Position Title: Institutional Attendant I (IAII) - Grounds
Department: Facilities Management
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Classification: UNIFOR IAII
Salary Range: $46,217.60- $47,798.40 annually
Posting Date: Sept 24, 2026
Closing Date: October 2, 2026 at 1600
Position Overview
The Grounds IAII provides skilled grounds maintenance and operational support across the StFX campus, contributing to the safety, functionality and overall appearance of our University outdoor spaces.
This position has a primary focus on general grounds, turf and grass maintenance and requires a dependable, safety-conscious and adaptable individual who can work independently and as part of the Grounds & Transport team. The Grounds IAII may provide day-to-day task guidance to staff assisting with general grounds and turf maintenance under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor or Grounds Lead Hand.
While general grounds and turf maintenance are the primary focus, the successful candidate will be expected to cross-train and provide support across Grounds & Transport operations, including supporting the horticulture team, transport activities and snow and ice management as operational needs require. Priorities may change in response to weather, campus events, emergencies, staffing requirements and seasonal demands.
Job Duties
- Perform general grounds and turf maintenance throughout campus, including mowing, trimming, edging, aerating, overseeding, fertilizing, watering and seasonal turf care.
- Operate commercial grounds equipment including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, trimmers, blowers and other powered equipment as trained and authorized.
- Support the maintenance of natural grass athletic fields, including mowing, turf repair, irrigation, seasonal preparation and field marking as assigned.
- Provide day-to-day task guidance to grounds staff assigned to grass, turf and general grounds maintenance and assist with coordinating work in assigned areas.
- Perform seasonal grounds activities including spring and fall cleanup, leaf collection, litter removal, soil and sod work and general landscape maintenance.
- Support the Horticulture team with garden, tree and landscape work as required and under appropriate direction.
- Perform pre-use inspections, routine preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting of grounds equipment and small engines, including checking fluids, lubrication, filters, belts and other basic maintenance items within the scope of the position and training provided.
- Identify and report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, turf concerns, property damage and other hazards requiring corrective action.
- Safely operate University vehicles, trailers and material-handling or grounds equipment as trained and authorized.
- Follow established Safe Work Practices, equipment operating procedures, PPE requirements and occupational health and safety requirements.
- Operate snow removal equipment and perform manual snow and ice removal as required.
- Provide flexible support across Grounds & Transport operations and perform semi-skilled work in other areas as assigned.
- Use a tablet or other mobile device to receive work assignments, enter basic information and update the status of assigned work.
- Perform other related duties consistent with the classification as assigned.
Normal Shift
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Flexibility in scheduling is an important requirement of this position. Operational requirements, particularly snow and ice response, may require work outside regular hours, including early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends. Employees are expected to participate in snow and ice operations as required.
Skills, Education and Abilities Requirements
- Minimum Grade 12 or GED equivalent education.
- Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, turf maintenance or a similar outdoor operational environment.
- Experience operating commercial grounds equipment, tractors, mowers and/or other mobile equipment.
- Basic knowledge of small engines, equipment operation and preventative maintenance, with the ability to identify and troubleshoot routine equipment issues.
- Knowledge of basic turf and grass maintenance practices, including mowing, trimming, watering, seeding and seasonal maintenance.
- Must possess a valid driver's licence.
- Ability to safely lift and manoeuvre a minimum of 25 kg.
- Ability to safely use and maintain hand tools, power tools and grounds maintenance equipment.
- Ability to understand and follow technical instructions, equipment manuals, procedures and Safe Work Practices.
- Demonstrated understanding of workplace safety, hazard identification and the safe operation of powered equipment.
- Demonstrated reliability, punctuality and commitment to safe work practices, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgement and adapt as operational priorities change.
- Ability to support to other employees while working collaboratively as part of the Grounds & Transport team.
- Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills when interacting with students, faculty, staff and other members of the University community.
- Willingness and ability to learn new tasks, cross-train and provide support across Grounds & Transport functions.
- Ability to work safely and effectively outdoors in changing weather conditions and physically demanding environments.
How to Apply
To apply for this opportunity, click the “Apply Now” button and upload your cover letter, resume, and references.
StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
StFX is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
StFX is also committed to eliminating barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. If accommodation is required during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.
