Job Description

Staff - Union

Job Category CUPE 116

Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Horticulturist

Job Title Horticulturist

Department Horticulturists | Botanical Garden and Centre for Horticulture

Compensation Range $33.79 - $36.27 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date April 16, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Organizational Status

The hourly seasonal Horticulturist at UBC Botanical Garden, works a weekend schedule, during the high season (April-October), the schedule includes Saturday and Sunday and some holidays. The lower season (November-March) the hourly horticulturist continues the weekend schedule, helping to cover holidays, STATs, and vacation, and works anywhere from 60-80% full time.
Horticulturists at the Garden work in a variety of areas within the Botanical Garden, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and the Nursery, under the direction of the Garden Supervisor or delegated senior horticulturists while working in curated areas of the Garden. In addition Horticulturists may work under the direction of the Principle Instructor of the Horticulture Training Program.

Work Performed

Carries out tasks related to UBC Botanical Gardens involving routine maintenance. Uses a range of horticultural tools to prepare and maintain UBC Botanical Garden grounds. Plants trees, shrubs, bulbs, seeds and related plants material. Conducts investigations, evaluates plants, and applies new and improved methods and techniques relating to cultural requirements, growing procedures, nutritional requirements, production of nursery stock, etc. of plants and species in the area of specialization.

Assists in the propagation of a variety of plant material, identifies and maintains the accessioning and labeling of plant materials and carries out plant and seed collection in the field.

Assists senior horticulturists in conducting investigations, including writing reports/publications related to area of responsibility.

Provides input to the collection of plant material for the advancement of the Botanical Garden collection.
Performs duties such as calculating basic quantities, assists in updating databases and collection, coding, distributing, filing and indexing of plants.

Works in a correct and safe manner and follows established policies and procedures.

Participates in the training of Horticulturist, Labourers, Apprentices, and Student Trainees (including Horticulture Training Program Students).

May coordinate the work of and provide assistance to employees at lower level classifications.

Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Work requires planning the sequence of duties, the work methods to be employed and the action to be taken, applying knowledge of procedures and makes decisions based on guidelines and established policies; carries out all assignments within the guidelines of the University Safety Policy.

Supervision Received

Works under direction, performing the general phases of the work independently but within established guidelines.

Supervision Given

Coordinates the work of and provides assistance to employees at lower classifications as requested.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a certificate in Practical Horticulture, Completion of a diploma in Horticulture, BC Pesticide Applicator s Certificate and a Pesticide Applicator s Certificate, Valid B.C. Driver s License and-Completion of a BC or other provincial, state or national horticulture certificate (1 year) program, diploma (2 year) program, or degree in horticulture or other plant-related discipline;4 years relevant experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.A responsible and energetic individual who takes direction and is able to work independentlyA valid BC Driver s LicenseMust be able to demonstrate sufficient attention to detail in job performance, as well as accuracy in record keeping and labeling, in order to maintain the high standard of horticultural practice required in the Botanical Garden;Knowledge of the precise cultural care required by plants in the Botanical Garden collections is an asset;Good manual dexterity and the ability to work out-of-doors