Leadhand, Sportsfields and IPM

Job Details:

• Temporary Full Time (CUPE 136T)

Posting Status:

• Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants.

Duration:

• One contract lasting up to eight months, commencing in March and ending in November.

Closing Date:

• Applications for this position must be received at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59 pm on January 13, 2025.

Internal secondment applications are welcome. Please note, however, that members of management will not be considered for secondments into bargaining unit positions.

This position reports to the Supervisor, Sports Fields and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and is a working Leadhand role that assists the Supervisor in the planning and scheduling of all resources necessary to carry out Sports Fields and IPM programs.

• Plans, coordinates, executes and evaluates Sports Fields and IPM programs, services and/or processes. Develops new and/or revises relevant policies and/or standard operating procedures for the section as required.
• Delegates work assignments to staff and students ensuring appropriate scheduling and quality control.
• Ensures work is performed efficiently and effectively in accordance with Town or Department maintenance standards/specifications, and other legislative requirements (e.g.: Labour and Health and Safety Regulations, Traffic Control, etc.)
• Hires students and monitors performance including initiating corrective action and/or progressive discipline when required. Assists with Seasonal hiring as required.
• Liaises closely with Supervisor and/or Senior Manager to report progress, resolve issues, and refine planning.
• Makes recommendations for temporary field closure during periods of permitted use.
• Ensures facilities are prepared according to permit requirements for tournaments and special events.
• Responds and investigates public inquiries, by-law issues and initiates work orders as appropriate.
• Monitors and maintains expenditures. Oversees allocation of resources (financial, employee hours etc.).
• Assists with budgets preparation, program development and staff training development.
• Accurately maintains daily records for the purpose of tracking, reporting and documenting of maintenance activities and adjusts maintenance schedules as necessary.
• Interprets as-built and layout drawings of athletic fields and install (as necessary); home plates, base paths, infield arcs, soil and infield amendments, pitching points/mounds, goal posts, players’ benches, drainage systems, lines and any other requirements which confirm to current practices.
• Ensures all equipment is operated competently, safely and maintained in a good operating condition ensuring proper and timely documentation for repair of defective equipment (including circle checks of all assigned rolling stock).
• Keeps current with ongoing technical, cultural and procedural improvements in Sports Fields, Turf and IPM maintenance and programs.
• Trains and guides staff, students, part-time staff and volunteers involved in activities.
• Supports information dissemination, training and communication for Sports Fields and IPM activities.
• Liaises with, and oversees the work of contractors and other service providers.
• Analyzes information, data, progress etc. and looks for means of improving Sports Fields and IPM program/activity performance.
• Represents the Corporation and Department in a professional, courteous and respectful manner in all dealings with the public, other groups, and associations.
• Maintains daily electronic records of work-related activities, work orders, emails and forecasted work;
• Perform role of Stand-in Supervisor on occasions when the supervisor is not available.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Diploma in Horticulture or related field of study or equivalent combination of education and experience. Completion of Turf Manager’s short course is desirable.
• 2-3 years of turf related experience including fertilizing, irrigation repairs, soil amendments, IPM and/or pesticide application and practical experience in operating grass and turf maintenance equipment.
• A valid Ontario Ministry of Environment Landscape, Forestry & Industrial Vegetation Exterminator License is also required.
• Certifications in Forklift, Chainsaw, 0-8 tons crane operations and load securement are desirable
• Knowledge of blue print reading and map comprehension and computer proficiency in Word, and Excel and in use of e-mail, internet, ACR and JD Edwards programs and GIS are required.
• Proven experience in directing and assigning work to others, including training and monitoring work performance.
• Demonstrated effective communication, both oral and written, customer service and problem solving skills. Proficient time management skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Must possess an understanding of the Highway Traffic Act and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Must hold and provide a copy of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s License Class DZ minimum (standard and automatic transmission) with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behavior. Note: Applicants with 6 or more points are ineligible for consideration. The successful applicant, who is a new hire, will be required to provide the Corporation with a current drivers abstract (no older than 30 days) as a condition of employment;
• Must be willing to work a 40-hour workweek in varying weather conditions and be available for shift work as required.