Position: Technician, Nursery Operations (1 Contract Position)
Organization: Credit Valley Conservation
Location: Mississauga, GTA, Ontario
Who are we?
Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire an appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.
Who are you?
You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you to think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.
Why work for us?
We offer competitive public sector pay. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.
Summary of Functions
The primary role of this position is to support the Senior Coordinator, Nursery Operation in the performance and supervision of a wide variety of tasks related to the administration and operation of the Warwick nursery. When not specifically required for the primary role, this position may provide support for other habitat restoration related tasks on an as-needed basis.
Eligibility Requirements
- Post-secondary studies in Horticulture, Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or Biology is preferred
- Minimum 2-year hands-on work experience performing tasks directly related to nursery and/or greenhouse operations, tree planting, forestry, and/or habitat restoration, including supervisory experience of crews performing these tasks
- Strong working knowledge of plant health care practices and nursery operations
- Proven experience in the safe operation of trucks with trailers, farm tractors (with a variety of implements), RTVs/ATVs, tank sprayers, mowers, and other landscape maintenance equipment and power tools
- Agricultural, Landscape, and/or Forestry Exterminator License or Pesticide Technician Certification
- Good tree, shrub and plant identification skills
- Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision
- Ability to pick up and carry 50 lbs
- Ability to work outdoors on a regular basis, including under adverse weather conditions
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word
- Demonstrated data analysis, report writing, and research skills and experience
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbal and written, with all staff
- Ability to allocate one’s time effectively (prioritize) and manage multiple demands with tight deadlines
- Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Valid class “G” Ontario Drivers License required
Summary of Major Tasks
Nursery Operations
Under direction from the Senior Coordinator, Nursery Operations, perform and supervise the following nursery operations:
- Potting of nursery stock
- Daily maintenance of nursery stock, including irrigation, pruning, pest control, crop spacing, weeding, fertilization and other applicable stock maintenance practices
- Stock shipment for internal and external clients and suppliers, including stock preparation, order pulling, loading, delivery and pick-up
- Seed collection
- Overwintering of year-end stock inventory
- Administer an irrigation schedule according to stock needs and variable weather conditions, including any necessary irrigation system maintenance and repair in a timely manner
- Identify, report, and address stock health and nursery infrastructure needs in a timely manner
- Provide support in the planning of production areas, grading of stock, inventory management, and record-keeping
- Nursery grounds and infrastructure maintenance, including grass cutting, nursery bed upkeep, and other general nursery maintenance activities
Program Administration
Provide support to the Senior Coordinator, Nursery Operations in the following tasks:
- Sourcing and purchasing of stock, materials, supplies and equipment
- Correspondence with internal and external programs, clients and partners
- Development and administration of nursery related projects
- Hiring, training and evaluation of seasonal staff
- Operation and maintenance of a database to maintain accurate records of inventory, materials, supplies, and equipment
- Recording of staff work hours
- Preparing, tracking, and reporting of internal and external client orders and invoices
- Production, budget, and other administrative related planning
Habitat Restoration
Provide support to other staff/programs in the following tasks on an as-needed basis:
- Planting of reforestation seedlings, shrubs and trees in various natural environments on public and private lands
- Collection of performance monitoring data on previous restoration projects
- Forestry operations
- Invasive plant species control
Other/General
- Operation of mechanical equipment, including pickup and dump trucks with trailers, farm tractors (with a variety of implements), RTVs, ATVs, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, backpack blowers, tank sprayers, snow blowers/plows, mowers, and a variety of handheld power tools
- Conduct and enforce work in a safe manner, ensuring that all CVC health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to at all times among all staff
- Provide excellent customer service
- Provide support to other staff/programs and perform other duties as needed and appropriate to the position
Anticipated Start and End Dates:
February 3, 2020 – December 18, 2020 (35 hours/week) (with the possibility of extension).
Annual Salary Starting At $54,992
Forward resume and cover letter by December 31, 2019, to:
Credit Valley Conservation
E-mail: hr@cvc.ca
Please quote “Technician, Nursery Operation” on email subject line
Resumes/letters submitted electronically must be submitted in Word or Pdf. format as one document.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
CVC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), CVC will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability-related accommodations, please inform the Human Resources (HR) staff. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection.