Physical Plant

Thunder Bay

Full-time

Permanent

Overview

The Grounds Worker is responsible for ensuring the year-round safety, accessibility, and aesthetic quality of the facility's exterior environment. Reporting to the Services Supervisor, this role involves a blend of manual labor, equipment operation, and proactive maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Winter Maintenance: Removing snow and ice from pedestrian areas using hand tools and motorized equipment.
• Infrastructure & Safety: Maintaining clear access to fire hydrants/standpipes and repairing roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and drainage systems (culverts/catch basins).
• Landscaping: Maintaining exterior grounds, exterior planters, and the artificial lake(including water level control).
• Sanitation: Collecting litter/rubbish and performing inspections
• Equipment: Performs regular, proactive maintenance on grounds equipment, machinery, and vehicles to ensure operational readiness. Operating heavy machinery (trucks, riding lawnmowers, backhoe, etc.)
• Problem-Solving Partnership: The role requires assisting the Grounds Lead Hand in investigating and implementing solutions for complex issues, such as snow removal strategies and general grounds upkeep.

Qualifications

• Minimum Grade 12 education.
• Experience: At least one year of experience in grounds maintenance or related field.
• Licensing: A valid G driver’s license with a good driving record is mandatory.
• Mandatory Training/Certifications: Candidates must possess or obtain the following: WHMIS training, Chainsaw certification, Tractor operation, Lawnmower operation.
• Must be able to perform heavy manual labor, including lifting and pushing/pulling, with the ability to occasionally handle weight more than 50lbs.
• General knowledge of safe work habits, traffic laws, defensive driving, and basic clerical/computer skills.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Benefits Information

Why Lakehead

Application Deadline:

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 11:59pm

Salary:

$24.14/ hour

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

Unifor-26-01

Application Deadline:

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 11:59pm

Salary:

$24.14/ hour

Yes, eligible for benefits

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

Unifor-26-01