Under general direction of Supervisor Grounds and Gardens, the Gardener/Arbourist is responsible for maintaining the gardens, grounds and horticulture program within the National Historic Site. The Gardener/Arbourist is primarily responsible for a variety of horticulture duties at a senior trade’s person level, including tasks which require specialized training in the horticulture trade, including greenhouse operation, nurseries and arboriculture. This position also delivers general gardening and grounds services as part of the gardens and service team within the National Historic Site and botanical gardens while promoting the customer service, environment and professional front-door image presented by the University.

The incumbent must be capable of periods of high intensity physical work and have an ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet the needs of the clients. The incumbent is required to lift, carry and place heavy loads as a routine requirement of the position. Operation of and minor repairs to a wide variety of motorized and task-specific machinery, both on and off site, is required to perform the duties outlined below and requires extreme diligence when operating on public highways.

Job Requirements

Required:

• Grade 12 graduation from a secondary school or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid B.C. Pesticide Applicator License.
• Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license in the Province of B.C.
• 5 years’ experience in the field of horticulture or arbourculture, supplemented by a formal technical horticulture or arbourculture training program of at least 2 years.
• Possession of a Trade Qualification Certificate or Certificate of Apprenticeship in Horticulture, or Possession of a Diploma in Horticulture, or a combination of at least 10 years related work experience and training, maintain an ISA international society of arborist certification.
• Knowledge of tree physiology and anatomy and pruning standards (Arbourist).
• Experience as a hazardous tree assessor and climber (Arbourist).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, the incumbent must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing and by email.
• Ability to work in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to operate equipment related to the duties.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Heritage landscape or botanical garden experience ability to provide interpretive services and continued education.
• Basic First Aid.

Additional Information

This position is regular full-time working 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must have the ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends. This is a CUPE Local 3886 Bargaining Unit position and the hourly rate is $35.32 and the university is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note – all postings will close at 10.00 p.m. on the closing date.

While Royal Roads University values all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, you will need to be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the employment contract. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us directly at human.resources@royalroads.ca attention: Abbi Rogers or 250-391-2600 extension 4408 so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our recruitment and hiring process. ALL COMPETITIONS WILL CLOSE AT 10.00 P.M. ON THE DATE OF CLOSING