Lead Hand (Horticulture)
Job Number: 3269
Job Type: Temporary Full-Time
Temp Contract Length: 6 Months
Location: 100 Maple Grove Rd - Regional Operations Centre
Job Category: Transportation
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Horticulture and Forestry
Division: Transportation Services
Hours of Work: 40
Union: CUPE 1656
Grade: CUPE 1656 Grade 007
Salary Range: $38.77*
*Note: As per the collective agreement, probationary employees will receive 5% less than the regular permanent rate of the classification they are employed in, until the completion of four (4) months continuous service or eighty (80) actual days worked, whichever is the greater. They will then commence receiving the regular permanent rate.
Internal employees transferring from a bargaining unit to another bargaining unit or a Management/Management Support position will not be eligible for the payout of unused sick leave credits upon resignation, termination, or retirement, as per the collective agreement or HR Policy III-16 (Sick Leave). For more details please contact the Benefit Coordinator via email BenefitsHRC@regionofwaterloo.ca.

ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skill in horticulture, including landscape design, construction, and maintenance practices, and materials purchasing, acquired through a grade 12 education plus a minimum 1-year certificate in horticulture or landscaping, plus 3 years of related experience.
• Functional knowledge of snow plowing and ice control, and other roads maintenance equipment (e.g., trucks, wheel loader).
• Must have 2 years of leadership experience to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate work of crews.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards; field and traffic manuals; CVOR requirements; related by-laws and legislation (e.g., Highway Traffic Act, Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7 traffic control plans, health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods, minimum maintenance standards), and on-the-job training.
• Communication skills to exchange technical information and liaise with other departmental staff, give directions in construction or emergency situations, and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply plans, blueprints, manuals, notices, documentation, and traffic protection plans. Ability to convert imperial measurements to metric.
• Ability to complete CVOR requirements (e.g., checklists, hours log, reports), purchase requisitions, work orders, locate books, written communications using technical language, and technical recommendations (e.g., products, work methods).
• Computer skills, including use of mobile technology, with ability to use software such as a work/ asset management system, Microsoft Office (Outlook), weather monitoring systems, hours of service software, and time and attendance systems.
• Ability to operate computerized equipment on trucks.
• Ability to function effectively and safely in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Must have a valid Class D drivers licence with Z airbrake endorsement, acceptable drivers abstract, and valid transportation of dangerous goods certification to operate corporate equipment.
• Must demonstrate successful completion of a physical demands test (pre-hire).
• Ability to work variable hours and shifts, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and nights, as assigned. Ability to work shifts lasting up to 14 hours as required.
• Participates in a regular on-call rotation to respond to after-hours emergencies and urgent matters, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume). 1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.
For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).

THE ROLE

Assigns, delegates, coordinates, directs, and oversees the performance of landscaping and winter roads maintenance work, ensuring quality of work and timely performance. Works alongside crews daily, performing same functions as crews. Provides technical guidance to crews regarding procedures, equipment, and products. Assists management to set annual priorities and schedule.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews daily work programs with supervisor and provides updates regarding progress. Assists supervisor to plan/schedule annual programs and set priorities.
• In spring, summer, and fall, works as a lead hand for the landscaping program. In fall and winter, works as a lead hand in roads maintenance. In either case, performs landscaping work and work of roads/plowing crews approximately 50% of the time, including for absences, peaks, and breaks.
• Coordinates day-to-day landscaping and road winter maintenance work. Prioritizes, monitors, and distributes work orders/assignments to crews. Determines staffing and material requirements, makes arrangements, and prepares work schedules with input from crews. Coordinates borrowing of equipment and staff from other sections, as required.
• Operates vehicles and equipment (e.g., shovels, cultivator, tiller, edger, shears, saws, water tanks, shovels, mowers, plows, crane), and ancillary equipment.
• Develops work plans and reviews site conditions giving consideration to proximity of utilities, properties, traffic, and other factors. Stakes out locations and arranges related resources and services.
• Prepares and maintains flowerbeds and grounds on the roadside/right-of-way, within roundabouts, and on regional properties. Amends soil, weeds, edges beds, and trims vegetation. Plants/ transplants plants, bulbs, and flowers based on design layout. Tends and waters vegetation throughout the growing season.
• Cuts grass, trims and prunes hedges, woody plants, and shrubs along the regional roadway. Rakes and removes brush, leaves, grass cuttings, and garbage/debris; and loads/unloads from sites.
• Performs general roads maintenance activities (e.g., hot/cold patching) and snow/ice control activities, including winter drainage and snow fencing. Uses hand and power tools, and oxygen-acetylene torches to cut metal components on culverts, storm sewers, and plows. Installs and removes equipment (e.g., blades, harnesses, spreaders).
• Organizes and sets up own work, including site and equipment clean up, circle checks, traffic protection plans, and grease and fluid top-ups. Maintains corporate vehicles in proper, safe, good working condition, troubleshoots malfunctions, and performs minor repairs and parts replacement. Informs supervisor or corporate fleet regarding equipment issues and service/repair requirements.
• Patrols to monitor work performed by staff and contractors, inspect and update state of sites and work in database, and identify and coordinate work requirements to resolve hazards and immediate roads maintenance needs.
• Participates to develop quality and service level standards. Researches and assists to develop new equipment specifications. Develops and maintains procedures for tree maintenance.
• Orders stock materials for day-to-day operations. Informs supervisor of non-standard equipment and material needs. Holds a p-card and has signing authority for stockroom requisitions. Contacts suppliers and manufacturers to purchase tools and equipment.
• Maintains documentation related to inspections, equipment, and road/pavement conditions. Creates and maintains work orders.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaises with area municipalities, contractors, and other regional staff to discuss work in progress, schedules, and coordinate projects. Has contact with administration staff to follow up on missing/ inaccurate information in invoices and work orders. Has contact with police and fire officials regarding emergency situations.
• Ensures staff maintain shop area, equipment, vehicles/trucks, hand/power tools, in a safe, clean, orderly manner, per policies and standards. Reports unsafe/damaged equipment to supervisor immediately.
• Attends meetings and assumes some of the duties of the supervisor in that incumbent’s absence.
• Backs up crews during peaks and absences.
• Performs related duties, including duties in other divisional work units, as assigned.