Job ID #31708: Gardener II/Winter Operator

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

Job ID #31708: Gardener II/Winter Operator

Union: CUPE Local 5167

Job Description ID #: 31708

Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on February 4, 2026

Duration: Permanent Full-Time

Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy 

Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

GARDENER II - CUPE 5167

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reports to Horticultural Supervisor. Carries out horticultural practices to maintain grounds and gardens.

GENERAL DUTIES

Analyse, create and implement the use of horticultural materials such as annuals, perennials, shrubs and sod. Maintain annual & perennial beds and shrubs by weeding, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, grass cutting and watering.
Implement and maintain horticultural displays such as "Chrysanthemum" show.

Assess, diagnose and report annual, perennial, shrub, soil and turf problems; implement corrective action such as cultural and mechanical and when necessary

Operate tools and equipment such as edger, leaf blower, weedeater, rototiller, riding lawn mower and tractor. 
Receive and answer inquiries from the public.
Load and unload vehicle.

Perform preventative maintenance on tools and equipment. Maintain inventory of materials used.
Recommend the use of materials such as flagstone, interlocking stone, timber and display boards; complete projects. Perform minor maintenance on tools, equipment and irrigation.
Communicate with contractors and other departments.

Work in accordance with the provisions of all applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    Horticultural trade related training and work elated experience in horticulture to include soft landscaping, annual, perennial and shrub installation and maintenance. 2-year Diploma in Horticulture or related field preferred.

2.    Technical knowledge required regarding plant materials. Must be capable of performing a particular trade and carrying out a variety of complex tasks. Requires the use of specialized skills.

3.    Knowledge of relevant legislation such as Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations including
W.H.M.I.S. legislation, and Book 7 Traffic Control.

4.    Valid Class G licence required.

5.    Ability to carry out a variety of manual labour duties associated with greenhouse work including bending, kneeling, squatting, prolonged standing, ability to sustain moderate physical exertion with a full-range of body motion, climbing a ladder, lifting to 50lbs.

6.    Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.

SALARY: Salary Grade F

HOURS: 40 per week

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

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NOTE: This position may be transferred seasonally and have some responsibilities for Winter Control Operations.

WINTER OPERATOR (ROADS) - CUPE 5167

SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reports to Supervisors within the Transportation Operations & Maintenance Division.

Performs winter operation duties. Operates, inspects and maintains various equipment and or vehicles for snow removal/clearing, blowing and material application operations which may also include general maintenance duties such as pothole patching, roadside litter collection, general labour, drainage inspections etc.
GENERAL DUTIES

Operate, inspect and maintain various pieces of equipment/vehicles such as industrial size snow blowers, single and tandem axle sander/salter/plow trucks, backhoes, tractors, front end loaders, and plow with wing relating to the winter control program.
Performs pre-trip inspections and is responsible for related documentation as per MTO and City of Hamilton policies and procedures such as 70 hours regulations

Interacts with the general public, representatives of external agencies, supervisors and co-workers in a courteous and respectful manner.
Operate and maintain a variety of hand tools such as but not limited to shovels, picks, power tools etc. Remove snow from sidewalks, pathways, road by shovelling, ploughing, blowing, sanding, or salting.
Perform duties in various locations of the Transportation Operations & Maintenance Division. Duties vary dependent on location, rural or urban setting and weather. They may include duties such as but not limited to filling potholes, shovelling, manual labour, traffic control (flagging), operation of various power tools, vehicles, equipment, ground restoration duties, litter/bulk pick up, working around water pertaining to road and sidewalk maintenance duties.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the division.
Work with competent knowledge in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational Health and Safety.

QUALIFICATIONS
1.    Previous operator experience related to roadway and sidewalk snow plowing/spreading/removal operations normally acquired by a combination of education and relevant work experience. OSSD or equivalent would be considered and asset.

2.    Previous road maintenance experience of winter and summer programs would be considered an asset
3.    Previous experience, training, and competent ability to operate vehicles such as but not limited to: crew cabs, stake, dump trucks, snow plows and other tools and equipment associated with used for winter operations and general road maintenance. Ability to operate vehicles, tools and equipment in a safe manner.

4.    Must be able to understand and follow detailed procedures, instructions and take direction. Ability to accurately complete various logs, documents, inspection forms and other administrative information. Able to use fractions and decimal arithmetic and simple formulas, diagrams and drawings.
5.    Must have good interpersonal skills to interact with supervisors, co-workers and the public.

6.    Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, Book 7 and Hours of Service Regulations, W.H.M.I.S. legislation and other relevant construction related legislation.
7.    Must be available and able to work shifts and on callouts, including weekends, nights etc. with crew as well as independently with minimal supervision. Winter operations includes to work beyond 8hr. work shift, overtime, callouts, weekends, nights etc., when required.

8.    Must be able to lift a minimum of 23kgs with an occasional requirement to lift up to 45 kg.
9.    Must possess a Class "D" Licence with a "Z" endorsement and an abstract clear of demerit points, infractions and pending infractions and/or a record found to be satisfactory to the City of Hamilton.

10.    Demonstrated experience operating a CVOR vehicle for more than 3 years an asset.
11.    Must be able to work in adverse road and weather conditions.

12.    Working knowledge and computer skills utilizing Microsoft office, Web search engines, GPS tools and windows functions an asset.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS "DZ" DRIVER'S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.

NOTE 1: This position will involve shift work.
NOTE 2: Candidates being considered for this position must satisfactorily pass a driving evaluation, written evaluation and interview.

SALARY: Salary Grade E

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

 * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.