Lead Hand – Parks and Open Spaces

Position Details

• Location: Welland
• Hourly Rate: 37.18
• Department: Parks & Recreation

About the City of Welland

At the City of Welland, we're continuously rewriting our story. Not because we don't know where we're going, but because we are constantly reaching for new heights, engaging in new approaches, and pursuing what many believe to be unattainable or too ambitious. At the City of Welland, we're not satisfied with the status quo. And we're certainly not satisfied with doing things simply because that's how they were done in the past.

We expect our population to increase to over 80,000 in the next 20 years, and serving a diverse, growing community requires strategic thinkers, norm breakers, and passionate civil servants. In Niagara, Welland's growth leads every other municipality, and the City is becoming the region's heartbeat. So, we invite you to author your chapter and contribute to the overall body of work the City of Welland is creating. At the City of Welland, your ideas are nurtured, your input is invited, a healthy work-life balance is available, and most importantly, your voice will make a difference. So, if that sounds like something you want to be a part of, we want to hear from you. We're ready when you are.

About the Position

Reporting to the Supervisor of Park and Forestry, the Lead Hand – Parks and Open Spaces is responsible for instructing employees, prioritizing, scheduling, and participating in general maintenance for the City’s Parks, Open Spaces, Outdoor Facilities, Cemeteries, Trails, Sports Fields, and Special Events. Responding to calls, this position is required to investigate and assess the needs for follow-up actions to ensure public safety and that all applicable Provincial and Municipal Standards/Requirements are maintained.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for overseeing on site work crews when performing maintenance activities, ensuring productivity, efficiency, quality control, and ensuring that work performed by staff is compliant with Health & Safety Regulations and procedures.
• Lead and instruct employees in the general maintenance of parks summer operations, and winter activities in the Parks which include the operation of snow clearing equipment and other related duties as assigned.
• Oversee contractors, organizers, and City staff for set-up and takedown of special events and ensuring quality and productivity on all projects.
• Completion of inspections for playgrounds & equipment, splashpads, trails, parks assets, and signage; along with ensuring the removal of dangerous hazards.
• Provide guidance, direction, and instruction to full-time staff, casuals, and students.
• To prepare and coordinate work projects and direct staff in conducting all Parks and Open Spaces programs and maintenance activities in a professional and safe manner.
• Follow written and oral instructions with limited to no supervision.
• Arrange for proper maintenance on equipment including but not limited to mowers, line trimmers, blowers, trucks, trailers, tractors, and snow removal equipment.
• Maintain quality and quantity of work by parks employees.
• Co-ordinate with different departments and user groups to ensure parks and grounds are prepared for rentals and events.
• Preparing various daily reports, ensuring accurate documentation of maintenance activities, and completing daily activity sheets with required pertinent data.
• Attend training and upgrade courses as required by the corporation.
• Co-ordinate grass cutting, garbage pick-up, snow removal and de-icing within Parks jurisdiction, as applicable.
• All other duties as assigned.

What you need to Succeed...

• Two (2) year post-secondary diploma in Horticulture, Forestry, Turf Management, or another related field.
• Three (3) years of practical experience in Parks and Forestry operations
• A valid Class “D” Ontario Driver’s License with “Z” endorsement. Willingness to obtain an “ARZ” classification as required.
• Current First Aid and CPR Certification
• Book 7 Traffic Control Certificate
• Be available for overtime duties on a regular basis when required.
• Possess or willing to obtain a Playground Inspector Certification
• Experience and knowledge of Winter Control operations to assist in monitoring snow removal and de-icing during storm events.
• Experience operating tractor mounted turf renovation & snow equipment and ability to operate equipment in a safe manner.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations including W.H.M.I.S, trenching and confined space entry, and Book 7 & Traffic Control.
• Possess computer knowledge and has experience in corporate standard software.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting up to 45 lbs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent customer service skills, and ability to remain calm under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Effective time management and ability to multi-task and work independently with minimal supervision.

Salary and Benefit Information

37.18/hr plus OMERS pension is available.

Why Choose Welland?

OMERS Pension: Secure your future with an OMERS pension, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. To learn more visit

How to Apply

Submit a current application which includes an up to date Cover Letter & Resume

The City of Welland is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. In addition, the City of Welland is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Should you require any accommodation, we will work to meet your needs.

All applications are held in strict confidence. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. No phone calls, please.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is for employment assessment purposes only.