About Helping Nature Heal
We are an award-winning ecological landscaping company that fosters ecological, economic, and community resilience in Nova Scotia and beyond. We are proud to be Nova Scotia’s leading-edge ecological restoration company creating sustainable solutions for land and shoreline environmental challenges.
Our designs bring unique beauty, healthy ecology, and re-connection with nature to property owners and communities. In all our work, we strive to rebuild ecosystem-based landscapes that become healthy, self-sustaining spaces for human interaction with nature. Our areas of expertise include restorative landscaping, living shorelines, ecological forestry, edible landscapes, organic gardening & specializes in sustainable ecosystem construction and stewardship methods that are customized for coastal areas of eastern Canada.
Notable projects include creating Living Shorelines for public lands in Nova Scotia and PEI, developing forest management and trail plans for private homeowners, designing and building the landscape for the first LEED Platinum Certified house in the Maritimes, and remediating a toxic site to create a community park in Petite Rivière, Nova Scotia.
Job Summary
Helping Nature Heal Inc. is seeking a Landscaping Foreman/woman who lives in the Bridgewater area or is willing to relocate. The successful candidate will oversee new and existing projects on the South Shore of Nova Scotia as well as projects that may require travel as far as P.E.I & Cape Breton. S/he must be familiar with, or willing to learn, and consistently implement HNH’s unique methods.
The Landscape Foreman will manage and lead our landscape construction crew consisting of 2-10 individuals to ensure that all jobs are completed safely and efficiently with top quality results. The selected individual will manage all operations on project sites including deadlines, materials, landscaping methods, equipment operation, and safe work practices. Independent project work may also be required.
The Landscape Foreman will report to the Project Manager and will be required to communicate proactively and work effectively with the Project Manager, crew members, clients, vendors, and contractors.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Work on landscape and shoreline construction projects
- Supervise a construction crew and gardeners
- Manage operation of a variety of landscaping equipment in a safe manner including chipper, whipper snippers, hedge trimmers etc. as well as standard hand tools
- Grade and lay stepping stones, patios, walkways, etc.
- Oversee planting and maintenance of residential, institutional, and commercial gardens
- Drive crew and materials to and from jobs
- Ensure projects are meeting quality and time frame requirements.
- Maintain teamwork within crew and ensure a high standard of quality among crew members
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with clients, suppliers, management and staff at all levels of the business.
- Ensure all safety & safety policies and procedures are being met on job sites
- Ability to respond to escalated inquiries, complaints and feedback from customers, vendors or employees.
- Other specialist functions may be required according to experience and qualifications.
Qualifications and Skills
- Five or more years of experience in landscaping, including at least two years in a leadership role;
- Certified Landscape Technician, Landscape Horticulturalist, Landscape Foreman Workshop or equivalent landscape education and training preferred
- Landscape Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, first aid, WHIMIS or equivalent safety education and training an asset
- Knowledge of landscape construction techniques and practices
- Experience managing, leading, motivating, and providing feedback to staff safely and effectively
- Excellent communicator who is adept at giving, receiving, and executing instructions
- Ability to plan multiple job tasks and meet various project deadlines under pressure
- Strong time-management, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Dependable worker with initiative and motivation
- Capacity to learn quickly and retain information in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work respectfully with a team while maintaining a positive attitude
- Physically fit, energetic, able to lift at least 50 lbs, and able to work in diverse weather conditions
- Flexible schedule, with an ability to travel if necessary
- Knowledge of ecological landscaping and organic gardening practices an asset
- Able to read and interpret concept designs and technical drawings
- Proven ability to safely use a chainsaw & certification preferred
- Must speak, read and write English
- Proven ability to problem solve, mitigate potential obstacles and recommend corrective actions when necessary
- Computer skills an asset
- Knowledge of native species and sustainable practices preferred
- Current Nova Scotia driver’s license with clean abstract
Location:
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia & surrounding area
Compensation:
A competitive rate of pay will be determined according to experience and qualifications ranging from $17/h to $20/h. Extended health benefits package, wage increase and further training options will be available after a three month probation period. Company will cost-share benefits after one year.
Closing Date:
March 17, 2019.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as received; therefore, this position may be filled before closing date.
Anticipated Start Date:
March 19, 2019 (possibly earlier if successful applicant is available)
To Apply:
Please provide your resume and a personalized cover letter as a PDF document to office@helpingnatureheal.com. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.