Landscaper/labourer - Beechwood Cemetery

Do you enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind getting your hands dirty? Do you take pride in your work and is it important to you that the work you do makes a difference in people's lives? We are looking for customer service-oriented, enthusiastic individuals to join our Property Services team at **Beechwood Cemetery (7241 Jane Street, Vaughan, ON L4K 1A7).**

**About Us**:
Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries is a not-for-profit organization that has been caring for families in the GTA since 1826. We operate ten cemeteries, nine funeral centres and four cremation centres, all serving the distinct needs of the local communities where they are located. As a community partner and environmental steward, we constantly strive to set innovative standards for our industry, guided by new trends, and advancements in technology without compromising our long-held values. We are a collection of amazing people who recognize that what they do every day is genuinely meaningful to the families we serve.

**We Offer**:

- Full-time hours every week (Monday to Friday OR Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM weather permitting).
- Statutory holidays are observed.
- Benefits for returning seasonals including a boot allowance, medical and dental coverage.

**Duties Include Any Combination of the Following**:
**Seasonal Grounds Maintenance**
- Conduct spring and fall cleanup, including:

- Raking and collecting leaves.
- Mulching leaves to enhance soil health.
- Removing litter and emptying trash receptacles.
- Collecting and disposing of fallen branches and other natural debris.
- Support in weather-related cleanup (e.g., post-storm debris removal, maintaining clear pathways for accessibility).

**Article Removal**
- Respectfully remove seasonal decorations, wreaths, and prohibited items in accordance with cemetery regulations.
- Ensure careful handling, sorting, and appropriate disposal of removed items, preserving any permitted memorials.
- Assist visitors with inquiries related to decoration policies in a courteous and professional manner.

**Lawn Care & Turf Management**
- Operate various mowing equipment, including:

- Riding mowers for large areas.
- Push and self-propelled mowers for tighter spaces.
- Nylon string trimmers for edging and hard-to-reach areas.
- Use leaf blowers and hand rakes to maintain clean and well-groomed grounds.
- Monitor turf health and report any concerns (e.g., pests, disease, overgrowth) to supervisors.
- Perform minor irrigation tasks, such as adjusting sprinklers and reporting leaks or malfunctions.

**Re-Grading & Landscaping**
- Re-level gravesites using spades, shovels, and hard rakes to ensure a uniform and even appearance.
- Lay, roll, and maintain sod to ensure proper establishment.
- Assist with removal of small rocks, boulders, and other obstructions to maintain a safe and even terrain.
- Adjust and level grave markers as needed, ensuring they remain secure and visible.
- Assist in light excavation and soil movement to maintain proper grading and drainage in designated areas.

**Garden & Plant Maintenance**
- Prepare flower and shrub beds, including:

- Cultivating and amending soil for healthy plant growth.
- Raking and leveling garden areas.
- Planting and removing various seasonal plants as directed.
- Grooming and deadheading annual flowers to encourage blooming.
- Pruning shrubs and maintaining their shape and health.
- Watering as required to sustain plants and turf health.
- Operate appropriate hand tools and small machinery for planting and bed maintenance.
- Identify and report any signs of plant disease or pest infestation for timely

**Equipment Operation**
- Safely operate a variety of groundskeeping tools and equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance on tools and report any repair needs.
- Adhere to workplace safety standards, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain a high level of professionalism and respect when interacting with visitors and community members.

**Other**
- Additional duties as assigned that fall within the scope of the role as assigned by the Assistant Manager or Manager Property Service as per the Collective Agreement

**Qualifications**:

- Valid Ontario Class G2 Driver’s Licence or higher is required, with an acceptable driving record.
- Previous experience in gardening, landscape, and/or construction is an asset.
- Experience working in relationship or partnership with diverse communities and within contexts where there is a focus and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is an asset.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and operate light equipment.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to work with mínimal supervision.
- Excellent customer service, communication, and comprehension skills.

**Start Date/Duration**
- Spring to Fall - approximately 16 weeks, generally starting in May/June.
- After Labour Day u