.Job Title: Landscape Labourer – Maintenance & Construction
Company: Symbiotic Landscapes Ltd.
Location: Comox Valley & Nanaimo, BC (field-based, paid travel)
Compensation: $20.00 – $23.00 per hour, depending on experience]
Symbiotic Landscapes is looking for a Landscape Labourer to work alongside our Site Supervisor and Lead Hand on grounds maintenance at North Island College (NIC) in Courtenay and landscape construction for new student housing at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo. This is an entry to intermediate role for someone who enjoys physical outdoor work, wants to build skills in both maintenance and construction, and is ready to be part of a professional, safety‑focused crew. A part‑time option is also available for candidates who wish to work only at NIC in Courtenay.
Role overview and schedule
- Standard full‑time option:
- 2 days per week: Grounds maintenance at NIC Courtenay Campus
- 3 days per week: Landscape construction (student housing addition) at VIU in Nanaimo
- You will support the Site Supervisor and Lead Hand (not run the crew), taking direction and helping keep work moving
- 1 hour of paid travel time per working day in Nanaimo (to account for regional travel)
- Part‑time option (Courtenay only):
- 2 days per week at NIC Courtenay Campus (Thursday–Friday, maintenance work only)
Key responsibilities
Maintenance – NIC Courtenay Campus (2 days/week)
- Assist with mowing using stand‑on zero‑turn and push mowers after training
- Use line trimmers and backpack blowers for trimming and site clean‑up
- Help shear and prune hedges and shrubs under direction from the Lead Hand/Supervisor
- Weed garden beds and assist with basic plant and bed care
- Keep grounds, pathways, and common areas clean, safe, and tidy
Construction – VIU Nanaimo Student Housing (3 days/week, full‑time option only)
- Assist with softscape work: moving soil and mulch, planting, sod/seed installation, general clean‑up
- Help with hardscape tasks: moving and placing pavers and blocks, hauling and placing base materials, raking and basic grading under direction
- Assist with compaction, edging, and site preparation as instructed
- Support simple irrigation tasks (backfilling trenches, moving materials, cleanup)
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all construction site safety rules
Equipment, safety, and standards
- Perform basic pre‑start checks (fuel, visual inspection) on small equipment after training
- Use all required PPE and follow company and site‑specific safety procedures
- Help load, unload, and secure tools and materials; keep trucks and trailers tidy
- Work outdoors in all weather while maintaining good effort and a positive attitude
Qualifications
Minimum
- Some hands‑on experience in landscape maintenance, construction, or other physical outdoor work (professional or strong personal/seasonal experience)
- Comfortable using basic landscape tools (rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.)
- Willing and able to learn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other equipment safely
- Physically able to perform outdoor work, lift 50+ lbs, and be on your feet all day
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and reliable transportation to meeting points/yards
Work style and attitude
- Positive, team‑oriented attitude and willingness to take direction
- Shows up on time, prepared, and ready to work every day
- Respectful and professional with coworkers, clients, and the public
- Safety‑conscious and careful with tools, equipment, and property
Assets (nice to have)
- Previous commercial/institutional landscape experience (campuses, strata, industrial, etc.)
- Experience with mowers, line trimmers, backpack blowers, or basic construction tools
- Comfort working on busy sites with other trades and equipment present
Growth and future opportunities
This is a great entry point into the landscape industry or a step up from basic labour. For the right person, this role can grow into an Equipment Operator or Lead Hand position and eventually into Foreman or Site Supervisor roles as we continue to expand on Vancouver Island.
Schedule
- Full‑time: Monday–Friday, split between NIC (2 days) and VIU (3 days), with 1 paid hour of travel time per day
- Part‑time: Thursday–Friday at NIC Courtenay Campus (maintenance only)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
