Are you interested in growing and displaying plants at a world class facility? Are you creative, hardworking and love being around plants?As a Grower for the Muttart Conservatory, you will engage in a wide range of horticultural activities that support our public plant displays, our greenhouse production and our other lines of business. Tasks include overall plant health care for a wide variety of plants, plant production, transplanting activities, contract services, biome maintenance, and the installation and change over of our rotating displays in the feature pyramid.What will you do?
Perform a variety of hands-on activities that support all aspects of work associated with the care and upkeep of the Muttart Conservatory and the lines of business we are engaged in
Seasonal plant crop propagation and production. Operation of specialized equipment and systems required for these activities
Maintenance and plant health care for the public displays biome collections including rotational displays in the Feature pyramid
Long term care of rotational plant material including perennials for display, support for Arid, Tropical and Temperate plant inventories, office contracts and gift shop plant sales
Maintain plant health care for various crops or plant collections, including transplanting, watering, deadheading, fertilizing, pruning and following integrated pest management practices to ensure a high quality product
Maintain nutritional programs for plant material, monitor plant health and development, identify nutrient deficiencies, make recommendations regarding plant nutrition, mix and apply fertilizers and maintain fertilizer or sprayer equipment
Apply pesticides, or assist in applying pesticides, when required to control pest infestations. Release biologicals to control pest infestations
General housekeeping, washing and disinfecting of growing equipment and infrastructure
Monitor crop quality and develop strategies to maintain quality or resolve problems
Schedule crop cycles and cultural programs
Develop and design routine and/or complex horticultural display plans such as potting recipes, large scale and unique plant displays, specialized plant installations and collection rotation
Maintain nutritional programs for plant material, monitor plant health and development
General stewardship for the care and upkeep of all public and non-public spaces
Complete administrative activities associated with environmental and pest monitoring
Complete administrative activities associated with plant collection management
Program and monitor environmental control systems to maintain a diverse range of conditions conducive to maintaining ideal growing conditions
Rotational on-call support to manage and respond to after hours issues and emergent situations
Identify problems and hazards, take appropriate steps to resolve problems related to safety and security
May be required to speak on camera to promote the excellent Muttart Conservatory plant collection
Work in a fast-paced environment which includes working in varying temperatures
Be a part of an integrated and highly engaged team to accomplish facility tasks that take place seasonally and many times throughout the year
Interact with customers and visitors in a helpful and professional manner
Perform related duties as required
Qualifications
Completion of high school supplemented by two accredited horticultural courses from a recognized Horticultural Post Secondary Institution. One course must cover introductory concepts of plant structures, plant identification and soil science. The second course must be in the area of plant propagation, culture, care and maintenance
2 years of proven greenhouse horticultural experience
Skills required for success:
Knowledge of horticultural principles, methods, procedures, materials, tools and equipment used in the production of greenhouse crops and other specialized plants that support horticultural exhibits
Ability to understand plant cultural needs within specialized environments
Ability to recognize and identify associated problems and develop recommendations to resolve them
Strong understanding of Integrated Pest management principles and practices
Ability to research plant cultural needs and produce detailed production and maintenance schedules/programs
Ability to understand and effectively execute verbal and written instructions
Excellent communication skills to effectively work in an engaging team focused environment
Good organizational and time management skills. Ability to manage and complete tasks according to planned schedules
Excellent customer service and team membership skills supporting a diverse clientele
This position may require the application of pesticides or other chemicals while wearing proper PPE and following safety and standard operating procedures
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (
) * Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
Applicants may be tested
Conditions of Employment:
Intermediate First Aid Certificate is required
Alberta Pesticide Licenses required for Greenhouse production and Indoor Plantscaping required for Grower Level 3 and Level 4
Hire is dependent upon a Criminal Record Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
Job Level Progression within the job level is subject to completion of hours and completion of accredited courses as determined by the City of Edmonton such as: Greenhouse Management, Crop Production, Pesticide Applicator Courses, Plant Culture, Care and Maintenance, Specific Crop and Advanced Greenhouse/Conservatory Operations
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 . Learn more about our benefitsUp to 1 permanent, full-time positionHours of work: 40 hours per week (Weekend work is required once a month)Salary: $34.763 - $38.590 (Hourly)Talent Acquisition Consultant: DM/MMEdmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.
