Plant Nursery / Trees & Shrubs

Hiring: Burford Labourer
Organization: Grand River Conservation Authority
Location: Burford Nursery, near Brantford, Ontario

Seasonal Bargaining Unit Position
Burford Labourer

Who we are

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has an international reputation for excellence in managing the natural resources of the largest inland river system in southern Ontario. Our team is made up of committed and passionate experts in their fields, including scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. Every day, we come to work to improve the health of the natural environment of the Grand River watershed for those who call it home or come to visit. We are a progressive team, dedicated to lifelong learning, collaboration and making a positive impact.

Who you are

You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You want the work you do to make a difference. You like a team environment where everyone has an opportunity to contribute to achieve a shared goal, no matter their background or level of education and experience. You like problem solving, expanding your horizons and making even the smallest positive impact for your community and the planet.

Why work for us

Our team feels a connection to their work, to each other and to the community we serve. We offer staff development plans and open doors to help advance your career. And our employees benefit from being part of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), with 100% matching contributions from GRCA.

Overview of the opportunity

The GRCA is looking for a hard working candidate available for 8 weeks of full-time work. They will be part of a team working together at the Burford nursery. The nursery is tucked away, in a natural oasis in Brant County. The 106 acre property grows more than 60,000 trees and shrubs each year providing species that are native to the Grand River watershed.

What you’ll do:

• Lifting/harvesting of bare root trees
• Packaging, labeling and shipping nursery stock
• Potting seedlings and lining out seedlings into the nursery fields
• Safe operation of nursery equipment
• Assist in set-up of irrigation equipment and systems
• Pruning of trees and shrubs
• Maintaining nursery stock (weeding, watering and fertilizing)
• Carry out other duties as assigned

Education:

• High School Diploma

Experience & Abilities

• Ability to operate various hand tools and equipment
• Physically capable of prolonged standing, walking, bending and lifting
• Ability to lift a minimum of 40lbs
• Ability to drive a tractor would be an asset
• Basic tree and shrub identification skills would be an asset
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Competencies and Abilities

• Professional Judgement
• Integrity/Ethics
• Goal/Action Oriented
• Teamwork
• Customer Focus

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range starting at $18.06 per hour/40 hours per week (2025 Pay rate)
• Job stability and security
• Gold-standard Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund with 100% employer matching contributions.
• Free year-round access to GRCA conservation areas (parks).

Approximate Start Date: March 23, 2026

Season Length: Approx. March 23 to May 15 recurring

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@grandriver.ca in MS Word or PDF format and quote “Burford Labourer” in the subject line.

Deadline for Applications: 4:00pm February 17, 2026

This job posting is for an existing vacancy

To view a full job description with competencies please visit GRCA Job Opportunities

We thank you for your interest, however only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

GRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you require any accessibility accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact us. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially

Pursuant to section 29(2) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O. 1990, C. M.56 the personal information contained on this form is collected under the legal authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter C.27 and is used for recruitment purposes. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to the Director of Human Resources, Grand River Conservation Authority, PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W6. 519-621-2761.

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