Parks Operator I

Position Details

• Department: Parks & Recreation
• Work Location: On-Site

About The Role

To perform the property maintenance activities of the Municipal cemetery operation. To assist with the preparation and execution of burials and work in compliance with the applicable by-laws and legislation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate equipment and vehicles to support the maintenance of Municipal cemetery and green space, including lawn maintenance activities around Municipal buildings and open green space;
• Trim and edge along walkways, trails, flower beds and parking lots;
• Line grave sites, set up graves and reinstate graves;
• Lay plywood, move headstones, position casket lowering device on grave site;
• Pick up and transport workers, parts, materials, equipment and trailers as required;
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs to park equipment and facilities such as lubricating and adding fluids to vehicles, repairing and painting fences, gates and bleachers;
• General labour duties including litter pick up, digging ditches for drainage pipe repair or installation, raking leaves, laying sod, and other general property maintenance as required;
• Provide functional leadership in small groups for various general labour duties;
• Ensure security of the facility by unlocking, locking, operating alarm systems and liaising with alarm companies as necessary;
• Ensure equipment is safe to operate, securely stored, and maintain good housekeeping of vehicle and work area;
• Provide excellent customer service by responding to needs of all customers and staff as required;
• Efficiently and accurately complete paperwork such as daily performance logs, time sheets and accident reports;
• Perform other similar and related duties as required.

What's Required

• Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Certificate;
• Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture or Turf Management from a recognized institution or equivalent preferred;
• Valid Standard First Aid/CPR C certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB);
• Valid, unrestricted Class "G" driver's licence held in good standing. Class "DZ" licence preferred;
• Knowledge of Cemetery By-laws, Cemeteries Act, and the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act is an asset;
• Knowledge of proper grave setup, grave opening and closing procedures, foundation layout, marker installation and lot layout procedures is an asset;
• Formal training and experience with the Occupational Health and Safety Act related to maintenance and construction activities, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fall arrest, and trench safety;
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture; knowledge of City of St. Catharines safety policies preferred;
• Knowledge of the Ontario Traffic Manual with emphasis on Book 7 preferred, including ability to safely set up traffic control in work zones during roadway or utility construction and maintenance operations;
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job as described in the physical demands analysis (PDA);
• Availability to work flexible hours including shifts for a 7 day, 24 hour operation, overtime and winter control;
• Effective time management skills with attention to detail, organizational skills to meet deadlines, ability to multi-task and work independently with minimal supervision;
• Exceptional customer service skills with a strong sense of public service and cooperation, ability to deal well with the public and citizens' groups;
• Basic computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office Suite is an asset.