Job Description

Trades Gardener

Competition Number: 26/136

Posting Scope: Internal / External

Posted Date: June 30, 2026

Closing Date: July 14, 2026, 4:30 PM PST

Department: Parks, Recreation & Facilities Work schedule: Thursday to Monday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, shifts may vary ( 40 hour work week) – Continuous (Regular, Full-Time)

Salary: $42.13 per hour, Pay Grade 10

Job Code: 639

Employee Group: This is a CUPE Local 50 position

Number of Vacancies: 1

The City of Victoria is looking for a Trades Qualified Gardener in our Nursery Growing Operation. The successful candidate ideally has previous experience working in a greenhouse growing operation with a strong knowledge of propagation and plant management techniques for Native species, Ornamentals and Edible crops.

This position would report to the Leadhand of Nursery Operations, and be part of a 3-person team providing plant material to Parks Operations and community partners through program-based initiatives, including the City of Victoria’s Hanging Basket Program, annual flower displays, interior plant care, Natural Areas Restoration and the award winning “Get Growing Victoria” program.

POSITION FUNCTION

Coordinate and participate in general horticulture work at a trades level.

KEY DUTIES

• Participate in the maintenance of various horticultural areas in the City.
• Assist in laying out areas to be planted, analyse, and make recommendations on plant selection.
• Assist in inspecting planted areas and required maintenance programs such as irrigating and fertilizing.
• Clean and repair greenhouses and cold frames, maintain moisture levels, heat and ventilation as required.
• Prepare, construct, and repair hanging baskets, window boxes and displays.
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of automatic watering systems.
• Perform general maintenance to assigned park horticultural by planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and pruning.
• Operate various hand tools and power equipment such as such as shovels, line trimmers, rototiller, electric shears, riding mowers, chainsaws, tractors, trenchers, and turf-cutters.
• Determine materials and equipment as required and operate a variety of vehicles as required. Perform equipment maintenance, report repairs required and damage to equipment to supervisor and mechanic shop, maintain fuel and equipment supply for staff at various work sites.
• Provide work direction and instruction to other staff as required. Occasionally respond to enquiries from the public, staff and outside agencies regarding general parks information.
• Complete daily and seasonal work records and equipment slips.
• Perform related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE

• Work is performed according to seasonal schedule and is reviewed regularly while in progress.
• Issues such as plant selection are discussed with supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort:

• Lift and move heavy plants and equipment. (often)
• Operate manual and power tools and equipment. (frequent)

Mental Effort:

• Normal.

Visual/Auditory Effort:

• Normal.

Work Environment:

• Work outside in all weather conditions. (continuous)
• Exposure to equipment noise. (occasional)
• Work in close proximity to moving traffic. (occasional)
• Work in an environment where protective measures must be taken to avoid exposure to chemicals and fertilizers (occasional)

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Organize and prioritize work.
• Understand and apply horticultural trades skills.
• Use hand tools and power equipment.
• Direct of the work of assistants.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Work safely on job sites.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

• High school Graduation.
• Completion of 2-year Horticultural Diploma or completion of 4-year BC Trades Qualification in landscape horticulture an equivalent Diploma or Trades Qualification in a related field. (2 years)
• Certified Irrigation Technician Levels 1 and 2 (Landscape) (24 hours)
• Current and valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's Licence.

Experience:

• 1 year of experience at the trades level or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER:

May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.