Groundskeeper

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our 18,800 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Environmental Services Manager, Groundskeepers perform horticulture, landscape, grounds, waste management, recycling, snow clearing and salting, and various maintenance duties within the university campus, under the direction of the Supervisor or designate.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists with the maintenance and clean-up of all exterior grounds areas
• Performs leaf clean-up and preparation of flower beds for winter
• Clears step areas, exits, ramps, walkways and exterior drains of snow, ice, debris and leaves, etc.
• Spot checks the grounds daily for slippery conditions and applies salt as required
• Cleans up after renovations to campus properties
• Performs exterior window washing as required
• Prepares, plants and maintains flower/shrub beds, trees
• Performs lawn maintenance activities (e.g.: rolling, aerating, replacing sods)
• Completes small landscaping projects, as directed
• Performs litter collection and removes discarded materials from university buildings
• Empties exterior waste receptacles as per schedule
• Collects refuse from all areas not serviced by the contracted waste hauler=s dumpsters
• Assists trucking personnel as required
• Operates grounds, transportation vehicles and other equipment, as required
• Performs other duties, as required

Note

This position is physically demanding. Extensive kneeling, bending, standing and squatting required.

Qualifications

• Three years recent and related experience is required
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license
• Must provide a clean driver’s abstract annually and immediately advise of any infractions affecting drivers license status
• Must be capable of operating all landscape maintenance equipment (e.g.: pick-up truck, tractor, ride-on mower, etc.)
• Ability to operate skid steer, chain saw, and fork-lift (preferably certified) an asset
• Basic plant identification skills an asset
• Working knowledge of horticultural procedures (test given at interview)
• Must be able to take direction and work with minimal supervision
• Reliable and punctual
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Must be willing to work overtime, as required
• General safety and WHMIS training an asset
• Must be able and willing to work at heights
• Must be physically fit and able to lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly

Additional Information Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees are given first consideration and will be notified regarding the status of their application. All other applicants will be considered when there is no qualified internal candidate and will only be contacted if selected for an interview.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.