2026 Parks Maintenance (Watering Shift) - Students

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS

2026 SUMMER HIRING

Parks Maintenance (Watering Shift) - Students

4 Month Term approx. April 27, 2026 up to September 4, 2026

Applications must be received no later than January 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Division/Department: Parks & Forestry/Parks & Recreation

Reports to: Supervisor of Parks & Forestry

Location: Various City Locations

Hours: 40 hours/week

Union Affiliation: CUPE Local 35

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Parks and Forestry or designate, provides ongoing maintenance of parks systems and amenities, playgrounds, sports courts and fields to approved operational standards from April/May to Labour Day weekend annually.

Watering Shift: Early-morning watering of annuals, hanging baskets, planters, and landscaped areas throughout the City.

• Successful candidates will start approx. April 27, 2026 performing the additional duties and responsibilities below.
• Commencing mid June, watering shifts will be every other day including weekends and holidays beginning at 4:00 a.m. additional day shifts will be added over the two week schedule to accumulate 80 hours per pay period. Sufficient notice will be given as to the start of the watering shifts.
• The fill in day shifts can be flexible however the scheduled watering shifts cannot fluctuate.
• All watering shifts are performed in two-person teams. Students will be paired with a designated partner for safety and route efficiency.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

1. Participates in grass cutting and trimming and the operation of gas-powered handheld equipment (i.e. Leaf blowers, hedge trimmers).

2. Assists with the clearing of brush and trees, as required.

3. Responsible for planting, pruning, weeding and watering City maintained gardens, planter baskets, trees, shrubs and hanging baskets.

4. Empties garbage cans and picks up litter in and around municipal facilities, parks, trails and walkways.

5. Performs janitorial duties, including cleaning and supplying outdoor washrooms, change rooms, shelters, splash pad areas, and other park facilities.

6. Assists with preparation and maintenance of sports fields and courts, including dragging baseball diamonds, lining fields, setting bases, inspecting nets, and performing minor repairs.

7. Works as support staff to assist with special events (set ups and take downs).

8. Assists in the clean-up of encampments on City property, following established City procedures and always under supervisory direction.

9. Reports hazards, vandalism, maintenance needs, and unusual occurrences to supervisory staff.

10. Provides courteous customer service promoting compliance with park rules and regulations and refers complaints to supervisory staff.

11. Participates in all Health & Safety requirements as deemed necessary by the Corporation in the carrying out of duties as well as any legislated training/certification required to carry out activities.

12. Performs other such related duties, responsibilities and functions as may be assigned.

Note: The major tasks and responsibilities outlined above are representative but not all-inclusive. All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition. This position must be compliant with all provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, related to "Duties of a Worker."

Education/Experience/Skill

Qualifications

• Minimum Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be registered full-time in an accredited Post Secondary School Program preferably in a related field.

Experience

• Experience in parks maintenance, landscaping, horticulture and facilities is an asset.
• Experience operating various small equipment (i.e. push mower, weed eater, hedge trimmer, etc.) is an

asset.

• Experience operating larger equipment such as riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, tractor-mounted

implements, and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) is an asset.

• Experience with naturalized areas, invasive species removal, or environmental stewardship is an asset.

Knowledge/Skill/Abilities

• Knowledge of operating standards for the maintenance of parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and forestry operations.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate parks and road related equipment.
• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff and the public.
• Organizational skills with the ability to complete projects within acceptable timeframes and competing demands.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers as well as the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be computer literate including knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and positive workplace culture.

Driver's Licence

• Ontario Driver's Abstract required.
• Must possess a valid "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.

Other

• Corporate Orientation and Health & Safety Training
• Valid First Aid/CPR
• Satisfactory Police Records Check

Working Conditions

• Required to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, humidity).
• Must be physically able to perform manual labour including lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, reaching, walking long distances, and performing repetitive motions.
• Exposure to dust, pollen, insects, noise, chemicals, cleaning agents, and equipment vibration.
• Must be able to work shifts including evenings, weekends, early mornings and holidays, as required.

Pay Range: $ $23.57 per hour plus 4% vacation pay.

This is a CUPE Local 35 union position.

Any new hires will be required to obtain and submit a satisfactory Police Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment, prior to their start date. Police Criminal Record Searches will only be requested for those eighteen (18) years of age or older. Those selected for re-hire will not be required to attain a new police check; however, they will be required to sign a 'Criminal Offence Self Declaration Form' so long as no less than twelve (12) months have passed since their last day of work with the Corporation.

HOW TO APPLY:
Go to – Employment, Employment Opportunities. Go to Posting Title and click the 'Apply Now' button. You may need to register/create a Login.

Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.

Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at ext. 4146.

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas.