Parks Operator I

The Town of Blackfalds is accepting applications for Parks Operator I

An integral member of the Parks team, the Parks Operator I works to support the maintenance, repair, and enhancement of all municipal outdoor spaces. This includes parks, playgrounds, sports fields, bike skills parks, tennis courts, green spaces, boulevards, trails, community gardens, and other public open areas.

The Parks Operator I is expected to safely and effectively operate various trucks and equipment essential to park operations. The role also includes participation in a rotational standby schedule to ensure timely response and continuous service delivery.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to deal directly with staff and public in a courteous and friendly manner.
• Ability to carry out medium to heavy physical labor.
• Solid planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and skill required to complete Hazard Assessments as part of the Health and Safety Program.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and excellent customer service.
• Good communication skills and an ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must be a reliable team player with the ability to work with and without direct supervision.
• Proficient time management skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties.
• Ability to operate and maintain all department machinery such as skid steers (and attachments), commercial mowers, tractors (and attachments), towing trailers, aerial lift, chain saws, etc.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the citizens of Blackfalds and its visitors receive an improved quality of life by providing safe, clean outdoor facilities and open spaces.
• Review, respond to, and close out service requests and work orders within the Town’s work order program.
• Maintain the efficient maintenance of municipal parks, playgrounds, Bike Skills Park, green spaces, skating ponds, outdoor rinks | skating surfaces, sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, boulevards, and other open spaces, ensuring that these spaces are safe and meet required standards by performing weekly safety and level of service checks including garbage removal (above ground and in-ground receptacles), graffiti removal, etc.
• Performs the duties involved in the establishment and maintenance of the aesthetic beauty of the Town, including turf grass areas, trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers.
• Executes such maintenance as mowing, planting, pruning, fertilizing, weed control, clearing trails, and weekly inspections.
• Supports the department by participating in all aspects of a weed and pest control program, including the maintenance and support of an integrated pest management program (IPM).
• Responsible for weekly rounds inspections, while seasonal staff are unavailable.
• Responsible for executing Bike Skills Park Maintenance as directed based on weather events and inspections.
• Participate in all aspects of snow removal of trails, outdoor skating spaces (including ponds), outdoor rinks, etc.
• Participate in all aspects of outdoor rinks and skating surfaces building and maintenance, including ice.
• Supporting preventative vehicle and equipment maintenance/repair schedule by performing routine maintenance and service, including lubricating, oil and filter changes, cleaning and washing vehicles and equipment, and blade and bristle changes on attachments.
• Flexibility pertaining to work hours due to emergency callouts, stand-by schedule, and shift work is required.
• Supports the annual Light-up Blackfalds display (designs, installation, music, and take down) and other Town facilities' decorative lights.
• Carries out all tasks and projects within Occupational Health and Safety standards, municipal policies, and procedures.
• Assistance in the creation of Standard Operating Guidelines and procedures for Parks Department tasks.
• Maintains and supports a positive and proactive Customer Services philosophy throughout the Department.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Certification in Horticulture or Landscape construction, or a related field, is an asset.
• Alberta Association of Recreational Facility Personnel Parks and Sports Field Level 1, or the ability to attain.
• Three (3) years of related experience, preferably in a municipal, landscape construction, and maintenance environment.
• Ability to operate and maintain department machinery such as skid steers, Commercial mowers, tractors, trailers, aerial lifts, etc.
• The Outdoor Rink and Natural ice-making course is an asset.

 Additional Requirements:

• Valid Class 5 driver's license (air brake endorsement is an asset)
• Standard First Aid / CPR / AED Certification
• RCMP Criminal Record Check
• WHMIS Certification, or the ability to obtain.

 Physical Demands: 

• Ability to lift fifty (50) lbs.
• Physically able to bend/squat/stand/kneel/walk for extended periods and perform duties outside in various weather situations.
• Physically able to perform mechanical maintenance, construction tasks, park furniture installation, snow removal, and chainsaw tasks.

 Work Environment:

• Outdoors in various weather conditions from extreme sunshine and heat to extreme cold, rain, and/or wind.
• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Very dynamic work environment.
• Various noise levels exist within the work environment.
• Potential exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes.
• Working safely with a variety of equipment, including all fleet trucks, trucks with dump bodies, water trucks, skid steers, aerial lifts, commercial mowers, and various small engine equipment.
• Weekends, shift work, and early mornings as required or scheduled.

Hours of Work: The hours of work for the position have been established as 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday–Friday.

Salary: The 2024 hourly range for this position is $26.47- $ 29.80 per hour as per the CUPE Local 417 Collective Agreement 2022-2024

How to Apply: The Town of Blackfalds is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals interested in this position to submit their application online via our applicant tracking system.

We remind applicants that the pre-employment requirement is a Criminal Record Check, a valid Driver’s License, and a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract.

Please submit your application online via our applicant tracking system by June 19, 2025,  @ 4:30 p.m.