General Maintenance and Caretaker, Biogeoscience Institute

Description

The Biogeoscience Institute in the Office of VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term General Maintenance and Caretaker for approximately 1 year.

***Position is located at the Barrier Lake Field Station in Kananskis Country, 80km from main campus***

This position is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and custodial operations at the Biogeoscience Institute which consists of 2 field stations. The primary location is the Barrier Lake Field Station in Kananaskis Country located 80 kms west of Calgary and the RB Miller Station in the Sheep River Provincial Park is located 110 kms southwest of Calgary. This full-time position runs year-round, on a one year contract, and must be available for morning shifts, including weekends, holidays, and possibility of after-hours callout.

This position reports to the manger, Field Research. The groundskeeper and custodian main responsibilities are to ensure building structures for university owned or leased properties are clear of snow during winter months, lawn care during spring and summer, and maintenance of the garbage and recycling at Barrier Lake. Additionally, this position carries out general building custodial duties such as mopping floors, washroom cleaning, organizing classroom spaces, and other general cleaning. The position will assist the housekeeping with linen removal and the building operator with general maintenance duties such as rodent control, occasional painting, and ensuring clocks are correct. During slower periods, some food service worker duties may be assigned along with deep cleaning duties. On occasion, the position will be asked to assist in general maintenance at RB Miller. A high level of independence and competence is required to prioritize tasks efficiently. The role is self-sufficient with little supervision from management thus a highly motivated, organised, and efficient individual is required. Strong communication skills are required to report all issues to the manager and/or the building operator.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Groundskeeper

• During winter months the groundskeeper will be responsible for snow removal of the roads and walkways, decks, and common paths using a combination of equipment such as tractors, snowblowers, and shovel.
• During the summer months, lawn care (including noxious weed removal), pruning trees, sweeping, and garbage pickup is required.

Custodial

• Professional, efficient, and safe cleaning of public spaces including dormitory style accommodation, building entries, corridors, stairs, washrooms, classrooms, meeting spaces, research labs, dining room, and offices.
• Cleaning duties include mopping, toilet/urinal cleaning, sweeping, window cleaning, and vacuuming.
• Assist with the Housekeeper to help remove linen when a group departs.
• During weekends, the position may be required to be accessible via radio to aid guests onsite, such as helping guests who are locked out, refilling of common supplies (hand towels, toilet paper, etc.), provide stayover service, and assist in coordinating an emergency response in the event of a fire or medical emergency.

General Maintenance

• Waste and recycling removal from all buildings and includes transporting recycling to an appropriate facility.
• Occasional transport to the local dump may be required for large item disposal.
• Ensuring rodent control by checking and maintain the mouse traps on a regular schedule. Maintaining the clocks in the buildings.
• Occasional painting projects and deep cleaning in the slower periods.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Must have a minimum of Grade 12 education.
• A valid Class 5 driver's license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required).
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified.
• Familiarity with tractor type vehicles.
• While previous Maintenance experience would be an asset, related experience will be considered.
• Must have good physical health and endurance, have the strength and stamina to lift and carry heavy materials (up to 25 lbs or 11.5 Kg) and perform repetitive physical tasks involving bending, stretching, walking and kneeling.
• Ability to climb ladders to a maximum height of 10 feet.
• Ability and willingness to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, classrooms, theatres, computer rooms, lounges, food service areas, libraries, stairs, washrooms, showers, elevators, entrances, common areas and research laboratories, including areas that support animals and other research activities.
• Must be wiling to take OHSMS training.
• Safety conscious and wear required personal protective equipment when on the job.
• Ability to work with tools and equipment ranging from simple hand-held tools to simple motorized equipment following established procedures.
• Understand and follow all policies and procedures of the University of Calgary.
• Ensure attention to detail, and the highest standards for overall cleanliness are maintained.
• Comply with all accident/loss prevention programs and Health and Safety practices.
• Relay messages and respond appropriately to Guest inquiries in person, over radio, text, email, or through written notes.
• Follow cleaning Standard Operating Procedures, to ensure consistency is maintained in all areas.
• Minimize safety hazards by following all safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to understand both verbal and written information, instructions and ideas presented and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand (English language proficiency will be assessed at the time of the interview).
• Communicate with co-workers and the public in a pleasant and courteous manner.
• Proven record of working successfully in team environment.
• Taking responsibility for completing assigned tasks in a timely fashion with high regard for discretion and confidentiality.
• Basic computer skills are required.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the General Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

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