Deadline to Apply: October 27, 2025

APC - CUPE Local 500

Permanent, Full-Time

About Assiniboine Park Conservancy

Creating the future vision for one of Winnipeg’s most prized treasures, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) located at 55 Pavilion Crescent in Winnipeg is the not-for-profit organization that oversees Assiniboine Park’s operations and ensures its ongoing redevelopment and financial viability. Our team is inspired to create and deliver extraordinary experiences for the people who visit and use the Park and Zoo including building friendly, supportive, effective relationships with stakeholders, community and the general public.

The Opportunity

We are seeking one (1) full-time, Equipment Operator who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of equipment for the maintenance of the grounds across the zoo; maintaining the highest quality standards required of a public park.

The incumbent will perform skilled grounds and equipment operation work in areas including pathways and roadways throughout the zoo and animal exhibits. Responsibilities include: snow removal, sweep up debris, keep the ground free of litter, removal of manure and bedding, and perform related duties as required. The incumbent may be required to work with other horticulture and zoo teams to ensure lawns are mowed, hedges are trimmed, trees and shrubs are pruned, and materials are distributed across the park.

Responsibilities

• Operate power equipment, hand tools, and large vehicles associated with ground maintenance and landscaping activities.
• Daily operation of mowing and/or plowing equipment.
• Operate medium equipment including skid steers, loaders, bobcats, backhoes, commercial lawnmowers and other equipment as required.
• Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment; inspect and troubleshoot equipment; document mechanical issues and problems.
• Maintain turf by ensuring ongoing mowing, fertilization, watering and aeration is completed to allow for optimal turf health.
• Implement pesticide application regime as required.
• Conduct season-end clean-up and winterization of gardens and fields.
• Prune plants, fertilize, stake, irrigate, and remove dead plants using appropriate techniques.
• Rake leaves, sweep sidewalks and pathways; pick up garbage and debris throughout the Park.
• Remove snow from roads, sidewalks, parking lots and other areas; sand and/or apply anti-slip products as required.
• Repair paver and asphalt as required.
• Install and remove signs as required.
• Monitor and maintain duck pond.
• Create and maintain safe skating surfaces.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Remove manure and bedding.
• Distribute zoo keeping supplies and materials.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A high school diploma and/or GED equivalent and be able to demonstrate good knowledge of small and large grounds maintenance equipment.
• A minimum of 2 years performing specialized seasonal labourer – grounds work or previous turf experience using a variety of landscape, earth, and snow moving equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency on a skid steer loader and ride-on commercial lawn equipment with a minimum of 300 hours operating skid steers or similar medium duty equipment.
• Competence in hooking up, loading and unloading, driving and backing up with a trailer.
• Must possess a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Basic technology and computer skills.
• Ability to obtain a valid Manitoba Pesticide Applicators License
• Knowledge of turf maintenance practices and snow clearing techniques.
• A combination of work experience, education and additional medium duty equipment certification/courses may be considered.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Physically demanding and repetitive tasks.
• Must be able to perform physically strenuous work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Combination of sitting, standing, pushing, lifting, kneeling and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently handling heavy loads of up to 45-50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull 50-250 lbs.
• Noise exposure from operations, mechanical equipment and animal vocalizations.
• Exposure to strong scents from animals and chemical products.
• Contact with plants and animals which may cause allergic reactions.
• Long hours operating equipment may cause fatigue.
• Occasional contact with fertilizers and pesticides, fuel, oil and grease, and animal feces

APC Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment Equity may be a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, racialized minorities, women and persons with disabilities.

Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.