Career Opportunity: Horticulture Technician II

Horticulture Technician II
Saskatoon, SK  |  Permanent, Full time


Our Company

Innovation Saskatchewan supports Saskatchewan’s research community and technology sector to create economic growth and diversity. As the central innovation agency for the Government of Saskatchewan, Innovation Saskatchewan is responsible for implementing the province's innovation priorities and growing the technology sector. Innovation Saskatchewan develops policies and programs and conducts activities that assist in the implementation of research & development, science, and technology for the province. This includes development and operation of Saskatchewan’s research and technology parks in Saskatoon and Regina.

 

The Opportunity

As a member of the Landscape team, the Horticulture Technician II plays a crucial role in maintaining the picturesque grounds of our Saskatoon park during all four seasons to ensure quality standards are met for our agency, park tenants and park visitors.  

 Reporting to the Senior Manager, Landscape Services, the Horticulture Technician II oversees and enacts the maintenance program for landscape equipment. This position requires a level of physicality and utilizes a variety of tools and equipment like power and riding mowers, tractors, front-end loaders, whippers and hand tools to perform tasks. 

Additionally, this position will work with the Landscape team on a variety of soft and hard landscaping projects, including annual bed planting, shrub, perennial, indoor plant and woody plant maintenance, interior and exterior water feature maintenance, snow and ice removal and greenhouse management. 

If you’ve got a green thumb and want to work with a talented horticultural team in one of the most beautiful and unique landscape spaces in Saskatchewan, apply now!

 

Primary Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Overseeing the maintenance program for landscape tools, vehicles and equipment and providing purchase recommendations for equipment, including riding mowers, gators, etc. 
  • Performing vehicle and equipment preventative maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s and the agency’s best practices Maintaining the park grounds consistent with the agency’s quality standards   
  • Assisting with planting, pruning, mulching, weed control, turf maintenance and water feature management, including monitoring koi fish health, in the warmer months  
  • Assisting in snow and ice removal around the park using equipment and/or manual effort 
  • Assisting with other seasonal tasks during the cooler months, such as interior plant maintenance and winter pond conversion 
  • Identifying, developing and updating procedure documents to improve work process efficiencies and increase understanding and transparency of operations  
  • Working with the Landscape team to ensure the grounds department is in compliance with the corporate safety policy and Occupational Health and Safety regulations for all equipment and work responsibilities 
  • Other duties as assigned 

 

What We Want from You

  • Horticulture Certificate preferred 
  • Pesticide Applicators Licence preferred 
  • Valid driver’s licence with a good driving record required 
  • 2-3 years of experience in the field of landscape/parks maintenance required   
  • Excellent knowledge of plant and landscape maintenance  
  • Knowledge of minor maintenance practices for landscaping equipment, such as lubrication, maintaining fluid levels, repairs, blade sharpening and cleaning in accordance with best practices 
  • Mechanical aptitude 
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team, which may include contractors, and exercise good judgement, accountability and initiative with minimal supervision 
  • Innovative mindset to seek continuous improvement through creative thinking  
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to work with others to understand, engage and have meaningful conversations that produce achievable outcomes 
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills  
  • Effective organizational and time management skills  
  • A commitment to safety  
  • Ability to meeting deadlines under pressure and time constraints  
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft365 programs, including Outlook, Word and Excel and comfortable with learning additional software platforms and applications as required 

 

What We Offer

Innovation Saskatchewan employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including extended health, dental and vision care as well as comprehensive life and protection insurance. Our Public Employees Pension Plan includes a generous employer contribution, underlining our commitment to your long-term financial security.

Enjoy the work-life balance afforded by paid Scheduled Days Off each year, alongside a starting vacation entitlement of three weeks (with acknowledgment of prior service within the Saskatchewan Government or universities). Innovation Saskatchewan’s Saskatoon office is in the beautiful Galleria Building within its Innovation Place research and technology park, centrally located on the University of Saskatchewan campus with includes parking as well as free access to a fitness centre and other perks afforded to park tenants.   

At Innovation Saskatchewan, we offer more than a position; we provide a pathway to growth and well-being.

 

How to Apply

If you have what it takes to help grow Saskatchewan’s tech sector, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@innovationsask.ca by February 13, 2025.