Grounds Machinery Operator - Temporary Part-Time Weekends (24 hrs/week)

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Guelph is seeking a Grounds Machinery Operator in Guelph, ON. The role involves safe operation of light machinery for Grounds’ landscape and maintenance, with weekends shifts 6am–6:30pm and 6am–6:30pm on Sundays.

Temporary part-time, up to 24 hours/week, reporting to the Grounds Manager. Requirements include Grade 12, a valid DZ license, 1+ year of equipment operation, and strong safety, reading, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education
• Valid DZ driver's license
• Minimum 1 year operating tractors, small loaders, mowers and related equipment
• Knowledge of safety practices and safe work
• Ability to read schedules and instructions
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication
• Ability to work independently and in a team

Responsibilities

• Safely operate mowers, loaders, tractors, chainsaws, woodchippers, sprayers and related equipment
• Operate Grounds vehicles including trucks and snow removal equipment
• Assist with installation of fences, signage and garden furniture
• Maintain sports fields and manage outside waste pickup
• Maintain records and perform equipment checks
• Follow University policies and perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Grade 12 education

DZ driver’s license

1 year equipment operation

Safety practices

Reading schedules/instructions

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Emergency response

Education

Grade 12

Tools

Chainsaw certification

Forklift certification

CVOR regulations training

Job description

Location:

Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page:

Staff and Management

Division:

Physical Resources

Requisition ID:

2760

Department: Maintenance and Energy Services

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 1334

Temporary part-time from 08/23/2026 to 05/28/2027 (with option to extend)

(Up to 24 hours a week)

Initial Shift Assignment: Weekends - Saturdays 6am until 6:30pm and Sundays 6am until 6:30pm

Number of Positions: 2

Reporting to the Manager, Grounds department, the Grounds Machinery Operator will be responsible for the safe operation of a variety of light machinery and related equipment used in Grounds’ landscape and maintenance operations.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Safely operate a variety of equipment including but not limited to mowers, loaders, farm tractors, chain saws, woodchipper, hydraulic sprayers, and other related equipment
• Safely operate a variety of Grounds vehicles including but not limited to CVOR vehicles (trucks), snow removal equipment, and 4-wheel drive vehicles
• Assist with the installation of fence and signage
• Assist with installation and repair of garden and street furniture, bicycle racks and salt bins
• Cut grass and maintain numerous sports fields
• Responsible for outside waste pickup
• Follow all University policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate records, and complete circle checks of equipment
• Performs other job related duties as assigned including equal or lower classifications

WHAT MUST YOU HAVE?

• Grade 12 education
• Valid DZ driver’s license
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the operation of tractors, small loaders, mowers, and related equipment
• Knowledge of established safety practices and commitment to safe work practices
• Ability to read and interpret schedules, equipment directions, and instructions
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills are required
• Ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE EDGE?

• Chainsaw certification
• Forklift certification
• Previous training on CVOR regulations

The successful candidate will be required to provide a current and acceptable driver’s abstract as a condition of employment and will be required to successfully complete an independent third-party driving assessment.

The incumbents must be available to respond to emergency call-ins, particularly during snow season, but occasionally at other times of year as well. Some shift work and overtime may be required.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Employee Type: Temporary

Position Number: 10927776

Classification: CUPE Band 4

0-3 Month Rate: $ 30.47 per hour

Job Rate: $ 32.07 per hour

Vacancy: (Original)

Work Location: Main

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Close Date: 10/01/2026