The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q? c?? y? - Katzie, the q'wa:n??'?n? - Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Surrey Schools values an inclusive school district where equity is deeply embedded, and diversity welcomed. We acknowledge the profound responsibility we all have in ensuring that our schools and district sites foster an atmosphere where everyone feels secure, respected, and valued. Our commitment to providing a quality education extends beyond academic excellence; we are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families. Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and tolerance and recognizes the importance of diversity of identity and thought. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Surrey Schools, recipient of the BC Top Employers and Canada's Greenest Employer awards, is the largest school district in BC and the second largest employer in Surrey. Spread across one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia, Surrey Schools provides quality education to over 82,000 students with 124 schools sites and a variety of other learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support the learning of our students. The Surrey School District team of approximately 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure that children are getting the best start they can, providing the preparation to be our leaders of tomorrow.

Reporting to the Manager and Assistant Manager in the Grounds Department, the Trades Horticulture Foreperson is responsible for directing, supervising, and coordinating the day-to-day work of Grounds Horticulture employees under various classifications, as well as contractors. The incumbent will carry out and assist in estimating, planning, obtaining licenses or permits, scheduling work, ordering materials, scheduling delivery of materials to job sites, supervision of work, evaluation, and training of employees under the forepersons supervision, maintaining records for job costing and operating computer equipment to input and retrieve data.

The Trades Horticulture Foreperson is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repairs, and programs related to shrub beds, trees, sports fields, and passive turf. They will have the ability to prepare and review drawings and budget estimates, as well as manage trades staff and contractors in each of these fields. The successful candidate will have a strong foundational knowledge in each of these areas and excellent organizational skills.

The Grounds Department offers staff great work-life balance with a shift of 7am-3pm, Monday to Friday, exceptional quality tools and equipment, a well-maintained fleet of vehicles and a beautiful District Facilities Centre with an on-site gym located in the heart of Surrey.

Qualifications: Completion of grade 12 or equivalent plus completion of apprenticeship training in an applicable trade, from an institute recognized by the District;

Five years recent related experience in the applicable trade as a tradesperson, including supervision of others, or an equivalent level of training and experience. Trade qualification (TQ) or BC License, as required for applicable trades;

A valid unrestricted Class 5 BC Drivers license;

Strong foundational knowledge of methods, equipment, materials, by-laws & regulations, occupational hazards, and safety precautions within the fields of Arboriculture, Horticulture, and Sports Field maintenance.;

Experience and confidence using various computer applications such as Outlook, Microsoft office, a Computerized Maintenance Management System (Work Orders), and online GIS Programs;

Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, problem solving, and organizational skills;

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing and the ability to understand and carry out oral/written instructions accurately with minimal supervision;

Physical stamina to carry out the duties of this position in all weather conditions;

Experience in a unionized environment an asset;

This is a unionized position that offers a 37.5 hour work week with an hourly wage rate of $43.55, plus an excellent benefit package including Municipal Pension, health, vacation and sick benefits.

Qualified applicants can apply by clicking the "apply" button to the right of the posting. The closing date for this position is April 30, 2024 at 4:00pm.

Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.