Team Leader, Horticulture Program

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Park Services, and working with Parks Supervisors and Horticulture staff, the Team Leader, Horticulture Program will be responsible to perform a variety of skilled horticultural functions and will direct, guide and ensure proper training of all team members (staff and volunteers), co-ordinate team activities to ensure that maximum efficiency, productivity and safety are maintained, and oversee the City’s garden parks and botanical collections.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the acquisition, scheduling of maintenance activities and propagation of plants for the City’s garden parks including, collections, displays and seasonal exhibits, naturalization projects, as well as any experimental or botanical research projects.
• Develops, implements and monitors sustainable maintenance plans and schedules to ensure the long term viability and vigor of the botanical collection.
• Interprets, implements and contributes to landscape plans and horticultural displays prepared for garden renovation and development.
• Ensures all horticultural and related activities are conducted in accordance with the principles of the “Green” pillar of the City's Strategic Plan, Living Green Master Plan, Parks, Forestry and Environment Future Directions, Natural Heritage and Urban Forest Strategy, Climate Change Action Plan, etc.
• Monitors for disease, blight, pests and recommends and implements appropriate treatment.
• Performs skilled cultivating, transplanting, soil management, fertilization, and weed control as per the life cycle of the specific plant materials.
• Keeps detailed curatorial and plant documentation records, work reports and other records as required.
• Adheres to all safety rules, policies and procedures and wears all required personal protective equipment, including ensuring a clean and safe work environment at all times.
• Evaluates and directly supervises all assigned staff and volunteers.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff and volunteers.
• Provide technical, operational support and practical knowledge, including knowledge of Regulations/Acts as well as new technology related to the horticulture field, to supervisors, staff, and community groups concerning the physical, visual and practical applications of plants.
• Act as key liaison with various City partners and special interest groups. i.e. Credit Valley Conservation, The Riverwood Conservancy, Visual Arts Mississauga, Ecosource, various volunteer groups and other agencies as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary educationin Horticulture or closely related field (botany or plant biology) from a recognized college or university and minimum 5 yearsexperience in professional horticulture.
• Excellent working knowledge of horticulture, botanical collections and the broad range of plants typically found within City of Mississauga Parks.
• Knowledge of the cultural requirements of the above plants is a necessity.
• Knowledge of proper horticultural practices, pest and disease identification and mitigation, landscape construction and in utilizing the equipment necessary to perform these tasks.
• Knowledge of all applicable safety legislation, rules, policies and procedures, including a working knowledge of applicable chemical and pesticide usage, control, and storage.
• Must have the ability to safely operate small and large vehicles and equipment applicable to horticulture.
• Possess excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
• Experience in leading, directing and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Valid class “G” Ontario Driver's Licensewith an excellent driving record.
• Standard First Aid and CPR “C” certificate.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office suite and other City software.
• Must possess a Landscape Exterminator License. Possession of an Industrial Greenhouse/Interior Plant License would be an asset (or demonstrated enrolment and subsequent completion of License).
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting, shoveling, bending and kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Must be flexible and capable to work overtime, weekends, attend evening meetings, and special events.

Hourly Rate/Salary:$74,817 - $99,758
Hours of Work:40
Work Location:950 Burnhamthorpe Rd W
Department/Division/Section:CMS/Community Services Dept,CMS/Parks, Forestry & Environment,Parks Operations
Non-Union/Union: Non Union

A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (Level 2) or Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) will be required of the successful candidate, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has notbeen granted.

We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. You can alsocheck your application status in your candidate profile online.

All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with theAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005and the OntarioHuman Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.