Job Description

Deadline to Apply: February 24, 2025


APC - CUPE Local 500


Seasonal, Full-Time


About Assiniboine Park Conservancy



Creating the future vision for one of Winnipeg's most prized treasures, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) located at 55 Pavilion Crescent in Winnipeg is the not-for-profit organization that oversees Assiniboine Park's operations and ensures its ongoing redevelopment and financial viability. Our team is inspired to create and deliver extraordinary experiences for the people who visit and use the Park and Zoo including building friendly, supportive, effective relationships with stakeholders, community and the general public.


The Opportunity



We are seeking eight (8) full-time, seasonal Specialized General Labourer's who will work in the Horticulture Department and perform horticultural work with a very diverse collection of plant material and is responsible for routine duties that ensure APC gardens, planters and displays are upheld to the highest quality standards and aesthetics according to APC's master plan. Seasonal Specialized Labourer - Gardener may be assigned to work anywhere throughout the Park and Zoo.


Responsibilities


• Plant annual, perennial, shrubs, and bulbs in selected locations as per planting plans, schedules and timelines, ensuring plants are properly staked when required.
• Seed, divide, propagate, and transplant plant material within both the production facilities and gardens.
• Assist with plant record keeping as requested by the Lead Gardener or Horticulture Supervisor(s).
• Relocate plant material as required.
• Apply soil amendments, till, fork, and edge beds as required.
• Conduct appropriate watering regimes for all plant material.
• Ongoing maintenance of production plant material by fertilizing, spacing, pinching, pruning and staking plant material, while removing non-performing material.
• Ensure facilities and displays are free of all weeds.
• Record all crop scheduling data as requested by Horticulture Supervisor(s).
• Ensure ongoing weed control and deadheading is conducted.
• Pinch and prune plants, trees, and shrubs using appropriate techniques as directed.
• Maintain a professional image while working and provide extraordinary experiences to our park visitors while preforming daily work activities.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and visitors.
• Transport, distribute, and maintain plant material and displays for other departments.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and proven ability to work effectively with a diverse population.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.


Required Qualifications and Experience


• A high school diploma and/or GED equivalent.
• Preference given to those who have completed a post-secondary education in plant science, horticulture, green space management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years performing general labour and operational experience.

Must possess a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver's License.
• Preference may be given to candidates with experience in modern greenhouse production procedures, and/or modern indoor/outdoor garden display maintenance techniques.
• Preference may be given to candidates with proven gardening experience in a range of horticultural practices and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent knowledge of plants and garden design
• Basic technology and computer skills.
• Previous experience working in teams and dealing with both internal and external customers.


Physical Demands and Working Conditions


• Physically demanding and repetitive tasks.
• Must be able to perform physically strenuous work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Combination of sitting, standing, pushing, lifting, kneeling and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently handling heavy loads of up to 45-50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 50-250 lbs.
• Noise exposure from operations, mechanical equipment and animal vocalizations.
• Exposure to strong scents from animals and chemical products.
• Contact with plants and animals which may cause allergic reactions.


APC Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion



Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment Equity may be a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, racialized minorities, women and persons with disabilities.



Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.