Grounds Caretaker

Job Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Grounds Caretaker / General Maintenance Worker to join our team. As a Grounds Maintenance Worker, you will be responsible for general farm maintenance, cleaning and labour required to keep the property and barn and farm grounds clean and functional. This is a physically demanding role that requires attention to detail and the ability to work independently. The position includes operation of farm machinery. At times, this position will require work to be done on weekends and evenings. The work is performed within established health & safety guidelines.

ABOUT US

After 20 plus years of offering cultural programming on Victoria Island, Indigenous Experiences were inspired by the Ojibwe spirit horses to find a new location that allowed the organization to offer more land-based cultural and culinary programming. With the mission of sharing the land, stories and food from an Indigenous perspective, the vision of Mādahòkì Farm became a reality when the NCC approved a 25 year lease on the beautiful 164 acre property in Ottawa’s Greenbelt.

The Farm is also the new home for a series of Indigenous events celebrating the seasons; Sīgwan (Spring), Tagwàgi (Autumn) and Pibòn (Winter) and the annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival formerly held at Vincent Massey Park. Mādahòkì is the year-round home of an Indigenous marketplace that promotes products made by Indigenous makers and artisans as well as the permanent home for a growing herd of endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Group bookings of authentic Indigenous experiences are available year round.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- General farm maintenance, cleaning and labour as required daily to keep the property and barn clean, functional and safe.
- Cleaning the bathrooms used by our visitors.
- Inspect all machinery to ensure it is in good working condition. Conduct daily maintenance as appropriate and report any issues to the Barn Coordinator or COO.
- Landscaping and lawn maintenance responsibilities including lawn mowing, weeding and whipper snipping.
- Repairs and general maintenance to buildings and structures around the property.
- Mucking Stalls in the barn.
- Moving manure using a tractor.
- Repairing electrical fencing.
- Help prepare the grounds for seasonal festivals.
- Help erect tents, secure signage and place tables and chairs as needed.
- Prepare extra horse or barn animal paddocks, holding pens if needed.
- Be aware of and follow all health and safety requirements for the position to ensure that both the employee and animals are safe.
- Shovel, sand and salt walkways.
- Washing floors, windows in barn and other identified areas.
- Garbage removal and ensuring garbage cans are clean.
- Setting up the lodge for events, which includes moving, cleaning and setting up tables and chairs, making sure floors are swept and mopped.
- Emptying grease trap in kitchen.
- Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Experience in landscaping and using machinery needed in lawn care.
- Experience using a tractor, and other farm equipment and machinery, is an asset.
- General maintenance experience and knowledge of using a variety of power tools.
- Basic farm knowledge, usually obtained from working on a family farm.
- A course and certificate in Health & Safety.
- Knowledge and understanding of indigenous traditional and cultural produce and agricultural methods for planting and harvest is an asset.
- Basic knowledge of animal care including their safety on designated farm property.
- Experience in general maintenance and repairs.
- Possess good communication skills.
- Team skills and ability to work independently.
- Able to understand and follow instructions and take direction.
- Practices safe work methods and procedures.
- Able to perform multiple tasks with sometimes conflicting priorities.
- Ability to work weekends and nights. Willing to work long and/or extended hours including weekends and evenings.
- Reliability, dependability and attention to detail and flexibility.
- Must have personal safety equipment such as steel toe boots.
- Must have a driver’s license and reliable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is primarily performed outdoors in various seasonal temperatures and conditions including winter ice, snow and below zero temperatures. Work requires a high degree of physical effort and exertion, and a medical assessment may be required to confirm the incumbent’s fitness to perform the work as described. Incumbents must disclose any physical limitations or restrictions that may require accommodation consideration.

**Job Type**: Part-time

**Salary**: $17.50-$19.50 per hour

Expected hours: 24 - 30 per week

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person