Gardener (Full Time)

Who We Are

Greater Victoria Housing Society (GVHS) is an award-winning registered charity and not for profit organization dedicated to providing high quality, secure and affordable rental housing for low to moderate income households. Known for excellent service, we contribute to healthy, thriving and livable communities. GVHS is a housing provider for those who are able to live independently.

GVHS is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other basis protected by law. GVHS is a living wage employer.

GVHS acknowledges that it organizes and works on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, and that the land’s historical relationships with the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples have existed since time immemorial.

What We Offer

GVHS offers a comprehensive benefits package including competitive wages, 3 week’s vacation to start (prorated for part time positions), generous sick and family responsibility leave, and an employer matched RRSP.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Property Management Supervisor, the Gardener is responsible for the grounds maintenance and the appearance of hardscape/green-spaces at the Greater Victoria Housing Society’s properties. 

What You Bring

• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
  

• Respond to issues with tact and diplomacy. 
  

• Set priorities and handle a number of different tasks in a timely manner while maintaining safety and efficiency.
  

• Keep accurate records and complete required forms.
  

• Communicate with tenants, staff, suppliers, and other contractors in a clear concise manner.
  

• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
  

• Ability to identify and mitigate potential safety issues on the property.
  

• Knowledge of plants, gardening methods and techniques.
  

• Comfortable working on or around ladders.
  

• Knowledge of irrigation systems or ability to maintain/install irrigation systems
  

• Physically capable of standing and kneeling for extended periods of time, working on and around ladders, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds
  

Your Working Conditions

• Work is carried out in all buildings owned by Greater Victoria Housing Society.
  
• Physically demanding work environment; 80% physical work, 20% administrative work.
  
• Frequent lifting and moving of equipment, furniture, and appliances.
  
• Potential exposure to needle and drug paraphernalia, natural death of residents and health hazards (personal protective equipment provided).
  

• Interaction with tenants, some demanding resolution to maintenance problems or problems with other tenants.
  
• Union membership: CUPE Local 1978.
  
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.
  
• Provision of own vehicle required.
• Hours of Work as provided in the Collective Agreement.
  
• Field Dress Code.
  

Compensation: $29.56/hour (35 hour work-week)

This is a union position with CUPE1978: https://www.cupe1978.com/gvhs

For a complete job description please visit https://greatervichousing.org/about/careers/