Position Summary:

As a member of the Parks team, the Integrated Pest Management Crew Lead plays a lead role in the day-to-day workflow coordination of seasonal staff in the implementation of the City’s Plant Health Care Program. This includes assisting with the implementation of the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), arboriculture duties and general park duties.

Key Accountabilities:

General Parks Duties

• Provide assistance with day-to-day workflow coordination in the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the Plant Health Care team, Parks and Open Spaces in the City of Chestermere.
• Participates in the building of a cohesive team and represent the Parks team as a model of desired values, attitudes, skills and behaviours that contribute to a safe, ethical work environment.
• Perform tasks such as snow removal, garbage removal and other parks maintenance tasks.

IPM

• Identifies and monitors pests on trees, shrubs, turf, perennial and annual plants and applicable water bodies.
• Mixes and applies pesticide as required and instructed by licensed applicators.
• Ensures all pesticides used are accurately recorded daily adhering to the city’s IPM practices.
• Uses a variety of equipment and tools for pesticide applications
• Assists in management and control of aquatic weeds and invasive species in the Lake.
• Supports Parks/Gardening team in greenhouse plant management
• Assists in the communication and public education of invasive species and pesticide management.

Arboriculture

• Performs work related to planting, pruning, monitoring and other maintenance of trees and shrubs.
• Updates Tree Inventory with required information.
• Operates Bucket truck, Chipper and Stump Grinder
• Assists in the communication and public education proper maintenance practices and disease management

Other Accountabilities

• Participates in the Community Operations on-call rotation schedule.
• Appropriate and responsible use of confidential information; maintains confidentiality and security of all information related to the City.
• Ensures a safe and healthy work environment for staff, visitors, the community and stakeholders, e.g., participates in workplace safety initiatives, participate in formal and informal worksite safety and environment inspections and audits, ensures compliance with the City’s Health and Safety Management System, reports and assists in the analysis of near misses or incidents.
• Participates as a member of the Chestermere Emergency Response team in preparing and enabling the community to respond in the event of a local or regional disaster.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.

Required Education and Experience:

• Journeyman Landscape Horticulturalist Certificate or related horticulture education.
• 3 years of experience with Integrated Pest Management considered an asset.
• Experience in the tree health care industry (ISA certification considered an asset).

Required Certifications and/or Documentation:

• Alberta Pesticide Applicator License for Landscape and Industrial (required within first 6 months of hire).
• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and Drive’s Abstracted deemed satisfactory by the City.
• Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City.
• Valid Standard First Aid CPR C and AED certificates.

Expected Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to lift 50lbs and operate appropriate equipment safely.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions efficiently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong team leader; ability to motivate and mentor team members.
• Strong work ethic and highly motivated; ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

Working Conditions:

• Frequent outdoor work within the community in a variety of weather conditions.
• Physically demanding conditions; standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Frequent handling of pesticides

Union: CUPE Local 37

Position Type: Full Time

Location: Community Operations

Pay: $34.09/hr. (you'll find the detailed information in Appendix A of the draft collective agreement)

Days of Work: Monday – Friday subject to change