Parks and Sports Fields Operator

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This role is an integral part of service delivery to the residents of Loyalist Township and contributes to the achievement of our Strategic Plan.

Reporting to the Assistant Supervisor, Parks and Natural Assets, this position contributes to the overall beautification of Township properties with pride. The Parks and Sports Field Operator is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Township’s valued parks, trails, outdoor sports facilities, and outdoor Township properties. The Parks and Sports Field Operator may work independently or as a team, providing hands-on daily operational guidance.

In winter, as assigned, this position is part of the Winter Control team responsible for snow removal duties throughout the Township. Snow removal duties include operation of a variety of machines to snow removal and surface treatment, including tandem dump trucks, tractors, sidewalk machines, and pickup trucks, et cetera.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- A post-secondary certificate or diploma in Turfgrass Management, Park and Natural Areas Management, Environmental Studies, or related studies.
- Two years’ relevant experience in grass and turf maintenance. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Must possess a valid “G” driver’s license, an acceptable driver’s abstract, and the ability to maintain this. DZ license is considered an asset.
- Experience in ecosystem restoration and/or arboriculture (tree maintenance) is an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to safely and competently operate various types of equipment including, but not limited to, line trimmers, rototillers, brush chippers, backpack sprayers, chainsaws, chippers, agricultural tractors, loader, rotary mowers, post pounders, leaf blowers, sod cutters, EC/pH meters, and small tools in a safe and efficient manner.
- Proficient time management and record keeping skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
- Must possess an understanding of the MTO’s Book 7 for Temporary Conditions, and proven knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Pesticide Act, and other applicable legislation.
- Demonstrated computer skills and ability to use technology (i.e. mobile device or similar) for data recording in the field (i.e. inspection reports, work orders), including proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as within a team**, **demonstrating good interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy.
- Good communication skills, and the ability to be professional and courteous when interacting with the other staff and the public.
- Ability to work shift work and on-call rotations, as well as required overtime.
- Chainsaw certification is an asset.
- Herbicide license is an asset.
- Playground inspector certification in accordance with CSA standards, or equivalent knowledge and skills is an asset.
- Ability to perform snow removal duties while operating a variety of machines to plow and sand, including tandem dump trucks, tractors, sidewalk machines, and pickup trucks.
- Mechanical experience with basic equipment repairs.
- Good problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize when to elevate issues to management.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
In co-operation with the broader team, responsible to maintain all parks, sports fields, outside properties, and equipment in excellent condition by performing the following:

- Cut grass and perform trimming in parks.
- Maintain turf of sports fields, in accordance with turf maintenance standards.
- Pick up garbage, brush, fallen tree branches, etc. as necessary.
- Repair fences, backstops, playground sites, score clocks as required.
- Perform regular cleaning of washrooms and disposal of garbage from parks, sports fields, and Township properties.
- Perform frequent inspections, reports, and repairs on playground equipment in accordance with CSA standards.
- Trim trees and bushes and maintain flower beds as needed, in co-operation with and support of the horticultural team members.
- Assist in other tasks, repairs and maintenance as directed by Supervisor.
- Carry out all necessary equipment maintenance and adjustments while keeping the equipment in a safe, clean and tidy condition, and perform daily circle checks and report defects and, if necessary, undertake small repairs in a prescribed manner.
- Responsible to complete required daily records including, but not limited to, snowplow logs, vehicle inspections and CVOR inspections.
- Lead work and provide guidance to seasonal student workers, including the safe and efficient use, care and maintenance of tools and equipment, and grass and turf maintenance practices.
- Comply with requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act, The Highway Traffic Act, Pesticide Act, all Federal, Provincial and Township regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Remove and/or flag obstacles hazardous to employees or the public or that interfere wi