Groundsperson

University of Waterloo; Canada; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Waterloo is seeking a Groundsperson to maintain campus grounds and common areas. You will perform landscape duties, assist with planting, pruning, mowing and seasonal tasks to ensure a safe, accessible and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Responsibilities include winter ice control, bed preparation, waste collection, and operating grounds equipment. A minimum of one year in landscaping and a clean driving record are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year of commercial landscaping experience.
• Ability to operate trimmers, mowers, blowers and hand tools.
• Maintain a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Perform landscape maintenance across assigned areas to keep campus esthetically pleasing and safe.
• Winter snow and ice control of doorways, steps and walkways with salting and shoveling.
• Mow, weed, mulch, prune, plant, transplant, and assist with sod installation.
• Year‑round waste handling and proper segregation; operate tools safely.
• Follow health and safety instructions and support campus activities as needed.

Skills

Equipment operation

Driver's license/abstract

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Trimmers

Mowers

Blowers

Hand tools

Job description

About the University

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.

We think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co‑op and work‑integrated learning at scale with impact. Learn more about Waterloo.

Job Details

• Job Requisition ID: 2026-03022
• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Group: Union
• Job Category: Plant Operations - Grounds
• Employment Type: Temporary
• Department: Facilities - Grounds Maintenance
• Hiring Range: $27.83
• Term: 4 months 3 roles available
• This position is being offered as a temporary contract.

Job Description: Primary Purpose

The Groundsperson performs specific landscape maintenance duties within assigned areas, contributing towards providing a safe and accessible, esthetically pleasing, functionally enriched and well‑maintained campus environment through service excellence.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Planning
  • Supports strategic planning efforts addressing stewardship responsibilities and long‑term sustainability of the University’s campus, facilities and infrastructure and maximizing opportunities for efficient delivery of campus services and optimal investments in university‑wide infrastructure.
• Operations
  • Follows set schedule and performs work within assigned areas, including but not limited to: Winter Snow and ice control of doorways, steps and walkways, including, salting, sanding, ice chipping, shoveling and operation of powered snow blowers
  • Spring/Fall/Summer Cutting grass with a self‑propelled commercial mower
  • Preparing flower beds for planting, including operating a rototiller, digging, raking and leaf collection
  • Weeding, mulching and raking
  • Light pruning and clipping of shrubs and bushes
  • Assist with laying sod, transplanting trees and bushes and the installation of hard and soft landscaping
  • Year‑Round Collecting, handling and disposing of appropriately segregated waste and recycle streams
  • Trash and litter pick‑up around grounds
  • Appropriately uses powered and non‑powered equipment and tools
  • Follows training provided and instructions received from Group Leader/Supervisory staff concerning occupational health and environmental safety
  • Maintenance duties may vary depending on assignment of campus area and planned campus activities

Health and Safety

In consideration of the University’s commitment to the safety and well‑being of all faculty, support staff, students, and visitors, responsible for ensuring University facilities and departmental activities are compliant with all applicable legislation, regulations, codes and standards related to facilities operations as well as occupational health and environmental safety. Active in health and safety and incident prevention by adhering to departmental policy, procedures and safe work practices required by the University health, safety, and environmental management systems (HSEMS), and in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation, developing and enhancing a safety culture among support staff.

Other

Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned and supports departmental activities.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school or equivalent

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year recent commercial landscaping experience. Work experience in major institutional sector(s), such as educational, post‑secondary institution

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Use of workplace materials and powered/non‑powered equipment and tools such as, trimmers, mowers, blowers and hand tools
• Maintain a clear driver’s abstract

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti‑racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources [e-mail] or 519‑888‑4567, ext.45935.

Internal candidates are reviewed first before external applicants are considered. Due to the volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.