Horticulturist

Position Type: Term

Number of Positions: 1

Start/End Date: April 21, 2025 to September 30, 2025

Job Rate: $33.72

Location:  Fort McMurray, Alberta

CUPE INTERNAL POSTING DATE: January 28, 2025

CUPE INTERNAL CLOSING DATE: February 05, 2025, 2025

Requisition #: 2021576

Please Note: The job posting will remain active until the position has been filled. Both internal and external applications are accepted after the above-posted internal closing date.

This position is covered by the terms & conditions of the CUPE 1505 Collective Agreement.

About Us:

At the Regional Recreation Corporation (RRC) everything starts and ends with our vision: Together we create community.

 Imagine a place where you are part of a dynamic and collaborative team whose purpose is to inspire the community to gather, play and connect? 

Are you just about ready to kick winter to the curb, do you dream in shades of green and do you find joy in growing sustainable landscapes that benefit both people and the planet?

We are looking for a hands-on horticulturist who is passionate about cultivating and nurturing a diverse collection of plants within the beautiful grounds at MacDonald Island Park and Miskanaw Golf Club.

If you are passionate about horticulture, gardens and grounds maintenance and ready to be a part of a hard-working collaborative team, then joining us at RRC is where you’ll want to be!

Our core values: Safety, Collaboration, Innovation, Sustainability & Diversity are woven into everything we do, they shape our identity and our company culture! You can learn more about our values here

Like all great organizations we strive to hire the best, we value integrity, passion, respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. Our culture is what makes the RRC a great place to work! We are focused on deepening our commitment to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging creating a respectful workplace that represents our incredible, unique community.

We Offer Great Benefits & Perks – We Take Care of Our People

• Competitive Hourly Wage

• Employee Assistance Program

• Membership Credit

• Team Celebrations

• Recognition Programs incl: Scholarship Program

• Staff Discount

Your Role

As a member of the Golf & Grounds team, the Horticulturalist performs daily routine horticulture related tasks including watering, pruning, weeding, dead heading and general landscape maintenance. The Horticulturist is responsible for the planting of annuals and perennials in all pots and flower beds around the island. This position is also responsible for the safe application of pesticides to trees, shrubs, ornamental plants and other areas requiring applications. Tree planting and maintenance is an integral part of this position. Landscape design and installation is the responsibility of the horticulturist. Under the direction of the Manager of Golf and Grounds Maintenance this position will also carry out maintenance related tasks such as mowing, garbage pickup, and small hand tool use.  This position will assist the Supervisors and Team Leads of the department with larger projects and applications such as greens aeration, special event setup and sod laying. The Horticulturist will also be responsible for the safe operation of motorized maintenance equipment.

Your Responsibilities

• Responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of those around them.

• Required to follow all health and safety policies as well as job procedures set out by the Regional Recreation Corporation OF Wood Buffalo (RRC).

• Operates electric and gas-powered tools such as line trimmers, backpack blowers and power tools.

• Utilizes landscape, shop, and general maintenance hand tools.

• Maintains planters, shrub beds, trees and all other landscaped areas.

• Determines species and quantity of plants for ornamental areas and flower boxes.

• Selects seeds, plant fertilizer, and disease control chemicals suitable for landscape areas.  

• Performs and supports horticultural practices that encourage overall plant health and soil nutrition, to include sustainable gardening and integrated pest management practices.

• Determines best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating and harvesting.

• Provides winterization for ornamental areas including the cleanup of all plant related materials.

• Distributes pots, baskets and other plant related materials around the island at the beginning of the season.

• Working with the Manager of Golf and Grounds Maintenance plans, and designs landscape elements in golf course and leisure facility setting.

• Recommends improvements on MacDonald Island Park property, including species and location of trees, shrubs, and other ornamental plants.

• Pruning, watering, and planting of shrubs, trees and perennials throughout growing season.

• Provides leadership in horticulture management on the island.

• Maintains records such as IPM, Fertilizer records, chemical records, equipment, material, and plant inventory, etc.

• Assists with ordering plant inventory at the end of the season for the upcoming golf season.

• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Education & Experience

• Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, landscaping or Plant Science.

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible horticulture experience.

• A combination of education & experience can fulfill the post-secondary education requirement.

• Arborist certification or equivalent is preferred.

• Current Alberta Pesticide Applicator License is an asset.

• Prior experience designing, installing and maintaining landscaping plantings in a park setting.

• Experience with operating small gas engines.

Qualifications:  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Should possess a high level of enthusiasm, be self- motivated and able to work independently and in a group.

• Must be capable of performing demanding physical work.

• Must be able to follow verbal and written directions.

• Working knowledge of tools used in horticulture.

• Ability to safely operate motorized equipment.

• Understanding of agronomy, turf grass management and the rules of golf an asset.

• Basic leadership skills to lead small teams for project work.

 Other Requirements

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License

Working Conditions

• This position includes heavy lifting of supplies and equipment frequently up to 50 lbs. and performs activities such as bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping throughout shift.

• Must have the manual dexterity to grab, grip, hold, pour, tear, cut, sort and reach.

• Job involves working under variable temperature conditions and noise levels, in indoor and outdoor settings.

• This position requires a flexible schedule including statutory holidays, early morning and weekend work.

• Access to reliable transportation is necessary.

Safety

All employees are responsible and accountable for Regional Recreation Corporation’s health and safety policy. All employees at every level should be familiar with the requirements of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation as it relates to their work processes.

The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to policies.  These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job.  

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue through the selection process will be contacted.

The RRC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion.   We will gladly provide accommodations upon request for applicants with any barriers and/or disabilities during the recruitment process.  We appreciate all candidates who apply for this position; though only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.