Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for two (2) permanent, full-time Gardener in the Parks division of Parks & Recreation. 

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.  Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the direction of a Horticulture Supervisor or designate, the responsibilities of a Gardener include, but are not limited to, generalized gardening and labour duties as they pertain to: all aspects of horticulture, landscape maintenance, and flower/shrub bed maintenance, including greenhouse operations as required. Working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions must be considered by interested candidates. By working safely and cooperatively with others, you will contribute to meeting the operational objectives of the business unit and Halifax Regional Municipality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide general information to the public and outside groups in horticultural related matters;Provide general care, maintenance and safe operation of tools, vehicles, & assigned equipment;Assist in Greenhouse production and operations;Provide written and verbal reports concerning daily work assignments;Perform all the general duties of a labourer;Perform related duties as required as part of the Parks Division which includes Sports Fields, Playgrounds, Green Spaces, Cemeteries, Parks, Horticulture, Special Events, and other duties as assigned depending on seasonal requirements;Capable and willing to follow instructions and have the ability to work independently as well as in a team;Load and unload equipment as required;Participate in Winter works program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

Grade 12 or a combination of education and relevant experience;Current & valid NS Drivers license (minimum Class 5);Certificate in Horticulture, Landscape Gardening or related field;Three years' direct work experience and a demonstrated track record in the horticulture field;Experience and knowledge in landscape construction and renovation is a definite asset;Experienced in the safe operation of a variety of equipment including roto-tillers, gas powered edge trimmers, gas powered whips, and chainsaws considered an asset;A combination of training and experience deemed equivalent may be considered. Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:Knowledge in the area of greenhouse propagation, disease and pest management;Demonstrated gardening, pruning, and related abilities;General knowledge of annual and perennial flower bed design and preparation being capable of carrying out flower bed design on both new and existing plantings;Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;Ability to work with others and be part of a team environment;Able to operate Skid steer loader/tractor in a horticulture environment or be willing to take necessary training.Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

Candidates must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position and have valid licensing, as required.

Please note – Applicants are responsible to include all information that they wish to have taken into consideration in the review of their application, and applicants are required to provide full details of experience or training referenced in the posting.  Applicants may be screened out of this competition at preliminary stages of review based on the insufficiency of the information provided, and the award of this position may be made solely on the basis of the information provided in the electronic submission without any requirement that the Employer contact the candidate for further elaboration on information referenced in the application.

COMPETENCIES: Communication, Customer Service, Teamwork & Cooperation, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Two (2) permanent, full-time positions

HOURS OF WORK: Typical shifts are 7am - 3pm for 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday or Wednesday-Sunday. However, shift work and participation in Winter Works may be required.

SALARY: $27.80 per hour as per CUPE Local 108 Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION: 5711 Sackville Street, Halifax

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Friday, July 18, 2025

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration. 

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax.

(position # 78640560, 78640561)