We are a family run group of companies and have been in business since 1979. Each company offers a specific service and jointly we can fulfill a full range of landscaping needs.
Alpha Better Landscaping Inc. is one of Calgary's best known and recognized landscape companies. With well over 30 years of experience in the Community Development and Commercial Landscape construction industries, Alpha Better Landscaping Inc. takes pride in enhancing Calgary's neighborhoods and businesses.
Homescapes specializes in the design build residential landscaping market, in and around Calgary. From artistic and talented horticultural designers to Journeymen Landscape Gardeners (LGAP) and Industry certified managers and installers our people are among the most skilled and well-rounded in the region.
Wheatland Trees genuinely cares about the landscaping industry and it's customers. Our whole operation is designed to offer better support for landscapers. We have a deep-rooted knowledge of both the product and the level of customer care and support you need from a grower. Our decades of involvement in the landscape industry have resulted in a commitment to meticulous growing techniques that produce the healthiest, hardiest trees.
How many locations do you have in Calgary and nationally/internationally? What locations are hiring locally in Calgary and area?
Our office is located in SE Calgary. We perform services in Calgary and surrounding areas such as Airdrie, Okotoks and Cochrane. All of our group of companies are hiring for spring/summer employment.
How many people does your organization employ? How many locally?
We hire locally for all our positions. Our group of companies employ approximately 175 people each season.
What type of positions do you offer?
All of our positions are seasonal (April to November) although we do have students working only the spring/summer months as well. Typically people work eight (8) to ten (10) hours per day Monday through Friday and at times on Saturday on occasion. There are times you may be required to work a maximum of twelve (12) hours per day. The large number of our positions are Laborers although we also employ Lead Hands, Foremen, Skid Steer Operators, Class 1 Drivers, Water Truck Drivers, Tractor Operators and Heavy Equipment Operators (such as Loader, Small Excavator, Large Excavator and Dump Truck Drivers).
What are the benefits of working for your company?
You get to work outdoors (no desk job for you) and enjoy the weather and seeing the fruits of your labor. We develop parks, pathways, soccer fields, green spaces, wetlands, storm ponds, retaining walls, etc. in communities. There is a real sense of pride working in a “green industry” and creating a living legacy for all to enjoy.
We offer staff discount cards to Mark's (10% off) and Work Authority (15% off).
Describe opportunities for advancement.
We have a career path where you typically begin as a Laborer and work your way up to a Lead Hand then Foreman. We offer sponsorship into an Apprenticeship Program via Olds College to obtain your Landscape Horticulturist Diploma including Red Seal certification to those demonstrating a desire and commitment to the landscape industry. We want applicants to know you can choose the landscape industry as a career choice and not just a job.
List any corporate responsibility initiatives that your organization is currently involved in.
We are members of CNLA (Canadian Nursery & Land Association) as well as CNCI (Canadian Nursery Certification Institute). Wheatland Trees is a clean plant certified tree farm.
Corporately we support the Food Bank and the Legion Food Bank by donating and volunteering yearly.
- Laborer - Alpha Better Landscaping
- Laborer - Homescapes
- Laborer - Wheatland Trees
- Water Truck Operator
How would someone find out about opportunities at your company? How can a candidate apply?
They can check out our website(s) and send their resume to hr@alphabetterlands.com or alternately fax their information to HR at (403) 569-0055. We also advertise locally through Canada Job Bank, Indeed and Kijiji. Referrals are welcome as well.
Describe your hiring and interview process?
Resumes are reviewed and if a candidate is of interest, they are contacted to set up an interview. Interviews are conducted at our office and a decision to hire is determined shortly thereafter. If successful, an individual would then be offered the position, an orientation is conducted followed by assignment to their team and field position.
What do you look for in an employee?
Good attitude, work ethic and enthusiasm. Experience working outdoors is beneficial in a labor related position. Ability to get to the job-site is crucial and thus having your own transportation is required. We work in newly developed areas where there are no bus routes.
We want to ensure the individual will fit into Our Corporate Values:
- We are at our best when we work as a team
- Competent and persistent performance
- We take pride in our work
- Treat everyone with honesty and respect
- Safety is our first priority
What type of education/training/equipment do you require?
We provide OJT (On-The-Job-Training) on-site. No specific education is required although exposure to the landscaping industry is an added benefit. Individuals are required to have steel toed boots and work gloves.
What is the minimum age required to work for your company? Are there different age requirements for different positions?
The minimum age requirement for all positions is seventeen (17) years of age.
Provide a wage range for entry level positions.
$16.00 - $18.00 per hour is the starting salary for entry level positions plus overtime at time and a half for any hours worked over 8 hours per day or 44 hours per week. In addition, we also pay 4% vacation pay each pay period every two weeks.
What are the hours of the business and general shift times? Are there a minimum number of hours someone needs to work per week? Is there flexibility regarding school schedules?
Typically we start work at 7:00 a.m. for most positions although that can vary dependent on the project/job-site. Reliability is crucial in this position since our crews consist of four (4) to five (5) people. If someone is absent, everyone has to work harder to pick up the slack. As a result, we require our team on a consistent daily basis. School schedules typically do not work in this industry unless it was a one off situation where time off was required for an exam, etc.
There are no minimum number of hours someone needs to work per week. We would expect people to be available on a daily basis.
Is a uniform provided or do employees have to pay for it?
Employees are provided with a safety vest and the use of safety googles and/or hard hat if required for their job-site at no charge. They are responsible for providing safety toed boots and work gloves, at their own expense.
