As a Manager - Horticulture with the Department of National Defence, you will lead horticultural operations and teams responsible for maintaining and developing green spaces across military establishments. You will oversee the planning, implementation, and management of landscape and garden projects while ensuring compliance with environmental standards and DND policies. Your work directly supports the operational readiness of defence facilities by maintaining professional, safe, and aesthetically appropriate grounds.
In this role, you will manage staff, budgets, and resources while supervising horticultural activities such as landscaping, plant care, turf management, and grounds beautification. You will coordinate with other departments to integrate horticultural services with facility management and ensure projects meet timelines and quality standards. You will also be responsible for developing team members, implementing safety protocols, and staying current with horticultural best practices and sustainable environmental approaches.
You will work in outdoor and indoor environments across Defence locations, collaborating with facility managers, contractors, and stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to make a visible, meaningful impact on military communities while developing leadership and technical expertise in environmental services.
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, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To be considered for a Manager - Horticulture position, you typically need a diploma or degree in horticulture, landscape management, environmental science, or a related field from a recognized institution. Many candidates have completed programs through community colleges or universities accredited by provincial horticultural associations.
Professional certifications strengthen your candidacy, including credentials from organizations such as the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association or provincial horticultural societies. Some positions may require certifications in pesticide application, arboriculture, or turf management, depending on specific duties.
Once hired, you will participate in Government of Canada onboarding and may access professional development through DND's learning programs. Ongoing training includes updates on environmental regulations, sustainable practices, new horticultural technologies, and management skills development. The Public Service Learning Network and departmental programs support continuous career growth.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Manager - Horticulture position in the federal Public Service typically occurs through competitive staffing processes managed by DND and Treasury Board Secretariat. Most positions are advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal systems.
If you are not yet in the Public Service, you can apply directly to advertised competitions. The hiring process includes submitting an application demonstrating your horticultural knowledge, management experience, and relevant education. Interviews assess your leadership capabilities, technical expertise, and understanding of government operations.
If you are already a federal Public Service employee, you may be able to apply through internal competitions or lateral moves from related positions in environmental services, facilities management, or other departments. Some candidates progress into management from horticultural technician or specialist roles within DND or other government departments. Student work-study programs and co-op placements can provide initial entry into the federal system, with potential paths to permanent positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Manager - Horticulture positions are limited, as management roles typically require full-time commitment to effectively supervise teams, manage budgets, and coordinate operations. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements in some cases.
Depending on the specific DND location and operational requirements, some flexibility may be available for compressed work weeks or flexible start times. Remote work is generally not feasible for this role due to the requirement to be present at horticultural sites for supervision, quality assurance, and operational management.
To explore part-time, flexible, or remote options, discuss your circumstances with the hiring manager during the recruitment process. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance where operational needs permit, and accommodations may be available under the Public Service Labour Relations Act or collective agreement provisions.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
