Parks Operator I

City of St. Catharines; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

OMERS pension plan with employer-mhrn

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Flexible hybrid work options

Job summary

The City of St. Catharines is seeking a temporary, full-time Cemetery Maintenance Worker to perform municipal cemetery maintenance and assist with burials, in accordance with by-laws and legislation.

You will operate equipment, maintain grounds, manage basic repairs, and provide strong customer service while working 40 hours per week at the St. Catharines location. A valid G license is required; DZ preferred.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 Diploma or GED is required or equivalent.
• Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture or Turf Management is preferred.
• Valid First Aid/CPR certification is required per WSIB rules.
• Valid Class G driver’s licence in good standing; DZ preferred.
• Knowledge of cemetery laws and safety regulations is an asset.
• Ability to meet physical demands and work in varying conditions.
• Strong customer service mindset and public service ethic.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office are assets.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment and vehicles to support cemetery and green space maintenance.
• Perform lawn care, edging, grave setup, and related duties.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and basic repairs on park equipment.
• Carry out general labour tasks and assist leadership in small teams.
• Ensure facility security, safety, and orderly operations; complete daily logs and reports.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public and staff as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Basic computer skills

Education

Grade 12 Diploma or GED

Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture or Turf Management

First Aid/CPR Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits. Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

About The Role

To perform the property maintenance activities of the Municipal cemetery operation. To assist with the preparation and execution of burials and work in compliance with the applicable by-laws and legislation.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate equipment and vehicles to support the maintenance of Municipal cemetery and green space, sample tasks include but are not limited to:
  • Lawn maintenance activities both around Municipal buildings and open green space;
  • trim and edge along walkways, trails, flower beds and parking lots;
  • line grave sites. Grave set up and grave reinstatement;
  • Lay plywood, move headstones, position casket lowering device on grave site;
  • Pick up and transport workers, parts, material, equipment and trailers as required.
• Preventative maintenance on and basic repairs to park equipment and facilities, sample tasks include but are not limited to:
  • Lubricate and add fluids to vehicle;
  • Repair and paint equipment and facilities, such as fences, gates and bleachers.
• General labour duties such as litter pick up, dig ditches to repair or lay drainage pipe, rake leaves, lay sod and other general property maintenance as required.
• Provide functional leadership of others in small groups to perform various general labour duties.
• Ensure security of facility: unlocking, locking, operating alarm systems and liaise with alarm companies when necessary.
• Ensure equipment is safe to operate, securely stored and practice good housekeeping of vehicle and work area.
• Provide excellent customer service; respond to needs of all customers and staff as required.
• Efficiently and accurately complete paperwork (e.g. daily performance logs, time sheets and accident reports).
• Perform other similar and related duties as required.

What's Required

• Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Certificate.
• Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture or Turf Management from a recognized instution or equivalent is preferred.
• Valid - Standard First Aid/CPR C Certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
• Valid, unrestricted Class "G" driver's licence held in good standing. Class "DZ" licence preferred.
• Knowledge of the Cemetery By-laws, Cemeteries Act and the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act would be an asset.
• Knowledge of the proper grave setup, grave opening and closing procedures, foundation layout, marker installation and lot layout procedures would be an asset.
• Formal training and experience with the Occupational Health and Safety Act in particular as it relates to maintenance and construction activities (e.g. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fall arrest, trench safety).
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture. Knowledge of the City of St. Catharines safety policies preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario Traffic Manual with emphasis on Book 7 preferred. Ability to safely setup traffic control in work zones during roadway or utility construction and maintenance operations.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job as described in the physical demands analysis (PDA).
• Availability to work flexible hours (e.g. working shifts for a 7 day, 24 hour operation, overtime, winter control).
• Effective time management skills and attention to detail with the ability to organize work to meet deadlines, multi-task and work independently in situations with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a strong sense of public service and cooperation, and well-developed abilities to deal with the public and citizens' groups.
• Basic computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office Suite an asset.

Job Details

Job ID: 2026-191

Pay Rate: $30.20

Hours: 40 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: In Person

Employee Group: CUPE Local 150

Position Type: Temporary, Full-time

Duration: Until November 13, 2026.

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Other Requirements

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver’s Licence

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It For You

Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.
• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.
• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.
• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
• Balance & Benefits: Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].