About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Supervisor, Grounds & Horticulture (permanent, full-time)

The Supervisor, Grounds & Horticulture oversees the planning, maintenance, and enhancement of campus grounds, botanic gardens, Wetlands and greenhouses. This role ensures the effective management of horticultural operations, provides leadership to the groundskeeping and horticulture teams, and supports institutional goals related to sustainability, education, and campus aesthetics.

Key Job Functions:

Leadership and Team Supervision:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of grounds and horticulture service workers, technicians, and seasonal staff.
• Coordinate daily work schedules and ensure tasks are completed to high standards.
• Model leadership in a complex environment combined with the ability to coordinate, manage, leverage and integrate the efforts of faculty, staff, contractors and partners
• Set clear team goals and objectives aligned with the organization's vision and strategy and ensure effective execution and achievement of targets.
• Manage team performance by setting and tracking key performance indicators, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing any performance issues or gaps.
• Champion and foster a positive and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, collaboration and open communication within the team.
• Champion a customer-focus and safety mindset within the team ensuring exceptional service delivery and internal/external stakeholder satisfaction.
• Creates team spirit and helps to direct individuals toward achievement of team and organizational goals. Inspires others to do their best, develop professionally, and contribute to the success of the leadership team.

Grounds and Horticulture Management:

• Oversee all grounds maintenance activities, including mowing, pruning, planting, and irrigation.
• Ensure campus landscapes and botanic gardens meet aesthetic, functional, academic program and safety standards.
• Manage snow and ice removal operations to maintain safe pathways and parking areas.
• Plan and oversee the cultivation and maintenance of plant collections, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
• Ensure proper implementation of pest management practices and adherence to environmental standards.
• Support the design and implementation of new landscaping and horticultural projects.

Academic Collaboration & Community Engagement:

• Work closely with academic staff and students to support research, learning, and campus events.
• Support the allocation of space for academic and research activities in greenhouses and gardens.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including community groups and visitors, to promote the gardens and horticultural programs.

Equipment & Facilities Management:

• Ensure the proper operation and maintenance of groundskeeping and horticulture equipment.
• Identify and coordinate repairs or replacements for tools and facilities as needed.
• Develop and implement safety protocols for equipment use and grounds operations.
• Actively promote and reinforce practices that prioritize the well-being and security of all individuals at Olds College by showing a proactive attitude towards safety measures and continuously striving to enhance safety protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standards of protection.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting:

• Develop long-term plans for campus landscaping and horticultural improvements.
• Promote and implement environmentally sustainable practices in grounds and horticulture operations.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and methods to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Prepare and manage budgets for grounds and horticulture operations.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of materials, tools, and horticultural supplies.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and resource optimization.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Degree, diploma, or certificate in horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture, or a related field required.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Alberta Pesticide Applicator’s License or eligibility for certification.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or horticulture, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with various greenhouse crops and production methods with both horticulture and agricultural crops
• Experience in an educational support setting would be a strong asset
• Strong knowledge of plant science, pest management, and sustainable landscaping practices.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including budgeting and scheduling software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Strong dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This includes actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds, and continuously striving to create a culture of respect and understanding.
• Lifting up to 50+ pounds; involves bending, kneeling, walking, and jarring.
• Requires operational planning, problem solving, and decision making related to grounds operations

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office work and time spent in outdoor environments
• Exposure to temperature extremes, noise, fumes, vibration, dirt, and filth.

Conditions of Employment:

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave
• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

Please apply by April 7, 2026

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.