Grounds Worker

**Grounds Worker**:
**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 8.1 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, Facilities, 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).

**Accountabilities**:

- Is accountable to the Facilities Team Charter and is aligned with its purpose, vision, and values and holds themselves and each other accountable to it.
- Operates various equipment for snow clearing, shoveling snow, and chipping icy areas across campus (seasonal).
- Operates various hand tools and grounds related equipment.
- Performs raking, weeding, watering and backpack blowing.
- Assists with all waste and recycling programs across campus.
- Acts as a representative of Facilities, promoting and maintaining excellent customer relations with external clients and campus community members.
- Coordinate work with other Facilities colleagues; make recommendations for innovation, improvements, and repair; communicate to others for procurement of materials; promote and maintain outstanding customer service; implement and support workplace initiatives as directed
- Make and meet commitments in an honest, respectful and understanding manner
- Understand and comply with relevant safety acts and regulations.
- Other related 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.

**Department**: Facilities
**Status**: Permanent
**Employment Group**: CUPE 1975
**Shift**: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE)**: 1.0
**Salary