Parks Maintenance; Watering Shift - Students

2026 Parks Maintenance (Watering Shift) - Students Job Description

Posted Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. | Expires Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 4:59 a.m.

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS

2026 SUMMER HIRING

Parks Maintenance (Watering Shift) - Students

4 Month Term approx. April 27, 2026 up to September 4, 2026

Applications must be received no later than January 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Division/Department:
Parks & Forestry/Parks & Recreation

Reports to:

Supervisor of Parks & Forestry

Location:

Various City Locations

Hours:

40 hours/week
Union Affiliation:
CUPE Local 35

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Parks and Forestry or designate, provides ongoing maintenance of parks systems and amenities, playgrounds, sports courts and fields to approved operational standards from April/May to Labour Day weekend annually.

Watering Shift: Ea
rly-morning watering of annuals, hanging baskets, planters, and landscaped areas throughout the City.

• Successful candidates will start approx. April 27, 2026 performing the additional duties and responsibilities below.
• Commencing mid June, watering shifts will be every other day including weekends and holidays beginning at 4:00 a.m. additional day shifts will be added over the two week schedule to accumulate 80 hours per pay period. Sufficient notice will be given as to the start of the watering shifts.
• The fill in day shifts can be flexible however the scheduled watering shifts cannot fluctuate.
• All watering shifts are performed in two-person teams. Students will be paired with a designated partner for safety and route efficiency.

• Participates in grass cutting and trimming and the operation of gas-powered handheld equipment (i.e. Leaf blowers, hedge trimmers).
• Assists with the clearing of brush and trees, as required.
• Responsible for planting, pruning, weeding and watering City maintained gardens, planter baskets, trees, shrubs and hanging baskets.
• Empties garbage cans and picks up litter in and around municipal facilities, parks, trails and walkways.
• Performs janitorial duties, including cleaning and supplying outdoor washrooms, change rooms, shelters, splash pad areas, and other park facilities.
• Assists with preparation and maintenance of sports fields and courts, including dragging baseball diamonds, lining fields, setting bases, inspecting nets, and performing minor repairs.
• Works as support staff to assist with special events (set ups and take downs).
• Assists in the clean-up of encampments on City property, following established City procedures and always under supervisory direction.
• Reports hazards, vandalism, maintenance needs, and unusual occurrences to supervisory staff.
• Provides courteous customer service promoting compliance with park rules and regulations and refers complaints to supervisory staff.
• 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 carry out activities.
• Performs other such related duties, responsibilities and functions as may be assigned.

• Minimum Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be registered full-time in an accredited Post Secondary School Program preferably in a related field.

• Experience in parks maintenance, landscaping, horticulture and facilities is an asset.
• Experience operating various small equipment (i.e. push mower, weed eater, hedge trimmer, etc.) is an
  asset.
• Experience operating larger equipment such as riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, tractor-mounted
  implements, and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) is an asset.
• Experience with naturalized areas, invasive species removal, or environmental stewardship is an asset.

• Knowledge of operating standards for the maintenance of parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and forestry operations.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate parks and road related equipment.
• Ability to accurately follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact…