Penticton is a vibrant, innovative, healthy waterfront city focused on sustainability, community, and economic opportunity. At the City of Penticton, our goal is to serve our residents, businesses and visitors through good governance, partnership and the delivery of effective and community-focused services.

The City of Penticton's Park's Department is in search of a highly skilled and energetic individual for the full-time permanent position of Gardener II. The Parks branch of Public Works is responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of the parks, beaches, sports fields, trails and cemeteries within our community.

Under the direction of the Horticulture Foreman, the Gardener II performs horticultural tasks in construction and maintenance of City parks. The work is predominately around the maintenance of the turf and sports fields, floral displays, shrubs, hanging baskets but also includes maintenance of landscapes, urban forest. The position involves physically demanding work in all weather conditions.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Install and maintain turf, shrubs, floral displays, hanging baskets, trees and general park landscapes, including application of fertilizer, mulch, top dressing, soil amendments and pesticides.
• Operate and perform general maintenance of vehicles and equipment, aerial & crane truck, tractors with attachments, chainsaws and a variety of hand tools relating to parks operations. Perform daily maintenance and inspection of vehicles and equipment, and report problems requiring mechanical servicing as required.
• Inspect and assess plant health needs, make recommendations and complete corrective actions. When required, oversees and assists in the proper use, notification and application of pesticides.
• Assist in providing training, technical guidance, leadership, motivation, coaching, instruction and direction of assigned work crews. Provides relief for Parks Horticulture Foreman during periods of vacation or other absence.
• Effectively plan and conduct work to achieve maintenance expectations in an efficient manner, on schedule within budgetary requirements, and satisfies safe work practices and regulations.
• Respond to enquiries from staff, contractors and the public, and maintains courteous and positive relations when doing so.
• Assist with research of new methods, services, materials and equipment to improve the operation. Remains current with trends and procedures regarding pesticide use as well as the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Prepares related reports, provides cost estimates and makes recommendations for materials and equipment purchases, as required. Purchases materials and tools following City Purchasing policy.
• Ensure all work sites are set up and work procedures conducted in accordance with all City Policies & Procedures and WorkSafe Regulations.

Required Knowledge, Abilities & Skills:

• Necessary knowledge of standard landscape construction and horticultural maintenance practices, including but not limited to: landscape design, floriculture, turfgrass, irrigation, arboriculture and plant health care.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate single-axle vehicles, aerial bucket trucks, light tractors, chainsaws, tools and equipment relating to parks operations.
• Ability to read, interpret and/or maintain a variety of records, maps, blueprints and manufacturers' maintenance manuals related to the work.
• Proficiency in Data Collection, editing, review and interpretation of data using ESRI ArcGIS suite of programs.
• Ability to work co-operatively or independently, problem-solve and exercise independence of judgement.
• Ability to use current computer technology.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to deal with people in a professional manner.
• Ability to perform heavy manual work in a variety of work and weather conditions.

Education, Training & Experience:

• Diploma in horticulture or related discipline from a recognized educational institute, including courses in arboriculture, landscape design, construction, maintenance, irrigation, turfgrass management, plant health care, safety, risk management and supervisory training.
• Minimum two years practical horticultural experience in municipal parks or landscape construction and maintenance.
• Completion of secondary school or equivalent.
• Truck Mounted crane safety training - BCMSA
• Fall protection training -BCMSA
• Valid BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate - Landscape General.
• C. Driver's Licence - Minimum of Class 5 with Air endorsement

Preferred Licenses and Certificates:

• Arborist Certification - including Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) - International Society of Arboriculture. Utility Arborist - ITA BC

At the City of Penticton, we recognize that great talent and great ideas come from a variety of backgrounds.Tapping into the diversity of our community makes us all stronger and allows us to serve Penticton even better.

That's why we welcome all applicants to consider joining our team. We encourage Indigenous persons, people of colour, all genders and expressions, 2SLGBT2QIA+, persons living with disabilities, and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace to apply.

So, if your experience is close to what we're looking for, we would love a chance to talk about working with you. We welcome your resume and cover letter by May 15, 2025.

If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected], we'd be happy to hear from you!