Facilities and Grounds Superintendent - Queens University

The Queen’s University Biology Station (QUBS) is located near the village of Chaffey’s Lock, approximately 50kms north of Kingston, Ontario. It is the largest university-owned field station in Canada with over 3,400 hectares of property. Its primary mandate is to provide opportunities for university teaching and research in the biological and related sciences. QUBS has two campuses: Lake Opinicon (hereafter Opinicon), where most research and teaching occurs, and Elbow Lake, known as the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre (ELEEC), which offers public and school outreach. Opinicon provides daily meals, accommodation, lab space, technical equipment, computer systems, weather stations, and safety equipment, with on-site accommodation for over 90 residents.

QUBS is hiring a Facilities and Grounds Superintendent to join our QUBS Team. In addition to a competitive wage, the Facilities and Grounds Superintendent is eligible for a wide range of other employee benefits such as pension, health and dental benefits, work wear, tuition support, childcare support plan, and various work/life wellness programs. Further information is available on the human resources website: https://www.queensu.ca/humanresources/

Reporting to the Operations and Stewardship Manager, Opinicon (QUBS), the Facilities and Grounds Superintendent helps with multiple aspects of maintaining a busy field station (off-campus locations), and ensuring its ability to host researchers, students and other users. Opinicon has 35 building (Queen’s Point only) – there are 7 other buildings located on research tracts, 19 buildings at the ELEEC, 3,400 hectares of property, a workshop and a wide range of equipment for snowplowing, tree removal, trails and road maintenance, landscaping, and maintaining boats and motors, as well as safety equipment etc. The Facilities and Grounds Superintendent will maintain equipment, including, but not limited to, the workshop equipment, vehicles, tractors, generators, fire pump, chain saws, brush cutters, bushhog, ATV, lawnmower, snowblower, snowplow and sander, snowmobile, and boats and motors. The incumbent will assist with keeping water systems (14 systems) and septic systems (9 systems) operational. The incumbent will assist QUBS users in designing new equipment and repairing existing sampling and field gear. Because of the remote location, the incumbent needs a varied skill set – mechanical, electrical, sewage and potable/non-potable water systems, general construction, carpentry, farm equipment operation and maintenance, etc. The Facilities and Grounds Superintendent will assist with cleaning and basic maintenance of buildings including guest accommodations, teaching spaces and/or labs. Tasks include removal of garbage and recycling and taking these to appropriate landfill/recycling facility and tending grounds.

Review full job description, responsibilities, and skills online.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma coupled with at least 1 year of general, related trades helper experience, grounds keeping and snow removal/de-icing operations.
• Previous experience in building and/or performing repairs with demonstrated skills in a variety of trades including, carpentry, plumbing (including well and septic systems), and electrical and mechanics would be an asset.
• Varied skill set required because of the scope of the facility and its remote location
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Other necessary skills will be learned on the job or training opportunities will be provided.
• Knowledge of safe working procedures in accordance with applicable Safety Regulations.
• Valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s license required. Experience safely operating heavy equipment including large tractors, driving with a trailer, and piloting various watercrafts
• Organizational and problem-solving skills to analyse a situation and take appropriate action
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practice in safety procedures, and experience maintaining safety equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment.
• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply online through our Careers webpage.