Parks Foreperson 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor, Parks Services and Horticulture, the Parks Foreperson is responsible for the on-the-job training, direction and coordination of work crews, scheduling activities related to performing various repairs and maintenance tasks of municipals parks, properties and open spaces.  

The Foreperson will also take the lead role in Winter Maintenance operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Use Maximo to plan, assign and organize work crews, equipment and contractors in the daily maintenance and repair of the City's park infrastructure and winter maintenance activities 
• Receive and investigate emergency and other calls using the Access Citizen Request program regarding the City's infrastructure and maintenance activities and carry out authorized remedial action 
• Train staff on the job 
• Maintain up-to-date records of work performed and maintain daily work records of roads maintenance activities completed by staff and contractors 
• Plan daily work schedules and schedule of staff and contractors 
• Monitor adherence to requirements of Hours of Work 
• Maintain cost control within the section based on approved budgets 
• Coordinate with other departments for new construction, system expansion, system controls and system planning as required 
• Submit reports regarding injury investigations, equipment, property and hired equipment damage 
• Investigate and report on the condition of the City’s horticulture assets and other related infrastructure together with recommendations for remedial action.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, City policies, procedures and practices and report any contravention 
• Communicate on a regular basis with supervisory staff and residents on any related parks operations issues
• Inspect and document and observe operations to track the quality of work and maintenance levels.
• Take or recommend correct action when standards are not being met
• Maintain inventories and provide input in the development of the annual budget process and work plans
• Respond to emergency situations (during and after hours)
• Assist other sections as required
• Available for summer and winter standby
• Other duties as assigned 

Duties and Responsibilities Cont'd (if applicable)

Education and Experience

• College Diploma in Horticulture or a related discipline
• Land Exterminator License Type 60, Class 2 Landscape
• Standard First Aid and CPR Certificates
• 5 years’ experience maintaining parks and open spaces
• Hold knowledge of plant identification, horticulture design, pruning and general plant maintenance

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory capacity in an unionized environment
• Can be depended on to provide work to other employees on a daily basis within a safe environment
• Experience with plant health care and integrated pest management
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel 
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 
• An accomplished team player
• Demonstrated excellent analytical, organizational, problem solving and written, oral communications skills 
• Ability to deal effectively with tact, courtesy, discretion and diplomacy with all levels of staff and the public 
• Physically capable of performing duties under adverse conditions
• Ontario Class "DZ" Driver’s License in good standing and must provide a satisfactory current Drivers Abstract from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
• Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities
• Shares new ideas and challenges the status quo
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with honesty, openness, respect, and trust
• Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing
• Contributes to building and being a part of a positive culture
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and service

Leadership Competencies