Horticulture Technician

at  Niagara College Canada

Located in the heart of the Niagara Region – just minutes from one of the world’s most well-known tourism destinations – Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs between our campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since opening its doors in 1967, Niagara College has grown to become a leader in education and training and one of the most enterprising colleges in Canada.
Applications are invited for the position of Horticulture Technician in the School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies, located at the Daniel J. Paterson Campus. The starting hourly rate is $33.55/hour (Payband G-$33.55/hour to $38.88/hour) for a 35-hour work week. Additional hours may be required as necessary. This is an Appendix D, temporary position as per Article 17.3.1 of the Support Staff Collective Agreement and is set to commence in November 2024 and will conclude in December, 2025. It may be subject to an extension by mutual agreement of the parties.
Reporting to the Manager of Greenhouse Operations, the incumbent is responsible for a wide range of tasks related to greenhouse, grounds, and nursery operations. The Horticulture Technician will play a crucial role in designing, maintaining, and managing the garden beds, while also supporting various academic, retail, and community engagement activities. Responsibilities will include garden bed design and maintenance, inventory management of garden supplies and equipment, pest and disease management, and supporting academic lab activities held on campus grounds, nursery or within the greenhouse.
The Horticulture Technician plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the gardens, lawns, garden structures, ecological areas, agricultural zones within the living laboratory concept of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) year diploma in Horticulture, Greenhouse or related field of study.
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in a horticultural industry working in property maintenance, greenhouse retail, nursery production, or landscape installation.
• Exhibit initiative, responsibility, intuition, and leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Pesticide License or Ministry of the Environment Exterminators license.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Significant practical experience in horticulture/greenhouse/landscape.
• Proven success working in a team environment.
• Chainsaw and skid steer certificates are considered an asset.
• Experience with health and safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
  The Position Description Form is available for review from Human Resources during the posting period. Please contact humres@niagaracollege.ca to request a copy.
  If selected for an interview, candidates must present proof of education (original transcripts/credentials).
  Note: Credentials obtained outside of Canada require an evaluation to determine the Canadian educational equivalence. This evaluation must support the educational requirements for the position as a condition of employment. For further information, visit: World Education Services http://www.wes.org/ca/.
  While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
  Niagara College is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community. We offer an inclusive work environment and welcome applications from all qualified individuals who feel they can further enhance campus diversity and equity efforts.
  If requested, accommodations will be made to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process.

• Ordering, Inventorying, and overseeing materials and supplies for the campus gardens.
• Prepare supplies materials, and equipment academic lab activities delivered on the campus grounds.
• Assist in the delivery of academic lab activities by supervising and guiding students in the safe operation of equipment.
• Demonstrate necessary skills and assist students with practical learning, while in class and/or students participating in work study on campus.
• Grow, apply propagation techniques, and maintain healthy seasonal crops in the greenhouse and nursery.
• Plant and maintain landscape structures such as, ornamental flower beds, turf and trees.
• Implement integrated pest management practices.
• Operate various landscaping equipment, utility vehicles, gardening tools, mowers etc.
• Coordinate timely and effective pest and disease control measures as required.
• Diagnose and implement remedial action for plant stress.
• Communicate and escalate all issues with a plant and/or the production process to all the relevant parties as required.
• Coordinate and participate in cultivation related activities such as stock plant maintenance, propagation, crop maintenance, harvesting and cycle turnover.
• Support retail operational tasks.