Our City, Our Future

St. John's is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John’s is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John's and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John’s a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

Join our Public Works team at the City of St. John’s as a Foreperson. This full-time, permanent role works with the Parks and Open Spaces Division in summer and the Roads Division in winter.

In summer, you will help lead a team that maintains parks, sport fields, and open spaces. In winter, you will help support snow and ice control. You will report to the Operations Supervisor for the division you are working with each season.

Parks and Open Spaces Division

• Lead and support staff involved with horticultural maintenance.
• Review and follow landscape plans for new projects and upgrades.
• Manage the turf maintenance program.
• Plan and check work in playgrounds, parks, open spaces, and trails, including mowing, cleaning, and small upgrades.

Roads Divisions

• Directs staff and equipment to maintain and repair streets and sidewalks, including snow and ice control.

Accountabilities

Supervision and Coordination

• Supervise, direct, and deploy staff and equipment.
• Schedule work and workforce for maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Be familiar with the infrastructure and equipment assigned to the Foreperson.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure work site safety, conduct toolbox talks, and understand supervisory

responsibilities under OH&S regulations and procedures.

• Ensure necessary permits and traffic control plans are in place for safe work sites. Notify the public of traffic interruptions as per Division policy.
• Understand and implement the Collective Agreement where applicable.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate and cooperate with City personnel, contractors, the public, and public utilities as required.
• Submit written and verbal reports, maintain a daily journal.
• Maintain computerized database and complaints systems information.

Inspection and Maintenance

• Inspect and maintain all property and works, considering weather impacts on City

infrastructure. Document results.

• Ensure availability of equipment and materials for maintenance activities or repairs.
• Conduct inspections, investigations, prepare reports and recommend corrective actions as required.

Flexibility and Responsiveness

• Respond to emergency callouts at any time, as per City or Division procedures.
• Be willing to work extended shifts and take on tasks to balance the team workload.
• Perform other duties as needed.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications Education and Experience

• High school diploma with post-secondary education in environmental studies, park maintenance, horticulture, arboriculture, landscape construction, civil engineering technology or related field.
• Minimum of five years supervisory or leadership experience in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape or parkland maintenance.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation and experience in snow and ice control are assets.

Skills And Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically with others.
• Strong prioritization, multitasking, and troubleshooting skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software.

Knowledge and Compliance

• Understanding of WHSCC Legislation, Highway Traffic Act, Occupational Health and

Safety Act and Regulations, and Human Rights Legislation.

Licensing and Training

• Valid Class 5 Driver's License required; willingness to obtain a Class 3 Driver's License with air brake endorsement shortly after hiring.
• Prepared to complete additional training for other classes and endorsements.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Working Conditions

This position requires outdoor work and could involve responding to severe weather conditions such as flooding, winter events, and windstorms. Extended periods of shift work and extensive overtime. Travel throughout the City is required to visit work sites and developments while working near high traffic zones and often in adverse conditions.

These positions are classified as safety sensitive. The City of St. John’s has a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Policy to ensure fitness for work and the completion of a satisfactory alcohol and drug test is a mandatory pre-employment requirement.

Hours of Work

Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm

Shift work is required during winter season.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community's diversity.