Park Operations Technician, Maintenance

**Who Are We?**

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) mission statement is Inspiring a Healthy Environment. The 17 municipalities within the Upper Thames River watershed appoint representatives to the UTRCA’s Board of Directors who represent the local urban and rural communities, deciding policies and programs that will lead to a healthy watershed. Our programs and services focus on five key areas:

- Protecting people and property and supporting safe development;
- Delivering landowner stewardship;
- Providing natural spaces and recreational opportunities;
- Making science-based decisions;
- Empowering communities and youth.

The Upper Thames River watershed encompasses an area of 3,421 square kilometers and is mainly rural but includes the urban centres of London, Stratford, and Woodstock. The UTRCA serves a total population of approximately 539,500 residents.

UTRCA Conservation Areas provide outdoor recreational opportunities that aim to educate and promote conservation messages to a large audience in an effort to improve the watershed’s natural environment

**Who Are You?**

As a member of the UTRCA team you will contribute to the mission of Inspiring a Healthy Environment through your skill and expertise, but also through your passion for the environment and calling to support change and make an impact. You will collaborate with like-minded colleagues to facilitate innovative approaches to the work you do in a supportive, friendly, and connected environment. The UTRCA embraces togetherness - you’ll know your colleagues, have a great time working together, and feel like you belong here. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you

**What You Will Do**
- Assists with facilitating the day to day maintenance responsibilities of the Conservation Area;
- Assist and/or directly undertake scheduling and supervising seasonal staff for recreation area operations;
- Perform a wide variety of custodial functions within the Conservation Area including grass cutting, facility maintenance, snow removal, garbage collection, excavations, and related duties, which may include minor electrical and plumbing work;
- Perform tree pruning using manual pruning tool and to be trained as a chainsaw operator for the purposes of hazard tree work and regular tree maintenance;
- Operate a variety of equipment including but not limited to tractor, backhoe attachment, gator, one ton truck, gas and battery powered trimmers and pruners;
- Liaise with day users, campers, clubs and external users of UTRCA recreation areas and services to identifying their needs, resolving issues and concerns and ensuring their reasonable satisfaction;
- Ensure that all approved UTRCA policies, procedures, and practices are followed in regards to all
health and safety and risk management regulations, policies and procedures;
- Act on behalf of the Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent in their absence;
- When directed, undertake the effective intake, handling, security and processing of cash receipts from users of the recreation areas when required;
- Inspect, maintain and document physical facilities offered to the public in UTRCA recreation areas and to share information with the Superintendent or designate on the issues of safety, risk management and service improvements;
- Support and ensure Conservation Area operations are in adherence to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Standards and that noted violations, by way of the ESA inspector, are addressed accordingly;
- Undertake other assignments, projects and responsibilities as relevant to the position as assigned

**What You Will Bring**
- Minimum grade 12 education, or equivalent is required;
- Completion or working towards a 2 year college diploma or equivalent from a recognized post
- secondary institution in Parks, Recreation or related field would be an asset;
- Small Drinking Water System Designation - Class 1 operator preferred;
- Vulnerable Persons Screening is required;
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License and valid CPR/First Aid Certificate;
- Three (3) years if previous work experience in Conservation Area maintenance or operations related environment;
- Familiarity with the Conservation Authorities Act and applicable regulations;
- Experience and comfort in operating a wide variety of equipment and machinery, such as tractors and chainsaws;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, as well as part of a team;
- Ability and desire to assist other staff when required to do so in other work areas of the conservation area;
- Ability to work varied shifts, including include days, afternoons, nights, and weekends;
- Last, but certainly not least, passion, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn

**Compensation and Other Information**
- Grade 6: $31.44 to $38.25 per hour;
- Contract, full time, 35 hours per week;
- Pension Plan (OMERS) and 6% in vacation pay;
- Free access to UTRCA Con