Lead Hand, Conservation Parks

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min = $34.60/hr, Max = $37.51/hr

Employment type: Short-Term Contract (1) and Full-Time Permanent (3)

Duration of employment: April to October 2023

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Multiple work locations – listed below.

Division: Conservation Parks and Lands

Business unit: Conservation Parks
Travel: 30 %

Remote Work: None.

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.

Work Locations:

• Boyd Conservation Park (8739 Islington Ave, Vaughan, ON L4L 1A6)
• Indian Line Campground (7625 Finch Ave W, Brampton, ON L6T 0B2)
• Petticoat Creek CA (1100 Whites Rd S, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7)
• Heart Lake Conservation Area (10818 Heart Lake Rd, Brampton, ON L6Z 0B3)

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

Reporting to the Supervisor, Conservation Parks, the Lead Hand is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operation of TRCA’s public-use facilities. The Lead Hand coordinates and completes general and preventative facility maintenance and oversees the successful delivery of daily programs and special events. The Lead Hand works closely with the Supervisory and Managerial team to inform comprehensive planning processes, and functions as an onsite liaison, addressing internal and external queries and requests that pertain to site operations.

The Lead Hand provides daily direction to a diverse seasonal staff team. The Lead Hand facilitates job training, assigns tasks, demonstrates best practices and procedures, and provides ongoing motivation. Additionally, the Lead Hand completes a variety of administrative tasks, including inventory management and processing of transactional entries. Overall, this position plays an integral role in sustaining facility operations in the areas of risk management, conflict resolution and customer service, the Lead Hand ensures that TRCA’s public-use facilities meet the highest possible standard of excellence to provide safe, functional and welcome environments for all visitors, clients and staff.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manages daily programs (e.g., park and pool admissions, boat rentals, etc.). Participates in program planning and development activities. Informs the Supervisor of new concepts and/or possible program enhancements. 
• Carries out general facility maintenance. Completes daily garbage collection and disposal activities in accordance with TRCA’s waste management policies. Performs general housekeeping duties in indoor spaces. Completes seasonal grounds’ maintenance, including snow removal, salting/sanding, grass-cutting and trimming, hazardous tree and weed removal, and trail maintenance.
• Performs preventative equipment and infrastructure maintenance on a regular basis, which may include:
• Inspecting, cleaning and servicing small engine equipment (e.g. chain saws, push-mowers, and grass trimmers);
• Inspecting vehicles (e.g., fleet vehicles, utility vehicles, etc.) and arranging for servicing; and
• Installing protective fittings and coverings in areas susceptible to seasonal/weather-related damage (e.g., winterizing water lines).
• Completes small carpentry projects, minor plumbing repairs, and a variety of unique, site-specific tasks as required.
• Manages customer service delivery. Adheres to best practices in front-line customer service and communications. Processes transactions, and tracks attendance and revenue.  Directs seasonal staff on effective service delivery and point-of-sale software operations.
• Receives general customer grievances. Handles conflicts with patience, understanding and a sincere willingness to facilitate a solution. Seeks Supervisory support and guidance when issues escalate further. Aims to leave all customers with a positive impression of TRCA.
• Provides direction, guidance and mentoring to seasonal operations staff. Communicates job expectations and daily assignments. Leads by example and provides ongoing training and support to develop staff capacity and enhance performance.
• Actively participates in ongoing risk management. Carries out all work in a safe manner. Uses all required PPE and health and safety equipment. Follows SOPs. Ensures compliance with pertinent legislation and internal safety policies. Uses good judgment and adheres to best practices. 
• Participates in health and safety discussions. May sit on staff Health and Safety Committee as a divisional representative, attending regular meetings and contributing to the overall improvement of corporate risk management practices and overall site safety.
• Responds to email and telephone queries from TRCA staff as well as external contacts, such as contractors and safety inspectors.
• Manages daily sales. Prepares cash deposits and oversees the completion of revenue reports.

What will you need to succeed:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma from an accredited institution in Facility Management, Resource Management, Business or related field.
• Valid Class G driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Screening may be required.
• First Aid and CPR certificate is an asset.
• Three (3) years of progressive experience related to major tasks, including experience leading and directing work in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with visitors, staff, business partners, clients and contract professionals in a positive and professional manner.
• Excellent customer service skills and superior conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent creative problem-solving and analytical skills to develop and propose solutions to unique challenges.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated skill in facility maintenance, including basic carpentry and construction, minor plumbing, and landscaping.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other pertinent legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to take and provide direction, and to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle and operate power tools, and small and large machinery (e.g., mowers, grass trimmers), as well as work vehicles, such as snowplows, tractors, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to lift and carry objects that weigh up to 50lbs.
• Demonstrated ability to be active for long periods of time in all types of weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work a varied schedule, including weekends, evenings, and regular overtime.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-stress environment and handle serious situations/circumstances in a safe and responsible manner.
• Computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Office software).

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare). 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

• Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
• Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
• Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
• Provides unique TRCA Perks.
• Provides flexible work arrangements.
• Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter prior to midnight on March 25^th, 2023.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.