Turf Technician in Fort McMurray

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is looking for passionate, skilled and forward-thinking individuals to join our Public Works Department — a team that keeps our region running smoothly every day. From road maintenance and fleet management to park enhancements and snow clearing, our Public Works team plays a critical role in daily life across the region. We’re seeking a hands-on professional who is committed to public service, enjoys meaningful work and excels in fast-paced environments. If you take pride in seeing your work in action and want to contribute to a team that powers the municipality—this is your place.

Under general supervision, the Turf Technician performs tasks related to the maintenance, operation and construction of parks and municipal assets. Using technical and educational experience, the work involves interacting with field and supervisory staff, including internal and external stakeholders, to develop and implement programs relating to turf management. Technical skills are required to provide expertise and input to short and long-term work plans, contract administration, development agreements, capital plans, progress reports, and research findings with consequent recommendations. The incumbent will conduct physical tasks including the use of hand and power tools, motor vehicles, and other equipment when required.

Responsibilities

• Complete technical and specialized work relating to turf management and provide input to both operational and capital budget preparations.
• Prepare the maintenance plans for all maintained turf across the municipality including sports fields, boulevards, parks and greenspaces.
• Responsible for decision-making, problem solving, and conflict resolution as it relates to turf management program implementation.
• Maintain accurate inventories of specific turf management related supplies, tools and equipment which may require assisting with purchasing and other applicable procedures.
• Perform equipment operation in support of the turf management program activities.
• Provide technical support and assist with workflow coordination to ensure quality and quantity assurance.
• Provide field level leadership on a seasonal basis to labourers, equipment operators and summer students assigned to the turf management program.
• Mentor and assist staff with safe work procedures and Occupational Health and Safety compliance.
• Provide coordination and guidance of all aspects of turf management, including task assignment and instruction to parks staff in the completion of various related parks activities.
• Ensure that tasks are completed within regulations, standards, guidelines, and best management practices applicable to the task.
• Assess operational processes; assist in developing new/revised procedures to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and safety.
• Perform snow clearing and other associated winter operations duties.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of turf cultural practices, methods, procedures, materials, tools and equipment, plant health care and demonstrated technical skills.
• Ability to operate various equipment including but not limited as power mowers, sweepers, tractors, backhoe/loader, water truck, snow blowers and other related equipment.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven planning, problem solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct field and technical research, prepare comprehensive reports, and remain current with new technology and industry practices relating to turf management.
• Proficiency in the operation of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge and proficiency in occupational health and safety regulations and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to provide technical leadership to staff by planning, prioritizing, and directing the turf program’s work.
• Knowledge of municipal parks operations.

Education and Experience

• Turfgrass Management Diploma, combined with three (3) years’ related experience in turf management is required.
• A related Green Science Diploma, combined with a Turfgrass Management Certificate and three (3) years’ related experience in turf management is required.
• Alberta landscape pesticide applicators license is considered an asset.

Other Requirements

• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class Five (5) Operator’s License is required.
• Q-Endorsement (air brakes) is required.
• Must be willing to work outside in all conditions.
• Must be medically and physically able to perform all duties of the position on an ongoing basis.
• Immunizations are strongly recommended for work in unsanitary conditions.
• Ability to work shift work that includes weekends.

Safety

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible for understanding and actively participating in the RMWB’s health and safety management system, including all policies, practices, procedures, as well as properly utilizing all control measures including the required use of personal protective equipment. All employees must take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as immediately report any concerns, near misses, incidents, and hazardous conditions to their supervisor.

As a seasonal leader the incumbent is responsible for taking all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of every worker under their direction, including advising every worker of the applicable hazards and control measures, and ensuring every worker under their direction properly utilizes all applicable control measures including required personal protective equipment.