Groundsperson

Duties:

Reporting to the VIU Groundskeeper, this position is responsible for performing gardening and landscaping duties including care and maintenance of lawns, grounds, flower beds, shrubs, parking areas, pathways, and sidewalks.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Support Facilities Services and Campus Development in maintaining and developing campus landscapes
• Plan, layout, prepare, and plant planters and flower beds
• Prune, plant and maintain flower beds, planters, trees and shrubs and disposes of material
• Perform grass maintenance, including cutting, trimming, raking, thatching, aerating, weeding, edging, feeding and watering
• Prepares and applies fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and other solutions
• Shovel and level gravel, sand, bark mulch and earth
• Installs, repairs and maintains irrigation systems
• Monitor water requirements of all outdoor vegetation
• Performs grounds equipment maintenance such as cleaning, changing blades and oil, etc.
• Sweeps and keeps clean sidewalks, stairs, roads, pathways, driveways, parking areas, catch basins, work and storage areas
• Pick stones, dig and/or backfill drainage ditches, culverts, excavations, etc.
• Participate in snow removal operations as part of an emergency response team and respond to emergencies and after-hours requests. This position is included in the Operational Needs group (CUPE Article 28.12).

Required Qualifications:

Possess a horticultural diploma from a recognized and accredited institution, along with five years’ directly related experience. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Must be physically fit, capable of continuous moderate physical activity, and occasional heavy lifting. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Work will mainly be outdoors in possibly undesirable working conditions. Personal clothing suitable for outdoor work must be supplied. Safety Footwear (CSA Standard) required.

This position works mainly at the Nanaimo campus but may be required to assist at other VIU locations.

Must possess a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Vancouver Island University is a comprehensive teaching university with over 12,000 students across three campuses. VIU proudly fosters student success, strong community connections and meaningful collaborations by providing access to a wide range of programs, from academic undergraduate and master’s to industry-responsive trades and vocational training.

VIU is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan that takes the worry out of retirement. As part of the VIU campus community, you will work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities. 

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.