Job ID: 2026-35 Job Type: Full-time Bargaining Unit Job Status: Open Vacancy Location: Niagara Falls, ON (On-site) Compensation Range: $32.42 to $39.86

 Application Deadline: July 9, 2026

Lead Hand, Parks Operations (Environmental Services & Winter Control)

Join the Team Behind One of the World’s Most Iconic Destinations

At Niagara Parks, every day brings an opportunity to work somewhere extraordinary. As a self‑financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, we are the caretakers of 56 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and the hosts of millions of visitors from around the world.

Our vision is ambitious: to become one of the most spectacular parks in the world. And we’re well on our way thanks to the passionate, enthusiastic, and caring people who power our organization. From attractions and retail to heritage, culinary, and golf operations, our career paths are as diverse as the lands we protect.

What You’ll Do

Under the supervision of the Supervisor, Environmental Services, and the Supervisor, Parks Operations (Roads), the Lead Hand provides leadership for afternoon waste, recycling, and winter control operations for the Parks Operations department. The role oversees a team responsible for waste collection and diversion, litter pick-up, washroom sanitation, and overall park cleanliness. 

During winter, the position supports infrastructure maintenance and inspections, ensuring compliance with O. Reg. 239/02. throughout NPC roads, parking lots, and pathways. 

This position follows a rotational schedule (days and afternoons) in the off-season between November and April and an afternoon schedule during the peak-season between May and October. 

The Lead Hand, Parks Operations will:

• Provide team leadership, technical guidance, and direction for crews, as required.
• In the summer (May to October), lead and participate in waste management operations, including collection, diversion, litter pickup, washroom sanitation, and park cleanliness maintenance.
• In the Winter (November to April), lead and participate in winter operations and infrastructure maintenance across Niagara Parks.
• Assist with long-term and short-term planning, advising on equipment, training, work schedules, and staffing levels.
• Communicate daily progress and status of crew activities to Managers, Coordinators, and Supervisors.
• Calculates materials and supplies required for jobs, compiles list for Leadership.
• Transport employees and materials to sites, assesses inventories, and orders supplies based on operational needs.
• Ensure proper materials and methods are being used and provide leadership and guidance to workers in the use of any new material, method or process to be used; ensures that equipment/tools are in good working condition.
• Provide first aid, document incidents, and prepare reports for Supervisor approval.
• Assist in employee appraisals and provide daily work records and monthly reports.
• Train staff as required and ensure compliance with health and safety policies.
• Administer safety talks and liaises with NPC employees, contractors, and stakeholders regarding equipment, materials, and schedules.
• Assist the manager/coordinator to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, policies/procedures and assists in providing the required training.

Environmental Services

• Lead waste collection and recycling efforts using mobile waste packers, sweepers, and litter pickers for park grounds and building exteriors.
• Conduct regular work inspections and records KPI data related to waste diversion, labour hours, fuel, and other records as required.
• Ensure waste management plans are followed and assists with staff assignments.
• Assign and monitor work for seasonal labourers, students, and full-time staff under Supervisor direction.
• Lead environmental clean-up events and supports waste diversion efforts.
• Inspect recyclables for quality control and supports special event recycling and organic waste diversion.
• Transport employees and materials to site locations; purchase and picks up materials from suppliers and delivers to job sites. 
• Operate trucks and equipment to collect waste streams and contributes to grounds maintenance.
• Inspect and sanitizes public washrooms, ensuring high cleanliness standards.
• Provide customer service to park visitors and performs traffic control set-up/take-down.

Winter Operations & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Patrol and monitor NPC infrastructure assets, maintaining inspection records and reporting deficiencies.
• Identify street lighting issues and issues work orders for repairs.
• Repair and erect warning signs, posts, snow fences, and snow markers.
• Assist in setting snowplough and salting routes and schedules in accordance with NPC service guidelines.
• Monitor weather forecasts and recommend overtime call-ins when necessary.
• Respond to and takes appropriate action to emergency maintenance calls after normal business hours (e.g. winter maintenance, spills, accidents, event support, drainage issues etc.).
• Respond to maintenance calls and emergency situations, providing guidance and ensuring proper materials and methods are used.
• Ensure equipment/tools are in good working condition and completes pre-use inspections.

Performs Other Related Duties

• At times may assist in the planning and execution of gardening tasks required for the planting and maintenance of the flowerbeds, trees shrubs, turf and formal gardens.
• Coordinates for events as required.
• Participates in the planning and development of internal sustainability initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Completion of a High School Diploma Grade 12 or GED Equivalent and a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Ability to obtain Certified Roads Supervisors Designation (CRS) within 2 years.
• Valid Class "DZ" Drivers Licence is required.
• Valid Class “AZ” License considered an asset.
• Experience driving and knowledge pertaining to the operation of DZ license trucks, winter control equipment, waste collection vehicles, traffic control training, and snow school driver training. 
• Demonstrated operational experience of heavy equipment for infrastructure maintenance and construction such as dump trucks, loaders, sweepers, snowploughs/wings and salters (tandems and single axle trucks) and other related equipment. 
• Experience with fork-lift and/or front-end loader.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment problems.
• Proficiency in using computer systems and software.
• Experience in providing leadership to staff within a unionized environment considered as asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Traffic Manuals, and Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards. 
• Ability to perform the physical requirements associated with the position.
• Must be willing and able to work overtime on short notice and to perform shift work and standby as required and scheduled to fulfill the requirements of a seven-day operation.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We offer a comprehensive total rewards package to support your health, wellbeing, and financial security including:

• Employer‑matched Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Vacation entitlements and paid time off
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Discounts at Niagara Parks retail, culinary, and golf locations
• Complimentary passes to Niagara Parks attractions to share with family and friends
• Free entry at Niagara Parks attractions
• Access to the Attractions Ontario Reciprocal Program
• Exclusive Perkopolis discounts
• Free transportation on the WEGO Green Line and Falls Incline Railway

Our Commitment to Accessibility & Inclusion

Since 1885, Niagara Parks has been dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural beauty of the Niagara River corridor for future generations. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

We provide a transparent, inclusive and barrier free hiring process consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require an accommodation to address specific needs related to Code protected grounds, please contact us.

For questions about the collection or use of your personal information, or to request an alternate application format, contact us at 905‑295‑4377 ext. 0 or employment@niagaraparks.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Niagara Parks Commission uses AI-assisted tools to help organize and screen resumes based on limited factors such as keywords and role related terms. AI results are only a preliminary aid. Final decisions are made by human reviewers to ensure fair and accurate hiring decisions.