Trades - Gardener

This position works in the Horticulture organizational unit. This is skilled horticultural work at the journeyman level involving a wide range of gardening tasks in City civic buildings, parklands and ornamental areas. An employee installs, cultivates and cares for a variety of flowers, plants and shrubs in ornamental areas; prepares and plants plotting areas; and performs seasonal maintenance of gardening stock and City ornamental properties and grounds;

performs routine maintenance on irrigation systems; directs, assigns, checks and supervises a crew of subordinates engaged in unskilled and semi-skilled work. The work of this class is distinguished from lower level classes by the more advanced nature of the duties and the wider latitude in the use of independent judgement. An incumbent exercises considerable independent judgement and action in completing most assignments in accordance with established trade practices.

Oral and written assignments, often accompanied by sketches, layouts, and designs are received from a supervisor who reviews work performance in terms of effective trades work, conformance with established standards and the attainment of desired objectives. Performs related work as required.

Qualifications include completion of Grade 12 supplemented by the completion of a recognized Trade Certificate of Qualification plus considerable general experience at the Journeyman level; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Thorough knowledge of the planting, cultivating and care of a wide variety of plants, shrubs, trees and flowers; of methods, materials, tools and practices used in garden maintenance operations.

Considerable knowledge of hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work performed is needed. Considerable knowledge of the common and botanical names of a wide variety of plants, shrubs, trees and flowers is required as well as related insects, parasites and fungi that destroy plant life and of the treatment methods used for their control; and of fertilizers and their application.

Working knowledge of irrigation systems and controls is required. Ability to create planting bed and ornamental flower display layouts; to perform routine irrigation systems maintenance and repair tasks; to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions; to plan, check and supervise the work of subordinates; and to meet the public and answer questions related to horticultural work and park facilities is required.

Skill in the use and care of a wide variety of gardening tools and equipment is also required. A valid class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia and Certificate of Qualification – Horticulturist, Landscape are required.

Please apply online by March 2, 2026.

Copies of relevant professional certificates, degrees, or tickets will be required at the time of the interview. Please contact People and Culture at if you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of submitting your application online at  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

We respectfully acknowledge that the City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Peoples (Kwikwetlem). Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city. We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors have occupied and used these lands, including parts of present-day Burnaby, for thousands of years.

We are grateful to be on this territory as we dedicate ourselves to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects our vibrant community and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences.