Groundskeeper

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, invites applications for a Groundskeeper. The role covers grounds maintenance, landscaping, waste management and related setup across campus, under supervision. The position requires in‑person work on campus and physical stamina.

Applicants should have a valid Class 5 NS driver's license, experience with landscape equipment, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Overtime may be required to meet operational needs.

Qualifications

• Recent and related experience is required.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Nova Scotia driver's license with a clean abstract.
• Experience operating landscape maintenance equipment (e.g., trucks, tractor, ride-on mower).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work at heights.
• Willingness to work overtime as required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain exterior grounds areas and clean‑up activities.
• Leaf clean‑up and preparation of flower beds for winter.
• Snow and ice control, salting and step/exit clearance.
• Plant, maintain flower/shrub beds and trees.
• Mow, roll, aerate lawns and replace sods.
• Move furniture and assist with exams setup as needed.
• Transport materials between campus buildings and sites.
• Collect recyclables and manage waste per program.
• Operate grounds vehicles and equipment safely.

Skills

Physical fitness

Valid driver’s license

Equipment operation

Overtime willingness

Teamwork

Job description

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our 18,800 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that’s celebrating 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

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