Staff - Union
Organizational Status
Work Performed
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Although the duties are straightforward, the position determines the most efficient and effective way to perform the skilled tasks and proper operation of equipment. All work will be under the supervision of the Botanical Garden Supervisor. Failure to follow directions would result in loss of plants, inefficiencies in the distribution of labour and delayed timelines for projects. Errors in judgment could result in injuries.
Supervision Received
Minimum Qualifications
Secondary school education and/or completion of high school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid BC driver’s license
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Hourly - Labourer 3
Job Title
Garden Labourer III
Department
Horticulturists | Botanical Garden and Centre for Horticulture
Compensation Range
$28.29 - $30.84 CAD Hourly
Posting End Date
August 14, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
October 31, 2025
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
This position is a 3-month leave coverage role.
Job Summary
Assists with the installation and maintenance of special landscape projects at the Botanical Garden.
Works along side team of Horticulturists to ensure the botanical standards are continued within the Botanical Garden.
Works along side team of Horticulturists to ensure the botanical standards are continued within the Botanical Garden.
This position is a seasonal hourly position working at UBC Botanical Garden, Nitobe Memorial Garden, and the Botanical Garden Nursery. May be required to work weekends and stat holidays.
Organizational Status
This position is supervised by UBC Botanical Garden Supervisor. Works within general Garden areas, interacting with staff, students, volunteers, UBC researchers and guests of the Garden.
UBC Botanical Garden's Labourer II position actively participates in and ensures the Garden's Vision and Mission are fully supported. UBC Botanical Garden's Mission and Vision are as follows:
Vision Statement
Plants are understood, valued, celebrated, and secure in a healthy, biodiverse world.
Mission
The mission of UBC Botanical Garden is to assemble, curate, and maintain a documented living collection of temperate plants for the purposes of education, research, conservation, community outreach, and public display.
Work Performed
- Mows lawn areas
- Removes refuse from garden
- Assists with set-up and breakdown of tables and chairs for events
- Receives and requests tools, equipment and other material for the work assigned, including making decisions for the purchase of tools from stores and requisite supplies runs
- Monitors the quality of work of a group of Labourers within their area of work. Example: While in the Food Garden, may be supervising the work of temporary Labourers, Student Labourers and/or Garden Volunteers as designated by the Garden Supervisor or designate
- Operates specialized equipment including: electric mowers, blowers, and ride-on lawnmower, RTV vehicles
- Assists with set-up of outdoor tents for events
- Prepares walkways by removing leaf and/or other debris
- Preparing soil generally by using standard tools and equipment such as rakes, shovels, hoes, pitch and digging forks, rototillers, etc.
- Putting plants, trees and bushes in designated locations
- Watering and distributing fertilizers to plants, trees, bushes, lawns, gardens etc.
- Moving soil, mulch, plants, unwanted plant material and debris, fertilizers, supplies, tools, equipment and other materials to storage or various locations
- Assisting with lawn installation by moving and putting down turf and distributing seed.
- Cutting, bucking plants, small tree branches using pruners, line/brush trimmers and operating brush chipper for mulching
- Moving rocks, gravel and mulch to install and repair pathways and other related garden structures.
- Digging, moving, assembling and performing minor repairs of irrigation pipes and equipment
- Performing other related duties as required
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Although the duties are straightforward, the position determines the most efficient and effective way to perform the skilled tasks and proper operation of equipment. All work will be under the supervision of the Botanical Garden Supervisor. Failure to follow directions would result in loss of plants, inefficiencies in the distribution of labour and delayed timelines for projects. Errors in judgment could result in injuries.
Supervision Received
Supervised directly by the Botanical Garden Supervisor through oral and written instructions, including all training on the safety and operation of equipment. There is minimal decision making involved as the duties are straightforward and the position will be under the supervision of the Botanical Garden Supervisor. Failure to follow directions would result in loss of plants, inefficiencies in the distribution of labour and delayed timelines for projects. Errors in judgment could result in injuries.
Supervision Given
Supervision Given
Monitors the work of a group of labourers in an assigned area or as required
Minimum Qualifications
Secondary school education and/or completion of high school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid BC driver’s license
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in an outdoor Garden and/or Landscaping setting