The City of Lethbridge has a permanent full-time opportunity for a Foreman at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. The Foreman is responsible for overseeing and facilitating all aspects of garden maintenance at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. The Foreman will provide leadership, training and direction to all City staff at the Garden while also ensuring that all City of Lethbridge Public Service values are met in all interactions with the public.
Job Posting
STATUS: Full Time Permanent
HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week
- As a dedicated arboricultural and horticultural professional, you will oversee the operations and maintenance of the Japanese Garden, ensuring alignment with its historical and aesthetic vision. This role encompasses staff supervision, project management, and stakeholder collaboration, while maintaining high standards in plant care, water quality, and safe work practices. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Provide leadership, training, direction, advice, and information to employees.
- Supervise and create work schedules for employees.
- Monitor employee work and performance and manage timekeeping and approvals.
- Oversee tree and plant maintenance and care.
- Maintain pond water quality and monitor irrigation.
- Ensure that service levels and service agreement contract obligations are met.
- Develop and review safe work practices.
- Procure plant materials and other necessary items as required.
- Oversee maintenance of the Garden including tree and plant maintenance and care, correct and timely pruning, proper pest and disease controls, ensuring it aligns with the historical and aesthetic visions of the Japanese Garden, guided by the 10-year NYJG Master Plan, consultant recommendations, and archival information.
- Develop annual work plans and reports.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, such as Facility Services, Parks & Cemeteries, and the Lethbridge and District Japanese Garden Society.
- Ensure resources (materials, equipment, staff) are available to complete tasks in the specified time.
- Manage projects, often acting as an on-site liaison with the internal stakeholders as well as external contractors.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following skills and qualifications:
- High school diploma with up to two (2) years’ post-secondary education (including trades apprenticeships) in Arboriculture and or Horticulture.
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification.
- Class 5 Driver’s License is required.
- Training in the art of Japanese Gardening theory, aesthetics, design, and maintenance is considered an asset.
- Arboriculture and horticulture experience including knowledge of tree-climbing procedures.
- Knowledge of pond water quality requirements and controls.
- Experience with automated irrigation systems and water requirements.
- Experience with Japanese gardens including training in stone-setting in the Japanese garden style is considered an asset.
- Prior experience and/or training in personnel management/supervision.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Computer software knowledge (Microsoft Word, Excel.)
- Membership in/experience with the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) is considered an asset.
We are looking for a results-oriented team member who demonstrates professionalism and is committed to providing exemplary public service.
WAGE: $43.27 per hour
