Senior Conservation Area Technician, HBCA

The Senior Conservation Area Technician, Holiday Beach Conservation Area reports to the Superintendent, Field Operations and is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service and general maintenance at the Holiday Beach Conservation Area (HBCA) including small-scale and minor construction, landscaping, and maintenance of buildings and facilities.  This position trains and oversees the day-to-day work of seasonally hired staff and volunteers to complete work assignments in a cost-effective manner.

Holiday Beach Conservation Area is operated seasonally (mid-April through end-October) and this position is assigned to HBCA from but may be required to attend other ERCA sites during the course of duties. Compressed work weeks with weekend and holiday work is required.

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:

Facilities and Conservation Area Maintenance

• Assists in implementing maintenance and repair primarily on Holiday Beach Conservation Area grounds and trails in accordance with ERCA standards and procedures, including grass cutting, tree removal, maintenance of buildings, beach grooming, trail maintenance and other related maintenance duties. Tracks and reports any known deficiencies or future action items to the Superintendent, Field Operations and/or enters maintenance data into any required maintenance information system.

• Coordinates daily pre-inspections of HBCA and undertakes required minor maintenance to ensure safety of the public, volunteers and staff, in accordance with ERCA policies and procedures.

• Responsible for the inventory, security, and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, workshop and washroom/cottage/laundry supplies, and tools.

• Procures and purchases low threshold/value consumable supplies, in accordance with ERCA policies and procedures and demonstrates good judgement when making purchases. 

• Directs, coordinates, and supervises contract and special grant employees or Conservation Area Technicians, as assigned, receiving day-to-day instruction including, providing training in the safe use of equipment and vehicles, as assigned.

• Demonstrates and upholds safe operating procedures and work quality standards to ensure that employees are operating efficiently and effectively in the daily performance of duties.

• Recommends improvements for the efficient operation, maintenance, and development of Holiday Beach to Superintendent of Field Operations and Director, Conservation Services.

  
  

HBCA Programs 

• On-site contact for Seasonal Campers, HBCA Cottage, and other Conservation Area rentals (i.e. weddings, private functions, Group Camping, etc.). Duties primarily relate to site maintenance issues and availability and safety of facilities and do not extend to financial issues or rental agreements/contracts.

• Receives and responds to complaints/inquiries from public on day-to-day basis.

• Works in collaboration with members of Community Outreach and Education teams during events and initiatives that drive visitors to the Conservation Area.

• Works in collaboration with members of Corporate Services and escalates and notifies same, to facilitate positive customer relationships and transactions, when contractual and financial-related issues are raised.

  
  

Enforcement under Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act

• Implements and applies appropriate level of enforcement action, including issuance of tickets, to observed violations under Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act, primarily relating to prohibited behaviour occurring in the park and other conservation areas.

• Completes daily logs and incident reports and escalates issues to Superintendent, Field Operations, Director Conservation Services, and others, as necessary.

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

  
  

MINIMUM SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary diploma in any related discipline, such as Construction, Engineering, Landscape, Horticulture, Facilities/Property Management, or Environmental Resources plus five (5) years’ experience in landscaping/property maintenance or construction industries or a combination of education and experience that is deemed acceptable to the employer.

• Prior experience in managing seasonal campground, familiarity with hunting programs, and program development and implementation, is a preferred qualification.

• Eligible for appointment as a Provincial Offences Officer as prescribed under Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Police Record Check (Criminal) is a requirement.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct day-to-day diverse work activities of a team.

• Excellent organization, problem solving, prioritization skills, including effective communication (verbal and written), and customer service skills.

• Experience operating tractors with implements, all-terrain vehicles, commercial mowing equipment, earth moving equipment (i.e., bobcats, backhoes, excavators, etc.) and other landscaping equipment.

• Ability to apply sound judgement and respond appropriately when approaching and addressing campers and site visitors with regard to addressing, resolving, or escalating concerns or inquiries.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to utilize any information systems, as may be required by the Employer, from time to time.

• Valid Class “A” Restricted Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of commencement in role.

• Valid certificates required include First Aid/CPR, Working at Heights/Fall Arrest, Book 7/Traffic Control, Chain Saw certificates.

  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Compressed work weeks (i.e., three 10-hour shifts in week one and four 10-hour shifts in week two) totaling 70 hours biweekly. Weekend and holiday work is required with occasional schedule changes and overtime on short notice.

• Hazards and Risks: Requires frequent work with construction hand tools, electric and gas-powered tools, landscaping equipment and driving a wide range of construction vehicles, including towing of trailers. Potential exposure to hazard trees, noxious vegetation, and stinging/biting insects. May encounter unlawful and/or prohibited activities occurring in conservation areas, requiring enforcement action. May encounter aggressive and/or intoxicated campers, guests, and day-use visitors.

• Environmental conditions: Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions, with potential exposure to significant heat and cold, requiring prolonged standing/walking, negotiation of obstacles, and bending or stooping. Work is periodically performed in proximity to water. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs.

  
  

Department:                Conservation Services

Union Affiliation:         CUPE Local 3784

Job Status:                   Permanent (with potential for seasonal layoff), Vacant

Hours of Work:            Typically, 70 hours biweekly (compressed shifts; includes weekend work)

Posting Added Date:   January 12, 2026

Posting Closing Date:  January 30, 2026

Posting Closing Time:  12:00 pm

Positions to Fill:            One (1)

Progress Status:           Receiving Applications

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

Wage Rate:                   $29.28 per hour (2026 Starting Rate with regular, scheduled increases)

Grade:                           2

Contact:                        Nicole Kupnicki, Manager, Human Resources & Council Services

• 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.