge trimmer, rototiller and tractor.
Monitor greenhouse environmental controls for functionality.
Receive and answer inquiries from the public.
Open and close greenhouses; responsible for keys.
Drive service vehicle; transport crew and equipment to work site; load and unload vehicle.
Complete work, fill out crew and equipment log sheets. Such as timesheets and daily accomplishments into software program systems (EAM) and update GIS inventory with tablet/laptop.
Perform preventative maintenance on vehicle, tools and equipment.
Perform minor repair to in ground irrigation systems.
Maintain inventory of materials used.
Recommend the use of materials such as flagstone, interlocking stone, timber and display boards; complete projects.
Perform minor maintenance on greenhouse facility.
Communicate with contractors and other departments.
Work 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.
Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Horticultural trade related training and experience equivalent to a two year Community College diploma in Horticulture or a related discipline or the equivalent education and work related experience.
- Technical knowledge required regarding plant materials, knowledge of how to propagate plants, and greenhouse operations. Must be capable of performing a particular trade and carrying out a variety of complex tasks. Requires the use of specialized skills.
- Landscape and Greenhouse Interior Plant Exterminator Licence required.
- Must possess a Class "G" Driver’s Licence.
- Must have a working knowledge of computers in a Windows environment utilizing MS Office software, a working knowledge of work order software such as “EAM” would be an asset, and other software related to the role.
- Ability to carry out a variety of manual labour duties associated with greenhouse work including bending, kneeling, squatting, prolonged standing, ability to sustain moderate physical exertion with a full-range of body motion, climbing a ladder, lifting to 50lbs.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Must work weekend shifts on a rotational basis in the greenhouse.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.
SALARY: Grade G
Hours: 40
THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.
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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.
