Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Assistant (TERM)

The Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Assistant (TERM) position will help undertake the daily maintenance program of Conservation Authority buildings and lands and restoration work on ERCA-owed property, municipal or private lands.  Various projects include grounds and trail maintenance, building and facilities maintenance, and restoration activities such as invasive species removal. Other duties may include garbage collection, cleaning, general maintenance and painting, and other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Superintendent Field Operations.

This is a ‘Term’ position as the tasks associated with this position are for a limited term and will not exceed one thousand, two hundred (1,200) hours in any period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months.

Term of Contract:  Start mid-April through November 2026

On Demand, typically 35-40 hours per week Monday-Friday. *May include alternate days/times based on weather and/or business needs. This position may require weekend or evening work.

This position offers the option to participate in an OMERS pension plan, flexible personal paid time off, access to an Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) and a contract completion bonus.

To Apply:

1. Send your resume and cover letter in ONE document (Word or PDF format only) to careers@erca.org by no later than 12:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026.

2. Note the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

   
   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily maintenance of grounds, facilities, beaches, picnic areas, and trails.

• Routine grass cutting and trimming using power equipment such as weed whippers and lawn mowers, and routine maintenance of grass cutting/trimming equipment.

• Empty garbage containers and collecting litter as needed.

• Ensure interior spaces are prepared for the next day by mopping, tidying, wiping, and washing surfaces in all facilities as well as restocking disposables.

• Driving a truck and towing a landscaping trailer to transport zero turn mowers and other necessary equipment to various conservation areas and job sites, in a safe and responsible manner.

• Assist in public tree hand-out or other community events.

• Hand planting and machine planting of native seed mixes, seedlings, and large stock trees on private, municipal and conservation lands.

• Answer questions and provide helpful information to visitors as required.

• Report any hazards or damage to Supervisor, utilizing incident reports or other reporting mechanisms.

• Assist other staff when required to do so in various conservation area properties and other worksites.

• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities consistent with the position as required.

  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with landscaping equipment is required and experience operating hand-tools is preferred.

• Able to undertake and carry out a variety of job-related tasks with a minimum of supervision.

• Excellent customer-focused orientation with the ability to answer simple inquires and/or direct to an appropriate individual.

• Able to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a larger team.

• Driving is a bona fide occupational requirement and must possess a class “G” Drivers License valid in Ontario. Experience safely operating a vehicle and pulling a trailer, preferred.

• Moderate to heavy lifting (50 lbs) and ability to perform physically demanding tasks is required.

• Provide own CSA Safety boots, rain gear, meals.

• Valid First Aid Certificate is considered an asset.

  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily performed outdoors and  undertaken based on weather and project requirements. Typical work week is on demand up to 40 hours per week including weekend work and potential for extended hours April – June. Incumbents must be available to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Occasional schedule changes and overtime on short notice. This position may be subject to temporary layoff due to shortage of work and/or business interruptions.

• Environmental conditions:  Regular outdoor work requires prolonged standing/ walking or sitting on mowers, negotiation of obstacles, and bending or stooping; and carrying equipment, with exposure to inclement weather, heat and cold, biting insects and poisonous plants such as poison ivy.

• Hazards and Risks:  Exposure to a variety household cleaning products that may cause eye/skin/respiratory irritation and allergens. Biological hazards that may include infections pathogens, bacteria, fungi or mold from insects, birds, plants, animals and humans. Slips, trips and falls on wet floors and uneven surfaces. Ergonomic hazards with bending, lifting, reaching, etc. Hazards related to operation of landscaping equipment and hand tools includes pinch/crush/wrap/pull points, thrown objects, cutting/shearing, hot surfaces, etc.

  
  

Department:                 Conservation Services

Union Affiliation:          None

Job Status:                    TERM position; Vacant

Hours of Work:             On demand, weather dependent.  Typically, 35-40 hours per week. May include weekends and holidays.

Posting Added Date:    January 12, 2026

Posting Closing Date:   January 30, 2026

Posting Closing Time:  12:00 pm

Positions to Fill:            Two (2)

Progress Status:            Receiving Applications

Office Location:            360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 311, Essex, ON N8M 1Y6

Wage Rate:                   $21.30 per hour

Grade:                          NBU/Intermediate Skills

Contact:                       Nicole Kupnicki, Human Resources Manager

• ERCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace.

• We thank all applicants in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not utilized in the recruitment process to sort, screen or assess potential applicants.

• We are pleased to accommodate any individual needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation throughout the hiring process, please contact HR 519-981-4469 to make your needs known in advance.