Seasonal Locks Master
Top Benefits
About the role
The District Municipality of Muskoka is currently recruiting for a
Locks Master
Posting Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Closing Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 @ 12:00 NOON
Starting Rate: $32.22 hourly
Salary Range: $32.22 - $35.11 hourly
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
Classification: CUPE Outside Class 7
Status: Temporary full-time (up to 8 months)
This job posting is for an existing vacancy, and it is also being posted internally.
The District:
Muskoka is a great place to live and play, and the District is a four-season municipality passionate about
protecting, servicing and caring for this community. We have opportunities that will allow you to learn, grow and
build your career amongst other ambitious leaders and innovators. We offer a competitive compensation
package and are committed to promoting diversity, accessibility and inclusion. It’s what we do!
The Opportunity:
The Locks Master supervises seasonal Locks staff and participates in the day-to-day operations and
maintenance of the Port Carling Locks/ Lift bridge and the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge to facilitate the passage
of vessels through the locks, and the maintenance and upkeep of the surrounding facilities, landscaping and
parks. This position is also responsible for the oversight of general contractors, service providers and external
agencies.
What you will do:
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations, service and condition of the Port Carling Locks, Indian River
Bridge, James Bartleman Park and the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge and all related facilities, liaising with
District staff, other municipal staff and various stakeholders to ensure efficient operations
- Supervise and distribute work to assigned locks staff, providing input to management on work schedules
- Assist in developing standard operating procedures, as well as training staff on the same
- Train all staff to operate the locks, bridges and traffic gates at locks by using electrical/manual controls
- Regulate lock water levels by starting and stopping pumps, opening and closing valves, etc.
- Determine when to initiate action and the methods used to lower water levels (i.e. pumping, sluicing, etc.)
to ensure that water levels are maintained within predetermined standards
- Establish the order and number of vessels passing through locks to ensure the safety of crews and vessels
as well as utilizing the public address system and marine radio equipment to control boats and traffic
- Assist in the acquisition of required materials, equipment, parts and services and in the preparation of work
schedules and documentation for the billing of third parties.
- Maintain records and logs legibly and in detail, as required utilizing appropriate software and formats
- Make minor mechanical repairs to machinery and equipment used in the operation of the locks and
bridges; make recommendations on major repairs based on a strong understanding of the
mechanical/electrical works
- Ensure contractor compliance with the terms and conditions of contract tenders and RFQ documents
- Compile reports and maintain records pertaining to facility maintenance
- Manage customer enquiries, complaints and service requests with a high degree of customer service skill
- Oversee cash transactions with patrons and process daily reconciliation and deposits
- Oversee permit process for the park and work with permit holders to ensure event success
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies when required
- Enforce by-laws with regards to facility usage and payment of scheduled rates
- Assist in the compilation and review of annual budgets, RFQ documents, tenders and quotations and
advise management on capital cost needs, providing input of future repairs and replacement of
infrastructure
- Load and unload equipment and/ or supplies and ensure they are properly inventoried in the facilities
- Perform other duties such as cleaning locks and operator’s house by sweeping, picking up litter, washing
windows, cleaning furniture, raking, gardening etc.
- Accountable for the safety and security of employees and facilities and ensure that employees work safely
and in compliance with the relevant statutes and regulations and with the safe work procedures and
directives as established by the District.
- Undertake on-call duties, as required
What you will need:
• Grade 12 education and five (5) years of related experience OR graduation from a two (2) year community
college in an engineering or related program with 1-2 years previous experience in a similar field.
- Must be able to complete physically demanding work, including work in an outdoor environment
- A sound knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems as well as hydraulics and proficiency with
computers and related programs
- Proven Supervisory and organizational skills; initiative to be able to work with minimal supervision
- Excellent customer service skills; interacting with the public and ability to provide information and resolve
issues that may arise, in a professional manner
- Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook
- First Aid Certification would be an asset, coupled with working knowledge of the Occupational Health and
Safety Act requirements; OTM Book 7 and WHMIS
-
This role entails shift work and will be required to work some weekends and evenings
-
Must hold a valid Ontario (G) driver’s license
What we are offering:
The District is proud to offer the following benefits with this job:
-
OMERS pension
-
Work-life flexibility
-
Perks and discounts
-
Wellness programs
-
Fostering and fun environment
-
Professional development and education opportunities
-
Pay range progression based on length of time in the job and satisfactory performance
The Next Step
If you have the necessary skills, experience and qualifications, and can support our vision and values (RISE:
Respect, Innovation, Service and Equity), submit your application using the apply now link below.
APPLY NOW or visit our careers page for other opportunities.
The District of Muskoka is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce, encouraging applications from all
qualified individuals. Our organization is committed to providing persons with disabilities with equal opportunities and standards of
goods and services, and we are compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require disability related
accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources department as soon as possible.
Accommodation may be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Any questions regarding this posting should be directed to the
Human Resources Department.
About The District Municipality of Muskoka
The District Municipality of Muskoka is an upper tier municipality located on the edge of the Canadian Shield, 90 minutes north of the City of Toronto. Interspersed throughout this area of rich natural heritage characterized by clear lakes, granite outcroppings and lush forests are vibrant towns and villages. Tourism and recreational lifestyle development form the basis of the economy and the planning challenges that face this 1,600 square mile region. The District Municipality of Muskoka includes 3 urban centres (Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville) and 3 townships (Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes, and Georgian Bay).
