Grounds Machinery Operator - Temporary (REPOSTED)

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

Job summary

The University of Guelph in Guelph, ON, is seeking a Grounds Machinery Operator to join its Maintenance and Energy Services team. This temporary full-time role covers 13 positions across Day, Afternoon, and Night shifts, under CUPE Local 1334.

You will safely operate light machinery and grounds vehicles (mowers, loaders, tractors, CVOR trucks, snow removal) and assist with installing fencing, signage, and garden furniture while maintaining fields and managing waste pickup.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a variety of equipment including mowers, loaders, farm tractors, chain saws, woodchipper, hydraulic sprayers, and other related equipment
• Safely operate a variety of Grounds vehicles including CVOR 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

Skills

DZ driver's license

Safety practices

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Grade 12

Tools

Chainsaw certification

Forklift certification

CVOR knowledge

Job description

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Physical Resources

Requisition ID: 2894

Department: Maintenance and Energy Services

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

1 Temporary Full-Time from September 14, 2026 to April 18, 2027

12 Temporary Full-Time from November 2, 2026 to April 18, 2027

Variety Of Shift Options Available

Shift Option 1: Day Shift, Monday - Friday from 6:00am - 2:30pm

Shift Option 2: Afternoon Shift, Monday - Friday from 2:00pm - 10:30pm

Shift Option 3: Night Shift, Monday - Friday from 10:00pm - 6:30am

Number of Positions: 13

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
• Minimum of 1 year of snow removal experience
• 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: 10912069

Classification: CUPE Band 4

0-3 Month Rate: $30.47 per hour

Job Rate: $32.07 per hour

Vacancy: (Original)

Work Location: Main

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.

Posting Date: 09/21/2026

Close Date: 09/28/2026