City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Gardener is responsible for the year-round maintenance and care of the campus grounds including gardens, trees, lawns, and pedestrian pathways. This role plays a vital part in preserving the horticultural, landscape and turf elements of the campus, and in ensuring campus accessibility and safety during all seasons, including snow and ice events. As an essential services team member, the Gardener supports core operations by maintaining the beauty, functionality, and safety of our grounds—365 days a year – ensuring all work is completed safely and in compliance with legislative requirements and University standards.

Primary Accountabilities

• Perform a variety of maintenance duties including but not limited to, grass cutting, waste removal, planting, irrigation maintenance, and pruning.
• Conduct snow and ice management duties during the winter months, including the application of salt or sand, manual snow removal, and operation of snow blowers or plows to ensure safe access across campus pathways, stairs, and roadways.
• Operate maintenance equipment associated with landscaped area including but not limited to, mowers, rototiller, weed trimmers, chain saws, and snow removal.
• Service equipment, including, but not limited to; cleaning, lubricating and refueling.
• Complete routine repairs to campus roads, parking lots and sidewalks using gravel and asphalt patches.
• Provide information to a variety of individuals on campus related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.
• Provide recommendations related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.
• Update and maintain information and records.
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  Operate a motor vehicle or golf cart for transportation on campus.

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  Performs pre- and post-work tasks such as preparing and securing the job site, transporting tools and equipment, and restoring the area upon completion

General Accountabilities 

• Operate within established security and safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance to all University Policies, and Health and Safety guidelines.
• Communicate with fellow workers, faculty, students, staff and visitors in an appropriate and effective manner to establish effective working relationships and respond to needs.
• Perform job assignments in an efficient and effective manner with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrate behaviour consistent with organizational while delivering high-quality work in a safe, collaborative and customer-focused manner.

Qualifications

Education:

• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
• 1 year post-secondary training equivalent
• Must posess a valid Class G driver's license
• Additional certifications are considered an asset

Experience:

• 6 months of related experience

Physical Effort:

• A typical work day consists of more than 3.5 hours of moderate physical effort for activities such as:
  • Standing and working on feet for prolonged periods of time.
  • Working in awkward positions with hands above head
• A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hours of high physical effort for activities such as:
  • Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs).
  • Shoveling and lifting snow and operating snow clearing equipment in challenging conditions.

Mental Effort:

• A typical work day consists of 1 to 2 hour of routine mental effort for activities such as:
  • Update and maintain information and records.
• A typical work day consists of more than 2 up to 3.5 hours of moderate mental effort for activities such as:
  • Provide information to a variety of individuals on campus related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.
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    Provide recommendations to Supervisor related to the general maintenance of the campus grounds.

     

     

Working Conditions

Physical Environment:

• Frequent exposure to dust and dirt.
• Frequent exposure to loud noise.
• Frequent exposure to vibration from machinery and tools.
• Frequent exposure to inclement weather.
• Occasionally required to work in confined spaces.
• Continuously required to wear personal protective equipment.

Psychological Environment:

• Frequently required to work alone and/or in isolated work environments.
• Occasionally interacts with individuals who may be rude or upset.

Health & Safety:

• Possible slip or fall hazards
• Occasionally climbs on ladders
• Lifting heavy tools, objects cables or equipment
• Potential for repetitive strain injuries from use of hand and power tools
• Risk of cuts, burns, or abrasions while operating a variety of equipment and instruments
   

Supervision

• Occasionally provides orientation an show procedures to others.

THE ACCOUNTABILITIES DESCRIBED ARE REPRESENTATIVE IN NATURE AND ARE NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL JOB DUTIES. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE JOB.