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Botanical Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Botanical extraction experience is considered an asset * Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment * Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift up to 50lbs repeatedly

Botanical information

What is a botanist?

Botanists are scientists who study plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, and classification. They may conduct research in laboratories or in the field, work in conservation, teach, or help develop new agricultural products. Botanists play a crucial role in understanding plant life, supporting biodiversity, and finding solutions to environmental challenges. Their work can span areas such as agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, and biotechnology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a botanist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Botanist, you need a solid background in plant biology, ecology, and environmental science, typically supported by a degree in botany or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, geographic information systems (GIS), and field research tools is essential, and certifications like Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help botanists excel in both independent research and collaborative projects. These skills ensure accurate data collection, meaningful scientific contributions, and successful teamwork in conservation or research settings.

What are some common challenges faced by botanists in field research, and how can they be addressed?

Botanists conducting field research often encounter challenges such as difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and limited access to remote study sites. Additionally, accurately identifying plant species in diverse ecosystems can be challenging due to morphological similarities and seasonal changes. To address these issues, botanists typically rely on detailed planning, local guides, specialized equipment, and collaboration with other scientists. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential to adapt to changing conditions and ensure successful data collection.

What is the difference between Botanical vs Horticulturist?

AspectBotanicalHorticulturist
CredentialsBotanical degrees, plant science certificationsHorticultural certifications, landscape design credentials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, botanical gardens, academic settingsNurseries, parks, landscape companies
Industry UsageResearch, education, botanical institutionsGarden design, landscape maintenance, plant cultivation

Botanical professionals focus on plant research, taxonomy, and education, often working in labs or botanical gardens. Horticulturists typically work in practical settings like nurseries or landscape projects, emphasizing plant cultivation and garden management. While both roles involve plants, their work environments and primary goals differ, with botanical roles leaning toward scientific study and horticultural roles toward practical application and landscape design.

What degree do you need to work at a botanical?

To work as a botanist or in botanical-related roles, a bachelor's degree in botany, plant science, biology, or a related field is typically required. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., especially for research or academic roles. Relevant skills include knowledge of plant identification, laboratory techniques, and fieldwork experience.

What jobs can you do in botanical?

In botanical fields, common jobs include botanist, plant scientist, horticulturist, landscape architect, and botanical researcher. These roles often require knowledge of plant biology, fieldwork skills, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in botany, horticulture, or related disciplines.

What job categories do people searching Botanical jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Botanical jobs in Ontario are:

Infographic showing various Botanical job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

HORITICULTURE COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Northland Floral Inc

Lincoln, ON • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate day-to-day compliance under the Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP).

  • Review plant and shipment information to ensure compliance with GCP, plant-health and cross-border eligibility requirements.

  • Assist with CFIA inspections and audits, maintain audit-ready records, and track required corrective actions to completion.


Job description

HORTICULTURE COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR

Greenhouse-Grown Certification Program & Plant Certification


About Northland Floral


Northland Floral Inc. (Est. 1995, Niagara Region) is an innovative leader distributing fresh flowers, plants, and arrangements across North America.

  • Our Mission: To serve customers with exceptional products, personalized service, and dedicated delivery.
  • Our Values: We foster a high-performance team built on open collaboration, integrity, mutual respect, empowerment, and a drive for continuous progress.
  • Due to strong growth in our business and continued plans for expansion, Northland Floral is hiring!


The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to turn strong plant knowledge into a specialized, year-round career in horticultural compliance and plant certification.

For someone who loves the plant industry and also enjoys organization, systems, accuracy, detailed information and problem-solving, this role offers the opportunity to develop expertise in an important and specialized area of Northland Floral's growing cross-border business.

Northland Floral is looking for a Horticulture Compliance Coordinator – GCP & Plant Certification to support our participation in the United States–Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP) and the movement of our potted plant products between Canada and the United States.

This specialized role combines horticultural knowledge with detailed administrative and compliance work. You will help ensure plant and shipment information is accurate, support GCP certification requirements, maintain audit-ready records, and assist with CFIA inspections and audits.

Working closely with our Potted Plants Purchasing, Customs, Logistics and Warehouse teams, you will provide the horticultural and regulatory information needed to support cross-border shipments.

This is not a customs brokerage or customs-entry role. It is a strong fit for someone with plant knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and an interest in building specialized expertise in horticultural compliance.


What You Will Do

  • Coordinate day-to-day compliance under the Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP).
  • Review plant and shipment information to ensure compliance with GCP, plant-health and cross-border eligibility requirements.
  • Prepare, verify and maintain phytosanitary, traceability and GCP-related records for potted plant shipments.
  • Maintain accurate plant identification, botanical, origin, eligibility and other required compliance information.
  • Provide timely and accurate shipment information to Customs and other internal teams to support outbound documentation.
  • Assist with CFIA inspections and audits, maintain audit-ready records, and track required corrective actions to completion.
  • Monitor GCP and plant-health requirements and identify changes or issues that may affect certification or product eligibility.
  • Identify and resolve missing, inconsistent or inaccurate information with vendors and internal teams.


What You Bring

First and foremost, you know plants.

You have developed strong horticultural knowledge through education, practical experience, or a combination of both. Your background may include horticulture, greenhouse production, plant science, floriculture, nursery production, agriculture or another plant-focused environment.

You’re comfortable working with plant identification and botanical/scientific plant names and understand the importance of accurately identifying and documenting plant material.

Just as importantly, you are highly organized and administrative in the way you work. You’re comfortable spending a significant part of your day at a computer, managing detailed information and ensuring records are accurate and complete.


You also bring:

  • Demonstrated ability to perform detailed administrative work accurately, including data entry, recordkeeping and document preparation.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization and accuracy when managing multiple time-sensitive requirements.
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures and apply written requirements consistently.
  • Good judgment in identifying incomplete or inconsistent information and taking ownership of resolving issues.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments..


A diploma, degree or certificate in horticulture, greenhouse production, plant science, agriculture or a related field is an asset; however, we will also consider candidates who have developed equivalent plant knowledge through practical experience.

Previous experience with GCP, CFIA plant programs, phytosanitary requirements, plant traceability, regulated plant movement or horticultural quality/compliance is an asset but is not required.


Don't Have GCP Experience Yet?

You don't need to arrive knowing every GCP requirement.

What is harder to teach - and more important to us - is a genuine understanding of plants combined with the accuracy, organization and curiosity needed to manage detailed compliance work.

If you have a horticulture, greenhouse or plant-science background and have demonstrated that you can handle administrative work carefully and reliably, we encourage you to apply even if you have not previously worked with the Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program.

Northland Floral recognizes that specialized expertise is often developed through training, exposure and mentorship. For the right candidate, we will provide the support needed to learn the GCP requirements and develop the plant certification and compliance knowledge needed to succeed in this role.


Salary: $45 000 - $55 000 annually, based on the candidate’s relevant horticultural knowledge, plant-identification ability, administrative skills and experience, and knowledge of GCP, regulatory compliance and plant documentation requirements. Candidates who bring exceptional strength and experience across these areas may be considered above the stated range.


Apply

If your background combines plant knowledge with strong administrative skills, accuracy and organization, we would love to hear from you.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Northland Floral; however, only candidates selected to participate in the interview process will be contacted.

Northland Floral Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request for all aspects of the selection process.