Ecological Gardener

Description:

Ecological Gardener

Type: Seasonal Contract, Full-Time (up to 44 hours per week)

Duration: April-November, with possibility of extension and to return annually

Work Hours: Between Monday and Friday, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: Team members meet each morning at designated pick-up locations and travel together in company vehicles. Applicants must be able to reliably report to pick-up locations between Lakefield and Apsley, Ontario (no public transportation available).

Who We Are

Founded in 2019, Clearwing Ecological Gardening Limited is a small, woman-owned and operated gardening company based in Apsley, Ontario. We provide reliable and ecologically responsible gardening services to residential and commercial properties throughout Peterborough County.

Our team designs, installs, and maintains softscapes rich in beauty, biodiversity, and functionality. We work with nature—using sustainable practices, native and non-invasive plants, and locally sourced materials—to enhance our clients’ landscapes while supporting healthy habitat.

Peterborough County is home to some of Ontario’s most beautiful, rare, and biodiverse ecosystems. Birds, reptiles, amphibians, pollinators, and countless other species depend on this landscape to thrive. Many of our clients find sanctuary here as well, escaping the city to reconnect with nature. Our work plays a meaningful role in enhancing both their experience and the land itself.

Position Overview

As an Ecological Gardener, you will play an essential role in improving the health, resilience, and beauty of gardens and natural landscapes across Peterborough County. You will support garden creation, maintenance, and restoration as part of a small, knowledgeable, and supportive team that values balance, collaboration, growth, and quality.

Position Responsibilities

• Identify and thoroughly remove weeds and invasive plants
• Identify and manage plant pests and diseases (no chemicals used)
• Prune shrubs and juvenile trees, and dead-head herbaceous plants
• Plant and water annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs
• Load, carry, and wheelbarrow tools and materials, including working from pickup trucks, trailers, and boats
• Operate electric leaf blowers and trimmers
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas, tools, and company vehicles
• Provide friendly, professional, and resourceful customer service to all clients

Position Requirements

• Gardening experience and/or related post-secondary education
• Interest in ecological gardening and knowledge of Ontario native plants
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail
• Reliable, punctual, and prepared to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong personal time management skills and ability to work efficiently
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment
• Ability to follow verbal instructions, acquire new skills quickly, and adapt to changing work conditions with enthusiasm
• Clear and professional verbal communication skills, with a positive, solution-oriented, and respectful approach
• Excellent physical stamina, including the ability to navigate uneven terrain, kneel, crouch, bend, dig, and lift for extended periods (must be able to lift up to 50 lbs)
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation within Peterborough County (no public transportation available)
• Must have a reliable cellphone with data connection for training and communication purposes
• Gardening experience is a plus, but we welcome all motivated, physically resilient candidates eager to build a career in sustainable landscaping—we provide full training for the right people.

What We Offer

• Four-Day Work Week
• Weekends and Public Holidays off to support work-life balance
• Paid Team Building and Wellness Events
• Free Uniforms
• Competitive, Livable wages
• Performance-based raises following probation
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative team environment that values diversity and encourages personal and professional growth
• The opportunity to do meaningful outdoor work, surrounded by the beauty of the Kawarthas