Grounds Lead Hand

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University is seeking a Grounds Lead Hand to coordinate daily operations of the Grounds Department, including roads, parking lots, and horticultural displays. The role provides technical guidance on plant health, landscape planning, and sustainable grounds care within a unionized environment.

The incumbent will supervise, train, and inspect Grounds staff, ensure compliance with OH&S and environmental regulations, and coordinate seasonal maintenance across campus.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Horticulture or related degree is required.
• Experience in professional grounds maintenance or large-scale landscaping is required.
• Ability to organize, delegate, and inspect work in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of professional landscaping practices and plant biology.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations of the Grounds department for university exterior spaces.
• Oversee snow and ice management, infrastructure upkeep, and horticultural care.
• Monitor plant health and coordinate pest/disease treatments.
• Provide guidance and training to Grounds staff; enforce safety and PPE policies.
• Maintain records and coordinate with Union/OH&S requirements.

Education

Diploma in Horticulture

College/University degree in related field

Job description

The Grounds Lead Hand is a working leadership role responsible for coordinating the dailyoperations of the Grounds department. The incumbent organizes, directs, and participatesin the maintenance of all university exterior spaces, including roads, parking lots, andhorticultural displays. The role also provides technical expertise in plant health, landscapeplanning, and sustainable grounds care. As a Lead Hand within the bargaining unit, thisposition provides technical guidance, training, and workflow inspection while ensuringcompliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

Operations & Seasonal Maintenance

• Snow & Ice Management: Organizes and participates in snow removal for all sidewalks, walkways, ramps, and hydrants to ensure campus accessibility.
• Infrastructure Upkeep: Coordinates maintenance of roads, culverts, catch basins, sidewalks, and ditches.
• Horticultural Care: Leads the maintenance of grass, trees, shrubs, and flower beds, including pruning, fertilizing, watering and seasonal care.
• Plant & Tree Health: Monitors and assesses the health and condition of trees and plantings; identifies pests, disease, structural concerns, or environmental stressors, and implements or recommends appropriate treatments, including coordination of removals or specialized services as required.
• Lake & Water Management: Manages the artificial lake, including water level control and shoreline maintenance.
• Sanitation: Organizes the collection and removal of litter and debris across university grounds.

Leadership & Coordination (Unifor Framework)

• Work Direction as a Competent Person: Provides daily direction to Grounds personnel in accordance with the supervisory duties outlined in the OccupationalHealth and Safety Act (OH&SA). Exercises the responsibilities of a competent person by demonstrating knowledge of applicable legislation, recognizing workplace hazards, and taking immediate corrective action to protect worker health and safety. Ensures all assigned tasks are performed in compliance with safe work procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Supervisory Due Diligence & Enforcement: Enforces adherence to health and safety policies, safe operating procedures, and the mandatory use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Conducts regular field inspections of snow removal and property maintenance operations, intervening promptly when unsafe acts or conditions are observed. Documents safety-related direction and corrective actions to demonstrate due diligence.
• Training, Instruction & Worker Rights: Provides structured orientation and ongoing instruction to new and seasonal employees regarding hazard recognition, equipment operation, emergency procedures, and worker rights and responsibilities under Ontario health and safety legislation. Promotes the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) and ensures workers understand their right to know, participate, and refuse unsafe work.
• Hazard Assessment & Risk Control: Conducts ongoing hazard assessments related to winter operations, equipment use, pedestrian interface, and environmental conditions. Implement risk mitigation strategies aligned with regulatory standards and organizational policies to prevent injuries, incidents, and property damage.
• Incident Management & Continuous Improvement: Participates in incident investigations, near-miss reviews, and corrective action planning. Collaborates with management and Joint Health & Safety Committee representatives to strengthen compliance, improve safe work practices, and maintain a proactive safety culture.

Administration & Resource Management

• Inventory Control: Maintains stock of supplies, tools, and equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Equipment Service: Organizes and schedules the regular service and repair of all ground’s machinery.
• Reporting: Maintains accurate records, logs, and files as required by the Physical Plant.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Horticulture from a recognized vocational institute or a College or University degree in a related field.
• Extensive experience in professional grounds maintenance or large-scale landscaping.
• Proven ability to organize, delegate, and inspect the work of others in a unionized environment.
• Deep knowledge of professional landscaping practices and plant biology.
• Chemical Safety: Expert knowledge of the safe application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, including WHMIS/GHS standards.
• Communication: Ability to provide clear instructions and interface professionally with the campus community.

AI may or may not be used for the screening purposes of this role.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] ext. 8334 or [e-mail] to make appropriate arrangements.