The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a full-time opportunity for a
Conservation Area Technician
at Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area
Westfield Heritage Village is an over 150 hectare property within the City of Hamilton, midway between Cambridge and Hamilton near Rockton. Westfield operates as a living history museum and conservation area that provides special events for the general public, educational programs for students, unique heritage activities, weddings, business rentals and filming opportunities. Our goal is to connect people to both cultural heritage experiences and nature. Our dedicated and energetic team is looking for someone to work in a collaborative manner and be prepared to jump in and help achieve our goals.
Responsibilities
The Conservation Area Technician is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the facilities and grounds for visitors to the Historic Village and Conservation Area. The position also plays an important role in customer service and administration, providing information and services to visitors. You will play a leadership role working with our volunteers and in particular with our volunteer maintenance crew. You also provide a level of supervision to the conservation area during evenings and weekends, handling all Area issues as they arise in the absence of the Manager and Assistant Manager. The position may also assist Fifty Point CA twice a year to help with launching and docking of boats.
Other duties include:
- Grass cutting & trail maintenance as well as supervising casual maintenance staff on the day to day conservation area maintenance as needed
- Snow removal in parking lots, historical areas and on trails
- Assist in the development, set-up and hosting of special events
- Safely operate all equipment and identify maintenance issues
- Identify, report and eliminate hazards if possible relating to trees, roadways and recreational areas
- Assist with invasive species monitoring and management
- Supervise and assist capital and major maintenance projects
- Assist with long term planning for the site’s sustainable future
- Managing woodworking projects and other construction projects
- Assess and handle any issues that arise in the absence of the area Manager or the Assistant Manager, providing excellent customer service
- Deal with potentially upset customers, defuse and calm any problem, directing visitors to leave and/or potentially evicting from the conservation area
- Work with other enforcement agencies as needed such as Hamilton Police Service, Hamilton Animal Control, Hamilton Parking Bylaw, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry etc.
- Test and record results for drinking water to ensure that it is safe for consumers
- Assist with the operation and maintenance of small drinking water system and obtain small drinking water systems certificate every 36 months as per WCWC
- Work along with and guide staff on policies, including recommending retraining and other support measures and progressive discipline in circumstances when policies are not followed
- Complete written reports as directed
- Complete training and keep up to date on all policies
- Writing relevant documents as required, including updating the Maintenance Manual
- Work according to policies at all times and to lead by example
- Complete safety audits on casual or full-time staff as directed
- Operate all equipment in a safe manner according to HCA policies/Safe Working Procedures
- Report maintenance and other issues to appropriate personnel
- Maintain records for equipment including circle checks and gas usage
- Other duties as assigned to assist the team effort at Hamilton Conservation Authority in any of our areas
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education is required in the form of college diploma/certificate or university degree
- Valid driver’s license (minimum G class license)
- Sufficient experience is required to show a mechanical aptitude to operate various pieces of equipment
- Good communication skills and a proven history of good record-keeping skills
- Be creative, flexible and capable of solving problems on a regular basis relating to equipment, staffing, special events etc.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently
- Knowledge and experience in heritage restoration is an asset
- Ability to multi-task, maintain job lists and set priorities
- Basic woodworking and metalworking knowledge and skills are an asset
- Computer skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
- An ability and willingness to obtain certification in first aid/CPR, security, JH&SC certification, chainsaw certification, tractor experience and other credentials as required. Possession of any of these qualifications is a definite asset
- Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, engage in sustained periods of walking and be able to lift up to 60 pounds
- An ability to lead casual staff, seasonal workers and volunteers
- Working knowledge of HCA safe working practices
- Be creative, flexible and capable of solving problems on a regular basis relating to equipment, staffing, special events etc.
Working Conditions
This position will be based at Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, Ontario. Additionally, the work location may change to any of HCA’s conservation or managed areas through the year depending on business needs to assist on either a short or longer term basis or at special events. Work hours are 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, Sunday through Saturday. Regular evening shifts as well as scheduled work on weekends and holidays will be a recurring and an expected aspect of the position
Salary
The position offers a salary range of $60,999 to $70,715 commensurate with experience and education. Progression will be based on merit and is reviewed annually. Additionally, yearly cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) may be considered.
Benefits
This position provides benefits designed to support your well-being. Benefits include health, dental coverage, disability and life insurances and a health spending account after three months of employment along with five sick days and three personal needs days. After a year, you will be eligible for our matched defined contribution pension plan.
Application Process
Interested applicants, please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email, quoting the job title in the email subject line, by 4:00 pm, on Friday, January 17, 2025 to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca
Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.
