LEAD GARDENER
ABOUT US
At Matthew Gove & Co. we design, install and care for contemporary gardens in Caledon, Mono, Mulmur, Creemore, Collingwood and surrounding areas. We combine naturalistic garden design with knowledgable garden stewardship, respecting the changing seasons and natural surroundings.
POSITION SUMMARY
As our Lead Gardener you’ll lead a small, inclusive and friendly team during the planting and installation of our garden building projects, working from layout to installation. Your hands-on responsibilities will include planting, plant care and ensuring crews are prepared for each day by overseeing materials, vehicles, time-tracking and tools. You’ll document site conditions, progress, rain issues, and adjustments, and guide the team through daily task sequencing and transitions, using your attention to detail to maintain the gardens’ aesthetics. Additionally, you’ll supervise crew planting methods, organization, and safe shop and field practices, setting clear expectations for quality and professionalism. As part of our garden stewardship program, you’ll also perform and supervise regular garden care tasks while incorporating organic gardening practices.
WHAT YOU’LL HAVE
- 3-5 years experience of working in the landscape profession with garden specific knowledge and skills including excellent plant identification with a minimum 1 year of leading crews
- Knowledge of proper tool use and job-site safety practices
- Comfort taking ownership for outcomes related to quality, schedule, and team performance.
- Good physical stamina to perform manual labour tasks, including lifting heavy objects and willingness to work outdoors in various types of weather
- Ability to safely drive a 1/2 ton truck, have and maintain a Valid G Driver’s License with clean abstract. Experience operating equipment (skid-steer, mini-excavator) would be an asset.
- Ability to maintain clean, organized job sites, vehicles, shop, and nursery areas, and oversee basic vehicle readiness checks (fuel, oil, tires, lights), reporting service needs promptly
- Clear communication skills with an ability to stay organized, track details and report progress consistently
- Reliable transportation to our yard in rural Caledon, ON
WHY CHOOSE US
We foster a workplace where people care about the quality of their work and each other, while offering:
- Competitive wages aligned with experience and responsibility
- Pay Equity
- Health Care Spending account
- An inclusive, positive, respectful work environment
- Horticultural Apprenticeships
- Paid industry related events, learning opportunities
- Opportunity to work on some of the most stunning rural estate gardens in the area
The current available position is for 40 hrs+/week, April to November.
As a skilled horticulturalist with strong leadership abilities, this is an excellent opportunity for you.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, valuing the diverse perspectives they bring to their work. We look forward to hearing from those who meet our requirements and enjoy working outdoors.
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
No phone calls please.
Thanks,
Matthew Gove
Matthew Gove & Co.
[email protected]
Instagram: @matthew.gove.gardens
Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 9 months
Pay: $26.00-$31.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Caledon, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Leadership: 1 year (required)
- Professional Landscape Gardening: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
