Job Description

Grounds Worker
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research-intensive universities in Canada. Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The main campus also houses our campus partners such as the Royal University Hospital, Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, National Research Council, and others. The total building area is 8.1 million square feet (754,000 square meters) across 766 hectares of land.
The Facilities team is comprised of over 300 trades personnel and service workers that provide trusted services and stewardship in support of teaching, learning, and discovery. This team is responsible for operations, maintenance, service, utilities distribution, and customer support. The Facilities Team Charter describes the purpose, vision, and values that in turn support the campus community.
Primary Purpose: To use technical expertise to coordinate and complete duties associated with the operations and maintenance of USask campus grounds and perform a variety of moving services.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Assistant Manager, Facilities, the incumbent is responsible for snow removal and hauling in the fall and winter months, all grounds-related activities in spring and summer and the smooth delivery of materials/equipment. The incumbent will be knowledgeable in and accountable for the safe and efficient operations of equipment by ensuring safe work practices, policies, and regulatory procedures are followed. The incumbent will work under variable conditions, indoors, as well as outdoors in all types of weather (hot, wet, and cold). It is expected that the incumbent will supply their own outer wear other than uniforms, which are to be provided. The position requires a moderate to heavy physical labour, including but not limited to heavy lifting up to 50 lbs, frequent walking, prolonged standing, and exposure to extreme weather, chemicals, pollen, fumes, etc. that are typical of an outdoor environment. This position may work alone or collaboratively in a team environment. Shifts and schedules may be adjusted as operational needs require (evenings and weekends).
Accountabilities:

• Is accountable to the Facilities Team Charter and is aligned with its purpose, vision, and values and holds themselves and each other accountable to it.
• Operates various equipment for snow clearing, shoveling snow, and chipping icy areas across campus (seasonal).
• Operates various hand tools and grounds related equipment.
• Performs raking, weeding, watering and backpack blowing.
• Assists with all waste and recycling programs across campus.
• Acts as a representative of Facilities, promoting and maintaining excellent customer relations with external clients and campus community members.
• Coordinate work with other Facilities colleagues; make recommendations for innovation, improvements, and repair; communicate to others for procurement of materials; promote and maintain outstanding customer service; implement and support workplace initiatives as directed
• Make and meet commitments in an honest, respectful and understanding manner
• Understand and comply with relevant safety acts and regulations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Education: Grade 12 Education, Possession of a recognized, two-year, post-secondary diploma in horticulture including turf management courses is an asset. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
Licenses: Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver's license and an acceptable driving record. A valid Saskatchewan Class 3A driver's license is an asset.
Experience: Minimum 2 years of current experience with grounds-related operations and maintenance tasks. Demonstrated knowledge of standard methods, materials, mobile equipment, and tools used in landscape and athletic fields. Demonstrated knowledge of typical maintenance requirements for a multi-use outdoor athletic facility is necessary.
Skills: Physical ability to perform heavy manual labour in varying climatic conditions; knowledgeable with tendering operations of prairie hardy trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses, effective interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as with others; safe work practices and habits; effective time management skills; and the demonstrated ability to operate various pieces of equipment associated with landscape construction, maintenance and moving. Familiar with current landscaping trends and comfortable with reading landscaping and underground utility maps. Possess sound trouble-shooting and diagnostic skills; ability to work on multiple projects with competing demands to meet deadlines.
Department: Facilities
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $21.55 - 25.13 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 4/3/2025
Closing Date: 5/1/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 2
Work Location: On Campus
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mxc3xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Mxc3xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.