Benefits:

• Gratuities
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

Were hiring a Head Gardener to join our world class team at Sonora Resort, a luxury all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux Resort, in the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. Nestled in the Discovery Islands, Sonora Resort is a remote location accessed by water taxi from the town of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. This is a Seasonal position that works on site at the Resort in shift work rotations. Seeking a start date of Mid-March 2025.
Our team shares a deep appreciation for the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. Our opulent location is an undeniable draw for those seeking an exciting career with a side of adventure. We are completely submerged in the great outdoors with easy access to hiking trails, Florence Lake, and opportunities to get on the water to explore the Inside Passage.
Each one of our team members contributes to the guest experience at Sonora Resort. Working at Sonora means you are part of a team of passionate and trained professionals focused on providing our guests with unique experiences and cherished memories.
Sonora Resort is committed to creating an engaging and supportive work environment, with a focus on developing and promoting talent from within. We offer competitive compensation packages, exciting employee incentives and the opportunity to develop under the prestigious Relais & Chteaux banner.
Resort Life

• All staff are provided with complimentary single bedroom accommodations. Complimentary wifi, cable TV and internet calling provided in each staff room.
• Complimentary meals, snacks and beverages provided from our Staff Kitchen
• Shift work is required from March until Late October or Early November; comprised of 10 working days and 4 non-working working days, subject to change during peak season; employees are expected to be flexible in their scheduling to meet the needs of the business.
• Water taxi transportation is provided to and from Campbell River for scheduled work shifts
• Staff are required to leave the resort on their scheduled non-working days and are responsible for securing further transportation and accommodation thereafter.
• Team Amenities on site include a staff lounge, fitness facility, hot tub, outdoor staff lounge area, access to trout ponds, hiking trails and Florence lake where a canoe and stand-up paddleboards are available for staff use.
• Enjoy other great work perks such as:
  • 25% off at Sonoras Gift Shop and Island Currents Spa (Services & products)
  • Special room rate for Employees & immediate family members visiting Sonora Resort
  • Staff social events and opportunities to experience adventure tours & activities
  • An Employee & Family Assistance Program offering counseling and mental health supports.
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
• We offer competitive wages, paid hourly, with opportunities for overtime, plus gratuities.

Position Summary
The Head Gardener position is responsible for designing and maintaining the display of plants and garden material to a high aesthetic level throughout Sonora Resort. The incumbent will prepare the design and planting schedule and work alongside their team in tending to the gardens and conservatory daily.
Job Duties

• Prepare the planting, weeding, lawn mowing, watering and gardens maintenance schedules.
• Treatment of non-native plants and nuisance grasses with herbicide.
• Organize and manage ornamental plants and shrubs in Conservatory.
• Responsible for timely ordering of supplies and materials required for operations of gardening department.
• Ensure work areas cleanliness is kept to the highest of standards including conservatory, work sheds and vehicles.
• Work closely with Housekeeping, Events & Dining Room Managers in accordance with room drops, table decorations and centerpieces.
• Assist department manager with administrative work including but not limited to; inventory control, purchasing processes, maintenance logbooks, opening or closing duties and checklists.
• Ensure effective working relationships and clear communication is maintained with all colleagues and departments.
• Drive small electric vehicles around the resort.
• Lead by example at all times by working alongside respective team in the daily operations of the gardening team;
• Follow effective employee relations practices for supervising 2 Gardeners, including supporting all in-house training, maintaining professional supervision of all employees, evaluating performance on a timely basis, and following all progressive discipline and documentation guidelines as requested from department manager.
• Work alongside gardeners in all gardening and lawn maintenance tasks; watering, weeding, raking beds, lawn mowing and line trimming, tending to the conservatory and more.
• Follow all health and safety protocols.
• Understand and adhere to all guidelines as set out in company policies.

Qualifications

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Two (2) years of experience in a similar role.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Experience with power tools such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers, chain saws and brush cutters.
• Experience with zero turn radius riding mowers an asset.
• Experience and certification in operating a skid steer an asset.
• Thorough understanding of the operations of gardening & horticulture; experience in a live-in resort environment is preferred.
• High School Diploma required. Any additional education or experience in recognized a Horticultural program would be an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong leadership skills to coach, influence and motivate team.
• Capable of fulfilling physical demands of the job; handling heavy loads, combination of sitting, walking, standing for extended periods of time, bending, crouching, kneeling.
• Must be fluent in English, second language an asset.
• First Aid & AED certificates are an asset.

About Sonora Resort
Sonora Resort, a Relais & Chateux property, is located on Sonora Island in the Discovery Islands of British Columbia. It is accessible by boat or air, and 50 minutes by helicopter from Vancouver. Known as one of Canadas hidden gems, Sonora has a unique place in the world because of its secluded location, abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, with luxury accommodations and gourmet cuisine. Sonora is part of the Relais & Chateux association of the worlds finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Whether you have an adventurous heart or a desire to live in a remarkable wild place such as this, you will find all kinds of career options at Sonora Resort. We encourage you to visit our website at www.sonoraresort.com