Leadhand (Curator) Botanical Conservatory (Temporary Full-Time)

City of Thunder Bay•Thunder Bay, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor Landscape Architecture & Horticulture, this role supervises and maintains the operation of the Botanical Conservatory. The Leadhand designs, leads production operations, and participates in the maintenance of floral and shrub displays throughout the community. This position is responsible for the planning and technical direction of caretakers of the tropical display within the Botanical Conservatory, and works with staff providing technical direction, training, and guidance in all aspects of operating new production Greenhouses and operations. The role coordinates and assists in the operational delivery of annual growing requirements for parks gardens, low impact development (LID) projects, and the Botanical Conservatory. It is also responsible for product and material procurement for production greenhouses, the Botanical Conservatory, and Parks gardens. The Leadhand leads and coordinates project development with external partners, represents the conservatory at the implementation stage of partnerships, and provides public garden experiences. The role coordinates and participates in technical production and provides horticultural direction to conservatory personnel, coordinates and conducts tours of the Botanical Conservatory, and develops tour content and scripts. Under the direction of the Supervisor – Forestry & Horticulture, the Leadhand schedules and assigns work to full-time and seasonal conservatory staff, supervises their work, and maintains records. They make recommendations concerning hiring, promotion, performance, and discipline of staff, and participate in budget preparations and planning. The role also assists in scheduling staff vacations, investigates complaints, meets with the public, finds solutions, and makes recommendations. Ensures tools and equipment are safely operated and maintained, and assists with training. Applies the principles of Integrated Pest Management throughout the Parks system and at the Botanical Conservatory. Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

Degree in horticulture or related discipline; and Three years related practical experience in horticulture and greenhouse production operation; OR Diploma in horticulture; and Five years’ related practical experience in horticulture and greenhouse production operations; OR Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal Journeyperson (CLT Designation), along with seven years’ related practical experience in horticulture and greenhouse production operations, including supervisory experience
Proven understanding of horticulture and associated terminology to lead the design, plant production, and plant maintenance, of the Thunder Bay Centennial Conservatory
Proven understanding of manipulating growth environments control systems, infrastructure and equipment
Must possess the ability to instruct, direct, assign work, and provide guidance to employees
Must be capable of issuing and accurately comprehending written/oral information and instructions, with the ability to make presentations and deliver training to a variety of audiences
Proven experience communicating with staff and the public in a professional and tactful manner
Must be reliable and have the ability to work with minimum supervision
Must be at an intermediate skill level in word processing and spreadsheet software
Must possess and maintain a valid Class "G" Ontario Drivers Licence, or equivalent
Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
Competent within the application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Nice To Haves

Integrated Pest Management Accreditation (IPMAP)
Pesticide License; or willing to achieve the certification

Responsibilities

Oversees and participates in the planning, designing, ordering and development of seasonal and permanent floral and shrub displays throughout the community.
Responsible for the planning and technical direction of caretakers of the tropical display within the Botanical Conservatory.
Works with, and provides technical direction, training and guidance to staff in all aspects of the operation of the new production Greenhouses and operations.
Coordinates and assists in the operational delivery of the annual growing requirements for the parks gardens, low impact development (LID) projects and the Botanical Conservatory.
Responsible for product and material procurement for the production greenhouses, Botanical Conservatory and Parks gardens.
Leads and coordinates the development of projects in partnership with external partners; represents the conservatory at the implementation stage of partnerships.
Provides public garden experiences that are valuable to the community and visitors.
Coordinates and participates in the technical production and provides horticultural direction to conservatory personnel according to accepted industry standards.
Coordinates and conducts tours of the Botanical Conservatory, along with developing tour content and scripts.
Under the direction of the Supervisor – Forestry & Horticulture, schedules and assigns work to full-time and seasonal conservatory staff, supervises the work and maintains records (electronic and print) for all phases of work.
Makes recommendations concerning the hiring, promotion, performance and discipline of staff.
Participates in budget preparations and planning for the operation of Production Greenhouses, Parks gardens and Botanical Conservatory.
Assists in scheduling staff vacations.
Investigates complaints, meets with the public, finds solutions, and makes recommendations to the Supervisor – Forestry & Horticulture.
Ensures tools and equipment are safely operated and maintained; assists with training where appropriate.
Applies the principles of Integrated Pest Management throughout the Parks system and at the Botanical Conservatory.
Performs other related duties as may be assigned.