Gardener - 12-Month Contract with Possibility of Extension

Corporation of the Town of Midland•Midland, ON

16h•CA$26 - CA$32•Onsite

About The Position

Join our innovative team of collaborators who are passionate about providing exceptional municipal services to our community. We strive to help our employees reach their professional goals through rewarding projects, collaborative team environments, and professional development. The Town of Midland is committed to increasing overall employee health and wellness and we are dedicated to supporting flexibility and providing employees with a better work-life balance. The Town is a scent sensitive workplace. We kindly ask all applicants to refrain from using scented products should they have the occasion to interview with the Town. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract, in accordance with the duties of this position. This union position is an existing vacancy and offers an hourly wage of $25.60 to $32.00, 40 hours/week (OPSEU Local 328). This is a 12‑month contract position with the possibility of extension to 18 months. Per the Collective Agreement, OPSEU members have first consideration. Application: If you are interested in this opportunity, apply directly through our ADP Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Instructions on how to apply to this opportunity (or other postings) can be found on our website [https://www.midland.ca/en/town-hall/careers.aspx]. This posting closes on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the Supervisor, Operations, the Gardener performs a range of duties that vary seasonally. From spring through fall, the Gardener will oversee the horticultural program, including coordinating and providing weekly updates on gardens, plant material, displays. The role also involves providing daily direction to the gardening crew and responding to customer service inquiries. Core responsibilities during this period include regular planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, and inspecting gardens and displays on a regular basis. During the winter months, the Gardener transitions to winter maintenance operations performing tasks such as snow removal on roads, sidewalks, and municipal lots.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in horticulture or a related field required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Minimum of three (3) years of direct horticulture experience.
Valid Ontario “G” license with a minimum of two (2) years of driving experience.
Experience in planting and maintaining horticultural displays.
Excellent planning and communication skills.
Ability to maintain databases, prepare reports and written recommendations.
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

An Ontario “DZ” license is considered an asset.
Knowledge and expertise in arboriculture, ecology, or environmental standards and practices considered an asset.
Knowledge of Minimum Maintenance Standards considered an asset.
Knowledge and/or training in CPR, First Aid and WHMIS are an asset.

Responsibilities

Plant and maintain a diverse horticultural program.
Coordinate weekly maintenance activities, including fertilization and watering schedules for all floral displays, and provide direction to the gardening crew.
Monitor plant health and growing conditions and enhance the quality of plant material through integrated pest management and plant health care programs.
Conduct soil testing on annual flower beds and perform appropriate soil amendment procedures.
Maintain comprehensive, year-round documentation of all horticultural displays, including photographs, planting dates, plant material and quantities, as well as any issues, recommendations, and maintenance records.
Develop annual plans and schedules for horticultural improvements and maintenance, including inventory requirements for shrubs, perennial plant material and bulbs, along with planting locations.
Respond to public inquiries related to plant material and horticultural operations, and escalate concerns to the Supervisor, Operations as needed.
Assist the Supervisor, Operations with coordination of volunteer initiatives and special projects.
Operate single axle trucks with or without attachments, such as salt and sand spreader and snow plow equipment.
Operate medium-duty equipment including mini front loader, sidewalk snow plow, landscape tractors, and a variety of pick-up trucks.
Work in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act, WHMIS, applicable legislations, regulations and departmental polices/procedures/practices and operational guidelines and perform safe work practices.
Perform other general municipal maintenance duties as may be assigned.
Work as a team player promoting a positive and professional work environment and conduct role with integrity and respect.
Uphold the Town’s values of integrity, accountability, empowerment, purposefulness, and service excellence.
Act as an Ambassador throughout the community, positively representing the Town.
Abide by the policies and procedures of the Town.
Abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and work in a manner that is safe, reporting incidents immediately to direct supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Town.
Build and maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant fields.