Seasonal Locks Master
Top Benefits
About the role
The District Municipality of Muskoka is currently recruiting for a
Locks Master
Posting Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Closing Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 @ 12:00 NOON
Starting Rate: $32.22 hourly
Salary Range: $32.22 - $35.11 hourly
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
Classification: CUPE Outside Class 7
Status: Temporary full-time (up to 8 months)
This job posting is for an existing vacancy, and it is also being posted internally.
The District:
Muskoka is a great place to live and play, and the District is a four-season municipality passionate about
protecting, servicing and caring for this community. We have opportunities that will allow you to learn, grow and
build your career amongst other ambitious leaders and innovators. We offer a competitive compensation
package and are committed to promoting diversity, accessibility and inclusion. It’s what we do!
The Opportunity:
The Locks Master supervises seasonal Locks staff and participates in the day-to-day operations and
maintenance of the Port Carling Locks/ Lift bridge and the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge to facilitate the passage
of vessels through the locks, and the maintenance and upkeep of the surrounding facilities, landscaping and
parks. This position is also responsible for the oversight of general contractors, service providers and external
agencies.
What you will do:
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations, service and condition of the Port Carling Locks, Indian River
Bridge, James Bartleman Park and the Port Sandfield Swing Bridge and all related facilities, liaising with
District staff, other municipal staff and various stakeholders to ensure efficient operations
- Supervise and distribute work to assigned locks staff, providing input to management on work schedules
- Assist in developing standard operating procedures, as well as training staff on the same
- Train all staff to operate the locks, bridges and traffic gates at locks by using electrical/manual controls
- Regulate lock water levels by starting and stopping pumps, opening and closing valves, etc.
- Determine when to initiate action and the methods used to lower water levels (i.e. pumping, sluicing, etc.)
to ensure that water levels are maintained within predetermined standards
- Establish the order and number of vessels passing through locks to ensure the safety of crews and vessels
as well as utilizing the public address system and marine radio equipment to control boats and traffic
- Assist in the acquisition of required materials, equipment, parts and services and in the preparation of work
schedules and documentation for the billing of third parties.
- Maintain records and logs legibly and in detail, as required utilizing appropriate software and formats
- Make minor mechanical repairs to machinery and equipment used in the operation of the locks and
bridges; make recommendations on major repairs based on a strong understanding of the
mechanical/electrical works
- Ensure contractor compliance with the terms and conditions of contract tenders and RFQ documents
- Compile reports and maintain records pertaining to facility maintenance
- Manage customer enquiries, complaints and service requests with a high degree of customer service skill
- Oversee cash transactions with patrons and process daily reconciliation and deposits
- Oversee permit process for the park and work with permit holders to ensure event success
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies when required
- Enforce by-laws with regards to facility usage and payment of scheduled rates
- Assist in the compilation and review of annual budgets, RFQ documents, tenders and quotations and
advise management on capital cost needs, providing input of future repairs and replacement of
infrastructure
- Load and unload equipment and/ or supplies and ensure they are properly inventoried in the facilities
- Perform other duties such as cleaning locks and operator’s house by sweeping, picking up litter, washing
windows, cleaning furniture, raking, gardening etc.
- Accountable for the safety and security of employees and facilities and ensure that employees work safely
and in compliance with the relevant statutes and regulations and with the safe work procedures and
directives as established by the District.
- Undertake on-call duties, as required
What you will need:
• Grade 12 education and five (5) years of related experience OR graduation from a two (2) year community
college in an engineering or related program with 1-2 years previous experience in a similar field.
- Must be able to complete physically demanding work, including work in an outdoor environment
- A sound knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems as well as hydraulics and proficiency with
computers and related programs
- Proven Supervisory and organizational skills; initiative to be able to work with minimal supervision
- Excellent customer service skills; interacting with the public and ability to provide information and resolve
issues that may arise, in a professional manner
- Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook
- First Aid Certification would be an asset, coupled with working knowledge of the Occupational Health and
Safety Act requirements; OTM Book 7 and WHMIS
-
This role entails shift work and will be required to work some weekends and evenings
-
Must hold a valid Ontario (G) driver’s license
What we are offering:
The District is proud to offer the following benefits with this job:
-
OMERS pension
-
Work-life flexibility
-
Perks and discounts
-
Wellness programs
-
Fostering and fun environment
-
Professional development and education opportunities
-
Pay range progression based on length of time in the job and satisfactory performance
The Next Step
If you have the necessary skills, experience and qualifications, and can support our vision and values (RISE:
Respect, Innovation, Service and Equity), submit your application using the apply now link below.
APPLY NOW or visit our careers page for other opportunities.
The District of Muskoka is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce, encouraging applications from all
qualified individuals. Our organization is committed to providing persons with disabilities with equal opportunities and standards of
goods and services, and we are compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require disability related
accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources department as soon as possible.
Accommodation may be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Any questions regarding this posting should be directed to the
Human Resources Department.
About The District Municipality of Muskoka
The District Municipality of Muskoka is an upper tier municipality located on the edge of the Canadian Shield, 90 minutes north of the City of Toronto. Interspersed throughout this area of rich natural heritage characterized by clear lakes, granite outcroppings and lush forests are vibrant towns and villages. Tourism and recreational lifestyle development form the basis of the economy and the planning challenges that face this 1,600 square mile region. The District Municipality of Muskoka includes 3 urban centres (Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville) and 3 townships (Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes, and Georgian Bay).