Roads Maintainer (Operations Programs)

Position Details

• Job Type: Temporary Full-Time
• Department: Operations Programs
• Division: Transportation Services
• Hours of Work: 40
• Union: CUPE 1656
• Salary Range: $33.24 - $34.99 per hour
• Closing Date: September 8, 2026 at 11:59pm

About Us

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Performs general roads maintenance activities on regional roads, bridges and roadsides, including winter snow plowing and ice control duties and general summer roads maintenance activities, with emphasis on region-wide activities such as bridge washing, crack sealing, shouldering, drainage works, and island cleaning.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs road maintenance activities such as crack sealing, bridge washing, shouldering, drainage works, and other activities on the regional right-of-ways.
• Performs general maintenance/cleaning of infrastructure (e.g., catch basins, bridge decks).
• Performs restoration work on regional infrastructure and property. Installs culverts, including construction of gabion walls and stream liners, restoration of trenches, excavation, ditching, drainage sewers, and landscaping.
• Performs/assists with felling and removal of trees and brush from regional roadsides and properties. Operates brush chipper, chainsaw, and loader.
• Performs general roads maintenance activities on regional roads and roadsides (e.g., cold/hot patching, dead animal and debris removal, guide rail/cable maintenance, and sound barrier, retaining wall, and drainage maintenance).
• Operates dump trucks, utility vehicles, and other equipment/tools (e.g., backhoe, skid steer, mini excavator, tar kettle, shouldering machine, water tanker) to perform functions and haul materials to/from work sites and for disposal (e.g., gravel, asphalt, topsoil, gabion stone).
• Operates trucks and ancillary equipment for snow plowing, salting, and sanding operations, including wheel loader. Uses hand tools to remove snow/ice from roadsides and drainage areas. Performs other roads maintenance activities (e.g., snow fences, patching). Uses oxygen-acetylene torches to cut metal components (e.g., bolts) when changing plow blades.
• Performs road building activities, including cross sections, excavations, installation of road beds, side slopes, ditches, line and grade. Performs surveys related to roadway construction, as required.
• Performs traffic control duties, including setting up traffic control plans.
• Maintains vehicles, equipment, and hand tools in good, safe working condition per policies and standards. Performs minor repairs/replacements as needed. Reports damage and safety issues to lead hand/supervisor immediately. Discusses equipment repair with fleet management staff. Performs daily maintenance circle checks and completes inspection checklists.
• Occasionally purchases materials from corporate stores.
• Has contact with police and fire officials regarding accidents; utility companies (gas, phone, electrical, cable) to determine/confirm locates; ministries and authorities regarding safety regulation infractions and environmental damage; and area municipality staff regarding work activities.
• Backs up lead hands, as assigned.
• Performs related duties (including in other work units in the Section) as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Functional knowledge and demonstrated skill and ability in roads maintenance procedures and operations; road building requirements; surveying procedures; and operating the full range of job-related equipment, acquired through a Grade 12 education plus 2 years of directly related experience, or, a Grade 10 education plus 3 years of directly related experience.
• Must have a valid Class D driver's licence with Z endorsement and acceptable driving record to operate regional vehicles/equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation and standards (e.g., Ontario Traffic Manual, health and safety, Highway Traffic Act, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, Book 7), and on-the-job training.
• Communication skills to understand instructions; interact professionally with others; respond to general questions from the public; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret traffic control plans, safety notices, equipment operation manuals, and safety data sheets. Ability to complete vehicle maintenance checklists, CVOR reports, and other basic written communications.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as a work/asset management system, Microsoft Office (Outlook), weather monitoring systems, hours of service software, and time and attendance systems.
• Ability to function effectively and safely in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Must demonstrate successful completion of a physical demand assessment (details truncated in source).