Groundskeeper

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University in Halifax seeks a Groundskeeper to support horticulture, landscape and maintenance across the campus under the supervision of the Environmental Services Manager.

Key duties include snow clearing, leaf cleanup, bed preparation, litter removal, and waste management, along with moving furniture for events and assisting with renovations on site. This is a physically demanding, in‑person role requiring reliability and stamina.

Qualifications

• Recent and related experience is required.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license and provide a clean abstract.
• Capable of operating landscape maintenance equipment (pickup truck, tractor, ride‑on mower).
• Experience operating large fleet vehicles up to 3 tonnes (GWT).
• Ability to operate skid steer, chainsaw, and forklift (asset).
• Must be physically fit and able to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Must be willing to work overtime, as required.
• General safety and WHMIS training an asset.
• Must be able to work at heights.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and cleans exterior grounds areas.
• Leaves and bed prep for winter; lawn maintenance tasks.
• Clear snow, ice, debris from walkways and exits.
• Spot-checks for slippery conditions; apply salt.
• Assist with renovations cleanup; furniture moves and setup.
• Transport materials and supplies between campus buildings.
• Transports and arranges tables and chairs for exams and events.
• Collects recyclables and waste; manages campus recycling program.
• Operates grounds and related transportation vehicles as required.
• Performs small office moves and furniture rearrangements.
• Delivers materials to site locations and project sites.

Skills

Valid Class 5 license

physically fit

Good communication

Reliable and punctual

Ability to work overtime

Tools

Landscape maintenance equipment

Skid steer / forklift (asset)

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Environmental Services Manager, Groundskeepers perform horticulture, landscape, grounds, waste management, recycling, furniture moves and set‑ups, snow clearing and salting, and various maintenance duties within the university campus, under the direction of the Supervisor or designate.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists with the maintenance and clean‑up of all exterior grounds areas.
• Performs leaf clean‑up and preparation of flower beds for winter
• Clears step areas, exits, ramps, walkways and exterior drains of snow, ice, debris and leaves,
  etc.
• Spot checks the grounds daily for slippery conditions and applies salt as required
• Cleans up after renovations to campus properties
• Prepares, plants and maintains flower/shrub beds, trees
• Performs lawn maintenance activities (e.g.: rolling, aerating, replacing sods)
• Completes small landscaping projects, as directed
• Performs litter collection and removes discarded materials from university buildings
• Empties exterior waste receptacles as per schedule
• Collects refuse from all areas not serviced by the contracted waste haulers dumpsters
• Takes care of snow shoveling and ice control requirements and other circumstances as
  required
• Operates grounds, transportation vehicles and other equipment, as required
• Delivers material and supplies between and within University buildings and to off‑site
  locations, as required. Delivers/collects equipment and materials to/from Trades Services,
  Zones, Environmental Services, and Project sites
• Participates in scheduled vehicle maintenance procedures as required
• Monitors vehicle operating condition utilizing scheduled check lists
• Operates vehicle in safe, responsible and lawful manner
• Performs small office moves and furniture rearrangement throughout the campus buildings
• Transports and arranges tables and chairs for exams and other special functions
• Collects recyclables as per the University’s waste management/recycling program
• Transports specialized wastes to an appropriate location
• Performs other duties, as required

Note

This position is physically demanding. Extensive kneeling, bending, standing and squatting required.
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in‑person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Recent and related experience is required
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driver’s license, and provide a clean driver’s abstract
• Must be capable of operating all landscape maintenance equipment (e.g.: pick‑up truck,
  tractor, ride‑on mower, etc.)
• Industry experience to operate large fleet vehicles up to 3 tonnes ( GWT ), as required
• Ability to operate skid steer, chain saw, and fork‑lift (preferably certified) an asset
• Basic plant identification skills an asset
• Working knowledge of horticultural procedures (test given at interview)
• Must be able to take direction and work with minimal supervision
• Reliable and punctual
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Must be willing to work overtime, as required
• General safety and WHMIS training an asset
• Must be able and willing to work at heights
• Must be physically fit and able to lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self‑identify as members of one or more of the equity‑deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity‑deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter