Landscape Grounds Technician (Maintenance Worker 3A)

About Us

The Building Services Division of the Department of Public Works is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 2,200 provincial buildings and structures across Nova Scotia. We maintain various buildings including museums, core government buildings, office buildings, correctional centers, and justice centers. Daily, we are responsible for ensuring these buildings are best served, including all matters related to building operations, building systems maintenance, renovations, and new construction.

About Our Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Building Operations Supervisor (Building Operator 4), the Landscape Grounds Technician (seasonal) is responsible for a variety of landscape and horticulture tasks at Perennia Park, Bible Hill. Specific duties include grounds maintenance, installation and maintenance of plant and shrub beds, and operation and maintenance of horticultural machinery.

Primary Accountabilities

Some of your primary accountabilities will include:

• Daily turf care including mowing, fertilizing, spraying, irrigation, seed and sodding, liming; monitoring turf health and appearance
• Daily operation of equipment i.e: 72" deck mower, ride on lawn tractor, front end loader tractor, line trimmer, hand tools
• Monitoring turf and tree health and appearance; addressing issues as required, escalating more complicated issues to the Building Operations Supervisor
• Provides input and seeks approval for purchasing of materials required for landscaping and horticulture maintenance
• General installation and maintenance of annual plantings and shrub beds, weeding and edging, watering
• Small tree maintenance, pruning, planting, mulching
• Record keeping/documentation of above duties Equipment Maintenance:
• Monitoring equipment condition and performing basic maintenance including mower blade sharpening , fuel mixing, etc..
• Recording equipment maintenance activities in a logbook, including repairs and service on all equipment to maximize equipment performance and longevity
• Provides input and seeks approval for purchasing of materials required for equipment maintenance Maintaining inventory of tools, materials, and safety supplies.
• Monitoring and management of compost materials.
• Temperature monitoring, turning and mixing. Installation of snow markers in preparation for winter snow removal.

Qualifications and Experience

High School completion plus four (4) years of related experience is required.

A valid driver’s license and a good driving record is a requirement. Candidates are asked to please include a current Driver’s Abstract with their application.

 You are required to:

• Work independently and makes decisions in accordance with department policies and procedures; assesses various situations i.e: equipment or infrastructure and determine repair or removal from service.
• Provides input to decisions affecting costs such as purchasing equipment and materials.
• Must have the ability to use and maintain all machinery, equipment, and /or materials within the workplace in a safe and responsible manner as documented in the Standard Operating Procedures.

You demonstrate a sound knowledge of all aspects of: 

• Makes decisions on safe work practices when working alone. Makes necessary decisions to maintain records of maintenance, repair and service on all equipment to maximize equipment performance and longevity.
• Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Program.

We will assess all qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

This role demands physical strength and dexterity, as well as the ability to work in extreme environmental conditions. Overtime becomes necessary during installations and maintenance that may disrupt building activities by shutting down power supply and other services.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths