As a Director of Horticulture, you lead the planning, development, and management of horticultural operations and services across Department of National Defence facilities. You are responsible for overseeing the cultivation, maintenance, and sustainability of landscapes, gardens, and green spaces that support military operations and enhance the quality of life for personnel and their families. This role combines scientific knowledge of plants and soil management with strategic leadership and operational oversight.
In this position, you manage teams of horticultural specialists, technicians, and support staff while directing budgets, procurement, and resource allocation. You develop policies and standards for horticultural practices, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and implement best practices in sustainable landscaping. Your work directly contributes to the maintenance of safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments at DND installations across Canada.
You work in a dynamic environment that spans outdoor field work and office-based planning and administration. Your responsibilities include site inspections, strategic planning meetings, stakeholder consultations with base commanders and facility managers, and ongoing professional development of your team. This role offers the opportunity to apply horticultural expertise to serve Canada's defence community while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of horticulture services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the horticulture team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
Typically, candidates possess a diploma or degree in horticulture, landscape management, plant science, or a related field from a recognized Canadian or international institution. Some candidates may have developed equivalent knowledge through extensive practical experience in horticultural management and professional certifications.
Professional certifications valued in this role include credentials from professional horticultural associations, such as those offered by provincial horticultural societies or the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Knowledge of integrated pest management, soil science, and environmental compliance standards is important.
The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including access to training in leadership, project management, budgeting, and emerging horticultural technologies. As a federal employee, you will have opportunities to pursue advanced certifications and participate in conferences and workshops to stay current with industry best practices and sustainability initiatives.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Director - Horticulture position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through:
Public Service Commission (PSC) competitions: These are the primary pathway. Competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada's jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) and are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons. You must meet the stated education and experience requirements, which generally include several years of progressive horticultural management experience and a relevant diploma or degree.
Lateral moves: Current federal public service employees in related positions may apply for this role through internal competitions or appointment processes, bringing their experience in environmental services or facility management to a horticultural leadership position.
Talent pools: The PSC may maintain talent pools of qualified candidates for horticultural management positions, allowing for faster recruitment when positions become available.
Students and recent graduates: While not a direct entry point to the Director level, individuals may begin their federal career as horticultural technicians or specialists and advance through promotions and competitive processes.
To prepare, obtain relevant horticultural qualifications, gain supervisory or team leadership experience, and develop knowledge of federal government operations and DND priorities.
Part-Time Options
Full-time employment is the standard for Director-level positions in the federal public service. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexibility where operationally feasible.
Flexible work arrangements, including compressed work weeks or adjusted start and end times, may be negotiable based on organizational needs and collective agreement provisions. Remote work opportunities are typically limited for this role due to the requirement for on-site inspections, field oversight, and hands-on management of horticultural operations at DND facilities.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the Director level are uncommon but may be explored on a case-by-case basis through discussion with your manager and Human Resources. Directors are encouraged to discuss their work arrangement preferences during the hiring process and ongoing employment. Leave options, including parental leave, compassionate leave, and vacation, follow Treasury Board policies and applicable collective agreements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
