CUPE - Groundskeeper

Red Deer Public Schools; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Deer Public Schools is seeking a Groundskeeper for a term contract to maintain safe, clean, and attractive district grounds across facilities. The role covers seasonal landscaping, snow removal and operation of grounds equipment with a Monday–Friday, 7 am–3 pm shift.

The position is paid per CUPE Local 1012 with a Specialist rate starting at CAD 29.42 per hour. This temporary appointment runs from November 23, 2026 to November 17, 2027.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence with an acceptable driving record.
• Experience in commercial grounds maintenance, landscaping or a related field.
• Experience operating skid-steer loaders, commercial lawnmowers and other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Experience operating trucks and towing trailers, including safe loading, securing and maneuvering of equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and knowledge of equipment maintenance and servicing.
• Knowledge of landscaping, turf maintenance, seasonal grounds preparation and safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently, follow instructions, prioritize tasks and adapt to changing requirements.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good physical stamina and ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform seasonal grounds maintenance at all district facilities, including mowing, trimming, landscaping, weed control, tree and shrub maintenance, and general property clean-up.
• Operate commercial groundskeeping equipment, including riding lawnmowers, skid-steer loaders, tractors and other powered equipment.
• Operate district vehicles and tow trailers to transport equipment, materials and supplies between facilities.
• Perform routine equipment inspections, maintenance and basic repairs, ensuring vehicles, tools and equipment are kept clean and in good working order.
• Complete seasonal snow removal and sanding operations to maintain safe entrances, walkways and parking areas.
• Assist with seasonal clean-up, exterior maintenance, general labour and other Facility Services tasks as required.
• Provide direction and support to summer students, as assigned.
• Identify and report maintenance needs, equipment deficiencies and safety concerns.
• Maintain accurate work records and follow established safety and purchasing procedures.
• Be available for emergency call-outs and perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Physical stamina

Communication

Independence

Safety awareness

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence

Skid-steer loaders

Commercial lawnmowers

Tow trailers

Basic vehicle maintenance

Job description

Groundskeeper

Location: Facility Services

Term contract November 23, 2026 to November 17, 2027

Temporary position replacing a leave of absence.

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining safe, clean and attractive grounds at all district facilities through seasonal landscaping, grounds maintenance, snow removal and the safe operation and upkeep of vehicles and equipment. The successful applicant will have an assignment Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.

Pay rate is per the current collective agreement with C.U.P.E. Local 1012, this position is paid as Specialist, currently starting at $29.42 per hour.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform seasonal grounds maintenance at all district facilities, including mowing, trimming, landscaping, weed control, tree and shrub maintenance, and general property clean-up.
• Operate commercial groundskeeping equipment, including riding lawnmowers, skid-steer loaders, tractors and other powered equipment.
• Operate district vehicles and tow trailers to transport equipment, materials and supplies between facilities.
• Perform routine equipment inspections, maintenance and basic repairs, ensuring vehicles, tools and equipment are kept clean and in good working order.
• Complete seasonal snow removal and sanding operations to maintain safe entrances, walkways and parking areas.
• Assist with seasonal clean-up, exterior maintenance, general labour and other Facility Services tasks as required.
• Provide direction and support to summer students, as assigned.
• Identify and report maintenance needs, equipment deficiencies and safety concerns.
• Maintain accurate work records and follow established safety and purchasing procedures.
• Be available for emergency call-outs and perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence with an acceptable driving record.
• Experience in commercial grounds maintenance, landscaping or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience operating skid-steer loaders, commercial lawnmowers and other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Experience operating trucks and towing trailers, including safe loading, securing and maneuvering of equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and knowledge of equipment maintenance and servicing.
• Knowledge of landscaping, turf maintenance, seasonal grounds preparation and safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently, follow instructions, prioritize tasks and adapt to changing requirements.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good physical stamina and ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

The following would be considered assets:

• WHMIS and First Aid training.
• Equipment operator training or related safety certifications.
• Experience with snow removal equipment and providing direction to seasonal staff.

For more information about the Red Deer Public School District, visit our website at: www.rdpsd.ab.ca

This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found; it will not close prior to November 6, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Red Deer Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. If accommodations or supports are required for you to attend this interview, please notify us prior to the day of the interview.

By virtue of the submission of an application, the applicant agrees that the Associate Superintendent, People Services or designate can contact previous employers for the purpose of conducting confidential reference checks whether or not the applicant has listed a reference for that employer.

We thank all applicants for their interest but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. A current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check will be required of new employees.