The City of Edmonton is looking for a skilled and dedicated Nursery Worker I to join our Urban Forestry team at Old Man Creek Nursery. This role is vital to ensuring the health and vibrancy of our city's greenery during the peak growing and planting season, typically from April to October. You will provide essential expertise and oversight in the maintenance of stored caliper trees, container plants, and naturalization material.

As a key member of City Operations, you will balance technical horticultural tasks with the mentorship of seasonal staff. Your work directly impacts the survival and development of plant material that eventually finds its home in our community. Join us in cultivating a greener, more sustainable Edmonton.

What will you do?

Provide field-level mentorship and oversight to unskilled laborers, demonstrating best practices in plant maintenance and equipment use
Manage digital inventory records, performing physical verifications and coordinating with internal collaborators to meet daily shipment needs
Perform skilled horticultural tasks including pruning, transplanting, and integrated pest management to control weeds and pests
Schedule, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water truck components to ensure optimal moisture levels for plant health
Operate a variety of equipment such as tractors, mowers, skid steers, track loaders, and trucks for moving and maintaining plant material
Coordinate the delivery of plant material to various work locations across the City
Conduct routine infrastructure inspections, including fuel sites, safety equipment, and yard security
Ensure all plant material meets the high standards of the Canadian Nursery Standard and City of Edmonton Design and Construction Standards
Perform other related duties as required

Completion of a one-year post-secondary certificate in Horticulture with coursework in Production, Weeds, and Plant Identification OR possession of one or more of the following: Certified Landscape Horticulture Technician, Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist, Licensed Pesticide Applicator or ISA Certified Arborist
Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in landscaping, plant nurseries, or horticulture

Assets:

Pesticide Applicator or Authorized Assistant status
Training or certification in Skid Steer/Track Loader, Tractor, and Trailer operation
Air Brake Qualification
Certified Irrigation Technician designation
Strong familiarity with lifting and rigging procedures for heavy equipment

Skills required for success:

Deep knowledge of plant health requirements, scientific nomenclature, and the ability to differentiate between similar plant varieties
Proficiency in digital tools, specifically Google Apps (Gmail, Sheets, Docs), for inventory management
Excellent communication skills to clarify work requirements and provide effective field-level mentorship
Ability to solve problems creatively, such as devising irrigation solutions or repairing equipment on the fly
Strong collaborative spirit and the ability to pivot quickly between tasks as operational needs shift
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

Successful candidates must be fit for a respirator; compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment is a requirement
Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, and coveralls
Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) with Air Brake Endorsement or higher. Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement
Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications

Work Environment:

This role works primarily in an outdoor setting
Exposure to environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, dust, noise, and vibrations may occur
Requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks, including lifting items between 60 and 100 lbs

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Up to 1 temporary full-time position for up to 18 months in accordance with Article 18.02.01 of the Collective Agreement

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $36.869 (Hourly); $76,982.47 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO / SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Nursery Worker

Job Description