Lead Hand, Parks Operations

Role overview

Niagara Parks Commission is hiring a full-time bargaining unit Lead Hand for Parks Operations in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This is an on-site opening with a salary range of $32.42 to $39.86. The application deadline is July 9, 2026.

In this role, you will support Environmental Services and Winter Control activities, helping maintain the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of park spaces and related infrastructure across Niagara Parks.

About Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks is a self-funded agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming responsible for stewarding 56 kilometres of scenic land from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The organization serves millions of visitors each year and operates across a wide range of areas including attractions, retail, heritage, culinary, and golf.

The organization’s long-term goal is to be recognized among the most remarkable parks in the world, supported by a team known for passion, care, and enthusiasm.

What the job involves

Reporting to the Supervisor, Environmental Services and the Supervisor, Parks Operations (Roads), you will guide afternoon waste, recycling, and winter control work. You will lead a crew responsible for waste collection and diversion, litter removal, washroom cleaning, and overall park upkeep.

In winter months, the position also supports infrastructure checks and maintenance while helping ensure compliance with O. Reg. 239/02 across NPC roads, parking areas, and pathways.

The schedule changes by season: from November to April, the work rotation includes days and afternoons in the off-season; from May to October, the role is primarily on afternoon shifts during peak season.

Key duties

• Guide crews by giving leadership, practical direction, and technical support when needed.
• During May to October, take the lead on waste operations such as collection, diversion, litter pickup, washroom sanitation, and general cleanliness.
• During November to April, support and participate in winter operations and infrastructure maintenance throughout Niagara Parks.
• Help with both short- and long-range planning by advising on equipment, training, work schedules, and staffing needs.
• Share daily progress updates and crew status information with managers, coordinators, and supervisors.
• Estimate material and supply requirements and prepare lists for leadership.
• Move employees and materials to worksites, review inventories, and place supply orders according to operational requirements.
• Confirm that the correct materials and work methods are being used and coach staff on any new process, material, or technique.
• Make sure equipment and tools remain in safe working condition.
• Provide first aid when required, record incidents, and prepare reports for supervisor review.
• Support employee evaluations and complete daily work logs and monthly reports.
• Train staff as needed and help maintain compliance with health and safety rules.
• Deliver safety talks and coordinate with NPC employees, contractors, and stakeholders on equipment, materials, and schedules.
• Assist management in maintaining compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, related policies and procedures, and required training.

Environmental services duties

• Lead waste collection and recycling using mobile waste packers, sweepers, and litter-picking equipment around park grounds and building exteriors.
• Carry out routine inspections and record KPI data such as waste diversion, labour hours, fuel usage, and other required metrics.
• Follow waste management plans and help assign staff.
• Supervise seasonal labourers, students, and full-time employees under supervisor direction.
• Support environmental clean-up activities and waste diversion initiatives.
• Check recyclables for quality control and assist with special-event recycling and organic waste diversion.
• Transport workers and materials to locations, purchase and collect supplies from vendors, and deliver them to job sites.
• Operate trucks and equipment used to handle waste streams and support grounds work.
• Inspect and clean public washrooms to maintain high hygiene standards.
• Provide customer service to visitors and assist with setting up and removing traffic control measures.

Winter operations and infrastructure maintenance

• Patrol NPC infrastructure assets, keep inspection records, and report any deficiencies.
• Identify street lighting problems and create work orders for repairs.
• Repair or install warning signs, posts, snow fences, and snow markers.
• Help establish snowplough and salting routes and schedules in line with NPC service guidelines.
• Track weather conditions and recommend overtime call-ins when needed.
• Respond to after-hours emergency calls for winter maintenance, spills, accidents, event support, drainage concerns, and other urgent issues.
• Handle maintenance and emergency situations while ensuring the right materials and methods are used.
• Complete pre-use inspections and confirm that equipment and tools are fit for service.

Other responsibilities

• At times, assist with planning and carrying out gardening work for flowerbeds, trees, shrubs, turf, and formal gardens.
• Support event coordination when required.
• Take part in internal sustainability planning and development initiatives.

What you need

• High school diploma, Grade 12, or GED equivalent, plus at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain the Certified Roads Supervisors designation within 2 years.
• Valid Class DZ driver’s licence.
• Class AZ licence is an advantage.
• Experience operating DZ trucks, winter control equipment, waste collection vehicles, and traffic control training, along with snow school driver training.
• Hands-on experience with heavy equipment used for infrastructure maintenance and construction, such as dump trucks, loaders, sweepers, snowploughs/wings, salters, and similar equipment.
• Forklift and/or front-end loader experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose equipment issues.
• Comfort using computer systems and software.
• Leadership experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Traffic Manuals, and Ontario Minimum Maintenance Standards.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role.
• Willingness to work overtime on short notice, perform shift work, and remain on standby as scheduled in a seven-day operation.

Compensation and benefits

The posted pay range is $32.42 to $39.86. The role includes a full rewards package covering retirement, health, wellbeing, and development support.

• Employer-matched defined benefit pension plan
• Extended health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• Vacation entitlement and paid time off
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Discounts at Niagara Parks retail, culinary, and golf locations
• Complimentary passes to Niagara Parks attractions for family and friends
• Free entry to Niagara Parks attractions
• Access to the Attractions Ontario Reciprocal Program
• Perkopolis discounts
• Free transportation on the WEGO Green Line and Falls Incline Railway

Accessibility and inclusion

Niagara Parks is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The hiring process is designed to be transparent, inclusive, and barrier-free in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

If you need an accommodation for a protected ground, or if you need an alternate application format, you may contact the employer at 905-295-4377 ext. 0 or [email protected].

Additional information

This is an open vacancy. The employer notes that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The organization also states that AI-assisted tools may be used to help organize and screen resumes using limited factors such as keywords and role-related terms, with final hiring decisions made by people.