Parks and Trails Technician (Temporary, Full-Time)

The Corporation of the City of St Thomas; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 99,187,000 - 103,320,000; Full time

Job summary

The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas – Parks and Recreation Department seeks a Parks and Trails Technician for a temporary, full-time role (up to 12 months).

Reports to Supervisor of Parks and Forestry; 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, with overtime and on-call as required; location variations across City locations. Responsibilities include maintenance of parks and trail systems, operation of light equipment, supervising seasonal staff, and adherence to safety regulations; requires a 2-year

Qualifications

• A minimum accredited 2-year College Diploma in Horticulture / Landscape Technician.
• Two years of horticulture experience including leadership to plan and coordinate crews.
• Strong plant knowledge and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication with staff and public; competent with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute small-scale landscaping and maintain grounds and landscapes across city areas.
• Inspect and report issues on the recreational trail system; assist with snow removal and salting.
• Operate light vehicles and maintenance equipment per City policies.
• Direct seasonal staff and provide training in policies and practices.

Skills

Parks maintenance

Leadership

Communication

Computer literacy

Driver's Licence

Education

2-year College Diploma in Horticulture / Landscape Technician

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Job description

Parks and Trails Technician (Temporary, Full-Time)

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 21, 2026 at 4:00 a.m. | Expires Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 3:59 a.m.

The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas - Parks and Recreation Department

has an existing opening for the following position:

PARKS AND TRAILS TECHNICIAN

Temporary, Full-Time (Up to 12 Months)

Job Posting #1262-08-26

Reports to

Supervisor of Parks and Forestry

Location

Various City locations

Hours

40 hours/week; Monday to Friday, Overtime and On-Call as required.

Union Affiliation

CUPE Local 35

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Parks and Forestry, the Parks and Trails Technician maintains and repairs the municipal parks and trail systems both directly and through service contracts to ensure a high standard as well as safe use of the facilities and amenities by the public; also performs a variety of activities involved in the maintenance of related facilities and City infrastructure. Participates in arboriculture practices and provides technical direction and guidance to temporary seasonal staff.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and executes small scale landscaping operations and maintains grounds and landscapes of cul-de-sacs, turn courts, walkways, SWMP and the Pinafore Park Memory Garden.
• Performs seasonal maintenance of the City’s recreational trail system including regular inspections, documentation and reporting of issues to Supervisor. (ie. winter snow removal and salting, removal of debris, litter and the reporting of vandalism).
• Responsible and accountable for general maintenance, cleanup duties and check lists associated with various City owned lands and facilities.
• Operates light vehicles, commercial mowers, tractors, small grass cutting/hedge trimming machinery, power tools, and other specialized seasonal maintenance equipment assigned by the Supervisor in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Participates in pruning of shrubs and trees in the maintenance of garden features.
• Liaises with industry professional on projects and oversees work of contractors.
• Assists with pesticide use within an integrated pest management program.
• Participates in the propagation, care and cultivation of annuals, perennials and related plant material.
• Participates in the maintenance of the Parks and Athletic Fields including horticulture maintenance, turf maintenance, building maintenance and the use of related equipment.
• Participates in all Health & Safety requirements as deemed necessary by the Corporation in the carrying out of duties as well as any legislated training/certification required to perform duties within the position classification.
• Maintains accurate records and logs of maintenance performed. Completes additional forms, work orders, reports and documents, as required.
• Directs seasonal staff including assigning, scheduling and verifying onsite work, providing training in departmental and horticultural policies and practices.
• Performs other such related duties, responsibilities and functions as may be assigned.

Note: The major tasks and responsibilities outlined above are representative but not all-inclusive. All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition. This position must be compliant with all provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, related to “Duties of a Supervisor” and “Duties of a Worker.”

Education/Experience/Skill

Qualifications

A minimum accredited 2-year College Diploma in Horticulture / Landscape Technician.

Experience

Two (2) years’ experience in the field of horticulture including leadership experience to plan, organize, direct and coordinate work of crews.

Knowledge/Skill/Abilities

• Good knowledge of plant materials and the ability to propagate and grow a wide variety of plants for the beautification of park areas.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and the general public as well as the ability to work with limited supervision to meet goals efficiently.
• Ability to arrange, plant and maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees according to the best horticultural methods and to achieve an attractive appearance.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally and courteously with all levels of staff, contractors and the general public (both verbally and in writing).
• Must be computer literate including knowledge of Microsoft Office software Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to exchange information, receive and understand instructions.
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Highway Traffic Act.

Driver’s Licence

Must possess a valid “G” Ontario Driver’s Licence and access to reliable transportation

Other

• Chainsaw Certification
• Working at Heights Certification is considered an asset
• Corporate Orientation and Health & Safety Training
• Valid First Aid/CPR
• Satisfactory Police Records Check

Working Conditions

• Required to work in all weather conditions and varying temperatures.
• Must be physically capable of performing duties including lifting, loading/unloading, digging, shoveling, raking and climbing ladders.
• Possible exposure to hazardous materials.
• Required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work and participate in the rotational weekend stand-by call period.

Remuneration

$34.98 per hour (2026 rate), plus 4% vacation pay.

Applications must be received no later than Friday September 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas.

Our hiring process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.