As a Supervisor in Horticulture, you will lead a team of horticultural workers and technicians in maintaining and developing plant collections, landscapes, and gardens at Department of National Defence facilities across Canada. Your role combines hands-on horticultural expertise with people management, where you'll oversee daily operations, plan work schedules, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. You'll be responsible for supervising staff, managing budgets, maintaining equipment, and implementing horticultural best practices while maintaining DND properties to the highest standards. This position offers the opportunity to work in diverse environments, from heritage gardens and parade grounds to facility landscapes and specialized plant nurseries on military bases.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily horticulture operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Scientific methodology, Field research, Environmental assessment, Data interpretation, Regulatory compliance, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
Candidates typically hold a high school diploma or equivalent, with preferred post-secondary education in horticulture, landscape management, or a related field from a recognized college or university program. Many supervisors in this field complete certifications such as Landscape Technician, Certified Horticulturist, or Nursery Technician credentials. Within DND, you'll receive training in federal government policies, labour management, occupational health and safety, and environmental stewardship practices specific to military installations. Ongoing professional development opportunities include advanced horticultural techniques, emerging sustainable landscaping practices, leadership and supervisory skills training, and certifications in pesticide application or specialized plant care. DND supports employees pursuing relevant credentials throughout their career.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates apply directly through competitions for the Supervisor - Horticulture position, which typically require previous horticultural work experience and demonstrated supervisory capabilities. Many current supervisors began as Horticulture Technicians or Horticulture Workers and advanced through internal competitions and promotions within DND or other federal departments. The Public Service may also recruit through staffing pools for supervisory positions. Lateral moves from related environmental services roles or other supervisory positions in the federal government are possible with relevant experience. We encourage candidates to monitor the DND Civilian Careers website and the Public Service Job Board for current opportunities and to speak with a recruiter about pathways that match your background.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor positions in Horticulture are typically full-time roles due to the management and operational responsibilities required. However, the federal Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Depending on the specific DND location and seasonal demands, some flexibility in work schedules may be available during off-season periods or through arrangements with your manager. Remote work is generally not applicable to this role due to the hands-on nature of horticultural supervision and the requirement to be present on-site for team management and facility oversight. We recommend discussing specific flexibility options during the application and hiring process with your potential manager or the recruiting team.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
