Parks Operator I

The Town of Blackfalds is seeking a motivated and hardworking Parks Operator I to join our Parks team. This entry‑level position plays a key role in maintaining the beauty, safety, and functionality of our municipal parks, sports fields, trails, cemeteries, and outdoor public spaces.

Working both independently and as part of a team, the Parks Operator I performs routine manual labour, assists with general parks maintenance, and safely operates light‑duty equipment. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical outdoor work, take pride in community spaces, and are eager to learn and grow within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance of park facilities, including playgrounds, sports fields, open spaces, All‑Wheels Park, Water Spray Park, Bike Skills Park, and park amenities.
• Conduct mowing, fertilizing, weed control, trail clearing, and general landscaping.
• Operate light‑duty equipment such as push mowers, trimmers, backpack blowers, UTVs, small ride‑on mowers, hand tools, and pickup trucks.
• Complete litter collection, raking, mulching, weeding, shovelling, and related manual labour.
• Provide basic horticultural and arbor care, including planting, watering, pruning, and bed maintenance.
• Support weed and pest control under the Integrated Pest Management program.
• Complete weekly inspections of park spaces, playgrounds, and other outdoor facilities as directed.
• Assist with community garden and tennis court set‑up, takedown, and seasonal operations.
• Participate in installation, maintenance, and takedown of the annual Light‑Up Blackfalds display.
• Assist with snow removal on pathways, sidewalks, and facilities using shovels, backpack blowers, and equipment such as skid steers and Toolcats.
• Participate in building and maintaining outdoor skating surfaces.
• Complete logs, work orders, hazard assessments, playground inspection forms, and related documentation.
• Review, respond to, and close out service requests within the municipal work order system.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Parks Foreman.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team environment.
• Strong communication skills and customer service focus.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain department equipment.
• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical labour in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to complete hazard assessments and follow safety procedures.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and safe work practices.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma (required).
• Education in Horticulture, Landscape Construction, or related field (asset).
• Experience operating departmental equipment such as skid steers, commercial mowers, tractors, and trailers (asset; will be required in a defined timeframe).
• Parks and Sports Field Level 1 (AARFP) certification (asset; will be required in a defined timeframe).
• Chainsaw training (asset; will be required in a defined timeframe).
• Elevated Work Platform and Fall Protection certification (asset; will be required in a defined timeframe).

Additional Requirements

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C.
• RCMP Criminal Record Check.

Hours of Work

Salary

The 2026 hourly range for this position is $28.03 – $31.42 per hour, in accordance with the CUPE Local 417 Collective Agreement (2025–2027).

How to Apply

The Town of Blackfalds is an equal opportunity employer and encourages interested individuals to submit their application online through our applicant tracking system.

Pre-employment requirements include:

• Criminal Record Check
• Valid Driver’s Licence with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract

Please submit your application online via our applicant tracking system by March 27, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.