Horticultural Technician

Department: Arboretum
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
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General Purpose

The Arboretum at the University of Guelph is a 400-acre, internationally-accredited living laboratory, public garden, and nature reserve. The Arboretum promotes conservation of biodiversity and connection to nature through formal gardens, plant collections, natural areas, trails, and plant production facilities that support research, teaching, and public engagement. As part of the Ontario Agricultural College, the Arboretum plays a vital role in university and community life, offering programs and resources for students, faculty, volunteers, and visitors alike.

Reporting to the Arboretum Manager of Horticulture, the Horticulture Technician – Gardens is responsible for the care and development of the Arboretum’s teaching and ornamental gardens. This includes overseeing seasonal garden maintenance, supporting landscape development projects, and assisting in plant production in greenhouse and nursery facilities. The role also has an educational and outreach component, involving the creation and delivery of workshops, guided tours, and volunteer engagement.

This position plays a key role in ensuring the Arboretum’s gardens remain vibrant, accessible, and educational for all users. It requires an eye for timeless garden design and the practical expertise to carry out and oversee horticultural tasks across a diverse landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Arboretum Horticulture Technician is primarily responsible for maintaining the gardens and plant collections that support the Arboretum’s teaching, research, and public programming. This includes the upkeep of both woody and herbaceous plantings, installation of new plant material, and support for the development of new landscape projects. Daily tasks involve pruning, mulching, mowing, deadheading, plant labelling, weeding, litter pickup, and snow/ice removal as needed. The technician also oversees the tidiness and readiness of spaces surrounding Arboretum buildings, especially in advance of events and ceremonies. Accurate record-keeping of plant inventories, purchases, and garden design updates is an essential part of this role, as is the application of horticultural products following Integrated Pest Management practices. The technician will also assist in pond infrastructure and planter maintenance, and supervise seasonal students and volunteers, ensuring safe and effective completion of assigned tasks.

In support of the Arboretum’s educational and public engagement mandate, the technician will lead educational tours and deliver workshops for the university community and general public on topics such as pruning, gardening techniques, pond maintenance, and plant identification. The role also includes creating interpretive materials, contributing to written outreach pieces such as newsletters or presentations, and participating in major Arboretum events including lectures and public ceremonies. Working closely with Arboretum staff, the technician helps ensure that the gardens are welcoming and informative for all visitors.

The technician also plays a support role in plant production and nursery operations. This includes propagating and maintaining plants used in the Arboretum gardens and for the annual plant sale. Responsibilities can include irrigation coordination, weekend watering shifts, pest and disease monitoring, and greenhouse/nursery organization.

Requirements

• A two-year college diploma in horticulture, landscape design, or related field.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience in a public or university garden, botanic garden, or arboretum.
• Experience in landscape maintenance, plant care, pruning, and garden design.
• Ability to operate equipment such as tractors, gators, and landscape machinery.
• Strong communication skills and comfort with public-facing tasks such as tours and workshops.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in all weather conditions

Certifications:

• Ontario G-class driver’s license (or equivalent)
• Chainsaw Operator’s Training
• Standard First Aid & CPR
• Licensed Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate
• ISA Certified Arborist (preferred)

Preferred:

• Undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, horticulture, or a plant-related discipline.
• Experience in volunteer coordination or student supervision.
• Familiarity with garden mapping, plant databases, and greenhouse control systems.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10136013 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/23/2025  
Closing Date: 06/30/2025