Roads Maintainer

Performs year-round care and maintenance activities for trees and woody plants, including climbing, pruning, and removing trees from the ground and aloft, and performing treatments to support optimal tree health. When conditions require, may perform snow plowing, ice control duties, and general road maintenance duties on roads, bridges, and roadsides.

Duties/Responsibilities:

- Organizes daily work per work orders and established schedule.
- Operates utility vehicles with ancillary equipment/devices, and portable equipment for tree removal and maintenance (e.g., aerial devices, ropes, chainsaws, chippers, pole pruners) as part of a 4-5 person crew.
- Performs removal and maintenance activities for trees and woody plants on regional properties and along the regional roadway (e.g., climbing, pruning, trimming). Plans, sets up, and secures work sites. Performs tree maintenance operations using acceptable and current arboriculture practices and methods. Follows all health and safety requirements and industry standards.
- Assesses, inspects, and identifies tree species and condition. Provides treatments to support optimal tree health including to tree wounds/defects/diseases, control pests, and enhance soil (e.g., mulching, watering, aerating, fertilizing). Documents detailed tree condition assessments and treatments.
- Performs daily vehicle/equipment maintenance circle checks and completes inspection checklists. Performs preventive cleaning and maintenance (e.g., equipment), and troubleshoots and performs minor repairs/ replacements, as required. Refers other servicing needs to lead hand and corporate Fleet, and repairs to supervisor.
- Loads and unloads equipment and supplies manually, including with help from others or with assistive devices. Removes/installs plow blades as required. Cuts wood and removes, loads, and unloads wood pieces, branches, and debris from sites.
- Operates trucks and ancillary equipment for snow plowing, salting, and sanding operations, including wheel loader. Uses hand tools to remove snow/ice from roadsides and drainage areas. Performs other snow/ice control activities (e.g., snow fences).
- Performs general road maintenance activities as required (e.g., patching, animal/debris removal, drainage maintenance, brush chipping, chainsaw work, traffic control, road patrol). Uses other equipment/small tools as required to perform duties.
- Records work orders, timesheets, hours of service, and other documentation in computerized systems.
- Requisitions day-to-day supplies through stockroom. Has a p-card, as needed. Notifies lead hand or supervisor regarding other equipment and material needs.
- Selects traffic protection plans and performs traffic control per Ministry standards and regulations.
- Maintains shop, storage areas, equipment, vehicles, hand and power tools in a safe, clean, orderly manner, per policies and procedures. Reports unsafe or damaged equipment to supervisor immediately.
- Provides feedback for the development of new equipment specifications as it relates to field suitability and fine-tuning equipment for effective, safe operation.
- Exchanges information with contractors supplying equipment and other staff.
- Responds to general questions from the public.
- Backs up Lead Hand positions, as required.
- Performs related duties, including in other work units in the Section, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Knowledge and skill in arboriculture practices, including tree identification, care, techniques, and specialized equipment, acquired through a grade 12 education plus Journeyperson status as an Arborist (444A), plus 3 years of related experience.
- Functional knowledge of snow plowing and ice control, and other roads maintenance equipment (e.g., trucks, wheel loader).
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards; field and traffic manuals; CVOR requirements; related by-laws and legislation (e.g., Highway Traffic Act, Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7 traffic control plans, health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods, minimum maintenance standards), and on-the-job training.
- Communication skills to understand instructions; interact professionally with others; provide general information to the public; use proper terminology with others; give directions and suggestions related to field fit and emergency situations; and participate as an effective team member.
- Ability to complete CVOR requirements (e.g., checklists, hours log, reports), purchase requisitions, work orders, locate books, written communications using technical language, and technical recommendations (e.g., products, work methods).
- Computer skills with ability to use software such as a work/asset management system, Microsoft Office (Outlook), weather monitoring systems, hours of service software, and time and attendance systems.
- Ability to function effectively and safely in a variety of environmental conditions.
- Must have a valid Class D drivers l