Grounds Worker, Facilities

Grounds Worker, Facilities

The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research-intensive universities in Canada. Guided by our University Plan : The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The main campus also houses our campus partners such as the Royal University Hospital, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, National Research Council, and others. The total building area is million square feet (754,000 square meters) across 766 hectares of land.

The Facilities team is comprised of over 300 trades personnel and service workers that provide trusted services and stewardship in support of teaching, learning, and discovery. This team is responsible for operations, maintenance, service, utilities distribution, and customer support. The Facilities Team Charter describes the purpose, vision, and values that in turn support the campus community.

Primary Purpose : To use technical expertise to coordinate and complete duties associated with the operations and maintenance of USask campus grounds and perform a variety of moving services.

Nature of Work : Reporting to the Assistant Manager, Municipal Services, the incumbent is responsible for snow removal and hauling in the fall and winter months, all grounds-related activities in spring and summer and the smooth delivery of materials / equipment. The incumbent will be knowledgeable in and accountable for the safe and efficient operations of equipment by ensuring safe work practices, policies, and regulatory procedures are followed. The incumbent will work under variable conditions, indoors, as well as outdoors in all types of weather (hot, wet, and cold). It is expected that the incumbent will supply their own outer wear other than uniforms, which are to be provided. The position requires a moderate to heavy physical labour, including but not limited to heavy lifting up to 50 lbs, frequent walking, prolonged standing, and exposure to extreme weather, chemicals, pollen, fumes, etc. that are typical of an outdoor environment. This position may work alone or collaboratively in a team environment. Shifts and schedules may be adjusted as operational needs require (evenings and weekends).

Typical Duties or Accountabilities : Depending on seasonal workloads duties may include operating various equipment for snow clearing, shoveling snow, chipping icy areas across campus, sweeping of hard and soft landscape areas, operation of various hand tools, mowers, raking, weeding, watering, and back pack blowing, gathering and removal of litter. Assist with all waste and recycling programs across campus., Act as a representative of Facilities by promoting and maintaining excellent customer relations while dealing with, external clients and members of the campus community. Other duties as assigned.

Education : Grade 12 Education, Possession of a recognized, two-year, post-secondary diploma in horticulture including turf management courses is an asset. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Licenses : Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver's license and an acceptable driving record. A valid Saskatchewan Class 3A driver’s license is an asset.

Experience : Minimum 2 years of current experience with grounds-related operations and maintenance tasks. Demonstrated knowledge of standard methods, materials, mobile equipment, and tools used in landscape and athletic fields. Demonstrated knowledge of typical maintenance requirements for a multi-use outdoor athletic facility is necessary.

Skills : Physical ability to perform heavy manual labour in varying climatic conditions; knowledgeable with tendering operations of prairie hardy trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses, effective interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as with others; safe work practices and habits; effective time management skills; and the demonstrated ability to operate various pieces of equipment associated with landscape construction, maintenance and moving. Familiar with current landscaping trends and comfortable with reading landscaping and underground utility maps. Possess sound trouble-shooting and diagnostic skills; ability to work on multiple projects with competing demands to meet deadlines.