Site and Grounds Maintenance JRPH (SGE)

The Site and Grounds Maintenance JRPH (SGE) position is responsible for maintaining the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area grounds and site maintenance in exceptional condition and working in a safe manner as part of adhering to professional museum standards and in contributing to an outstanding visitor experience.

This position is classified as a ‘Special Grant Employee’ as the tasks associated with this position are funded in whole or in part through Federal and Provincial agency funding sources. The period of this contract is approximately May 11, 2026 through September 6, 2026 with specific hours and start date to be determined pending funding approval.  This position MAY require weekend work. This position may have opportunities for part-time work beyond the contract duration based on funding.

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 March 27, 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 museum buildings and conservation area grounds, facilities, shoreline, picnic areas, gardens, orchard, trails and parking areas

• Routine grass cutting, mulching, raking and trimming using power equipment such as weed whippers, lawn mowers and gardening tools

• Maintaining and watering heritage garden beds and orchard, including planting, harvesting, seed collection, and contributing information and images to the interpretive guides for these spaces

• Performs maintenance and minor repairs under the instruction of the Superintendent, Field Operations and/or the Curator/Education Coordinator including: conservation cleaning, painting, caulking, etc.

• Set up and take down of programme and/or rental equipment and organizing storage spaces for a variety of items

• Emptying garbage containers and collecting litter, as needed

• Routine light maintenance of grass cutting equipment (monitoring liquids, filters, etc.)

• Ensuring interior spaces are prepared for the next day by sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, tidying, wiping and washing surfaces in all buildings as required, as well as restocking disposables; adhering to sanitization protocols, as required.

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of park facilities, features and activities.

• Answering questions and provide helpful information to visitors, as required

• Reporting any damage or repairs required to Supervisor

• Assist with Conservation Area special events, exhibits and site rentals when required

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

  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility under the Canada Summer Jobs funding program, this position is open to applicants:

• between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,

• who have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

• Must be an Ontario resident and legally entitled to work in Canada

  
  

• A team player, with a positive attitude and the ability to multitask and set priorities.

• Previous landscaping, horticulture or handy-person experience. Carpentry and building maintenance experience is an asset.

• Experience with operating landscaping equipment (mower, trimmer, shovels, etc.), and using various hand tools and power equipment (drills, saws, sander, paint tools, caulking, etc.) would be considered an asset.

• Able to undertake and carry out a job with minimum supervision and have the ability to be resourceful

• Excellence in a customer service focused environment

• Strong interpersonal and follow-up skills

• 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 an asset

  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Job Duration:  Pending confirmation of funding; May 11, 2026 through September 6, 2026; 17 weeks x 30 hours per week with the possibility of extension of weekend hours into the fall 2026. Position is weather dependent and hours based on demand typically Monday through Friday with the ability 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 is required with prolonged standing/ walking, negotiation of obstacles, and bending or stooping; and carrying equipment, lifting up to 50lbs, 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.

  
  

Department:  Communication and Outreach Services

Union Affiliation: None

Job Status:   Special Grant Employee (SGE) position

Hours of Work:   Typically, up to 30 hours per week with specific hours to be determined pending funding approval. On demand, weather dependent.  Scheduled shifts may include weekends or holidays.

Posting Added Date: March 12, 2026

Posting Closing Date: March 27. 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: $18.10 per hour

Grade:  NBU/Core

Contact: Nicole Kupnicki, Human Resources Manager

This position is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

• 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.