Grounds Machinery Operator - Temporary up to 10 months

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

Job summary

University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, is seeking a Grounds Machinery Operator. The role reports to the Manager, Grounds, and involves operating light machinery and equipment used in grounds maintenance. Shifts are days, Monday to Friday, with potential overtime during snow season.

Requirements include Grade 12, a valid DZ license, and at least 1 year operating tractors and related equipment. The position is CUPE Band 4, temporary full-time with a 6:00am–2:30pm schedule at Main Campus.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education is required.
• Valid DZ driver’s license is required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience operating 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; ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a variety of equipment including mowers, loaders, tractors, chain saws, woodchipper, sprayers and related equipment.
• Safely operate Grounds vehicles including CVOR vehicles and snow removal equipment.
• Assist with installation and repair of garden and street furniture, bicycle racks and salt bins.
• Cut grass and maintain sports fields.
• Maintain records and perform equipment checks.
• Respond to emergencies or overtime as required.

Skills

DZ license

1 year experience

Safety awareness

Reading schedules

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Grade 12 education

Job description

Location:
Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1
Primary Category Page: Staff and Management
Division: Physical Resources
Requisition ID: 2863
Department: Maintenance and Energy Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 1334
Temporary full-time from 08/20/2026 to 06/18/2027
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent
Initial Shift Assignment: Day - Monday - Friday, 6:00am - 2:30pm
Number of Positions: 1
If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)
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 (dump 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
• 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.
Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10862008
Classification: CUPE Band 4
0-3 Month Rate: $30.47 per hour
Job Rate: $32.07 per hour
Vacancy: (Consequential)
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: 08/24/2026
Close Date: 08/31/2026