Gardener

Gardener

Job details

Here’s how the job details align with your profile.

Pay

- $29.79 an hour

Job type

- Full-time

Location

55 Queen Street, Stratford, ON

Benefits

Pulled from the full job description

- Employee assistance program

Full job description

Who We Are:
Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes,





some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.
The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

- Creative work environment
- Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
- Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
- Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
- Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

The seasonal Gardener will work under the direction of the Head Gardener and will share in the responsibilities for maintaining the Festival’s renowned gardens which contain extensive perennial beds, carpet bedding, roses, annual plantings and properties.

Responsibilities:







- Perform general grounds and plant maintenance activities on Stratford Festival properties / locations, such as planting, seeding, cultivating, mowing, edging, weeding, trimming, pruning, raking, spraying, and fertilizing
- Participate in new plant bed and landscape construction projects as required
- Fertilize lawns and shrubs and practice weed control in flowerbeds and lawn
- Operate and maintain sprinkler system, cleaning, repairing, adjusting and replacing sprinkler heads as required
- Operate applicable equipment including mowers, sprayers, power washers, edger’s and hedge trimmers, blowers, etc. Maintain equipment to prevent malfunction. Assist the Head Gardener in conducting a preventive maintenance program to keep equipment in optimal condition






- Remove snow from walks and steps with a shovel or snow blower as appropriate for amount and location of snow. Keep sand and de-ice product on walks and steps during icy/slippery conditions
- Recommend repairs, maintenance and operations as related to gardens, grounds, fixtures and equipment. Perform related tasks as required
- Respond in a professional, polite and helpful manner when liaising with patrons and staff

Qualifications:

- Postsecondary degree or diploma in horticulture and/or equivalent work experience preferred
- Minimum of two years’ of hands on experience working in the field of horticulture is an asset
- Experience with pesticide-free gardening methods would be considered an asset
- Knowledge of perennials is essential






- This job demands physical dexterity and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential given frequent interaction with the public
- The successful candidate will have hands on knowledge of each of these aspects of gardening
- Experience with pesticide-free gardening methods would be considered an asset
- Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s license

This seasonal position is a unionized position located in Stratford, Ontario. Seasonal recall each year typically runs from April to November.
Target Start Date is April 14, 2025.

Job Type: Seasonal
Current Hourly Rate: $29.79

Shared Values:

- Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome,





valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
- Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization.
- Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution
- Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others
- Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive

Who Should Apply:
We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks.





We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.
No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!
If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.

▶️ Gardener
🖊️ Stratford Festival
📍 Stratford