Two (2) Contract Positions
Position 1: July 13, 2026 – January 15, 2027
Position 2: July 13, 2026 – April 9, 2027
This Gardener position is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and sustaining vibrant, year-round gardens that meet high horticultural and aesthetic standards, ensuring the health and visual appeal of diverse plant species.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Horticulturist to plan, design, install, and maintain impactful garden displays featuring perennials, annuals, woody, and bulbous plants.
- Support special events, rentals, and revenue-generating ventures by creating and maintaining garden venues.
- Perform essential garden maintenance tasks including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, and irrigation system operation.
- Operate tools and equipment to carry out the responsibilities of the role.
- Ensure visitor and staff safety through seasonal tasks such as snow removal and pathway clearing.
- Monitor plant health and recommend Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions.
- Provide technical oversight and guidance to student gardeners, temporary staff, and volunteers.
- Maintain accurate plant records and curatorial documentation.
- Manage inventory of tools and equipment, reporting maintenance needs.
- Collaborate with horticulture colleagues to uphold best practices and high standards.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned to maintain garden excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven hands-on experience in garden planning, installation, and maintenance.
- Advanced plant knowledge including identification, growth habits, and care requirements.
- Experience with plant production scheduling and curatorial record keeping.
- Familiarity with IPM techniques and pest management strategies.
- Skilled in operating and maintaining hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment.
- Knowledge of safety legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Ontario Pesticides Act.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong conceptual and critical thinking skills to support garden design.
- Excellent project planning and time management abilities.
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability in dynamic environments.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to operate motorized vehicles with attachments as required, including but not limited to fleet vehicles, cube vans, lawn mowers, tractors, tillers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and other equipment safely and efficiently.
- Experience providing staff and volunteers with technical oversight, guidance and motivation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office for planning and reporting.
- Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
Why Join RBG?
At Royal Botanical Gardens, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to horticultural excellence and environmental stewardship. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Canada’s most iconic botanical institutions while growing your career in a vibrant and supportive environment.
I nterested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter to www.rbg.ca/careers by July 5, 2026, as a single PDF file using the following naming convention: First Name Last Name – Gardener
At RBG, we celebrate diversity, innovation, and integrity. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fairness, accessibility, and diversity in employment. Accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act upon request.
We utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process, ensuring efficiency and fairness. AI helps us review applications consistently, match skills to job requirements, and streamline communication. However, all hiring decisions remain under human oversight to uphold our commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. If you have any questions about AI in our hiring process, please contact [email protected] .
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
