Employment Status: CUPE Seasonal
✓ Pension
✓ Days
Seasonal Labourer - Forestry
Competition Number: 26330
Primary Work Location: Various Locations
Posting Status: Internal / External Job Posting
Hourly Rate / Range: $29.78 (Class C)
Number of Positions: 3 (Current Vacancies)
Employment Group: CUPE 1542
Job Status: Temporary Full Time (up to 4 months)
Posting Release Date: August 20, 2026
Hours of Work: 40 hours / week
Posting Closing Date: September 3, 2026
Why work with us:
The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.
Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.
For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
What we offer:
- Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
- Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
- A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
- Certification as a Living Wage Champion.
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
- Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
- Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime.
- Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
- Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
- Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co-workers.
- Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.
…And so much more!
What you will do:
Reporting to the Supervisor of Forestry, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Forestry: Tree planting, pruning, watering, and basic tree care and maintenance which may include watering, fertilizing, mulching, chipping, stump grinding.
Other general duties will include:
- Operating, maintaining and performing daily checks on vehicles and equipment (which may include power tools, backhoe, tractor mower, pickup truck, dump truck, etc.), including the completion of any required documentation and paperwork.
- Maintaining a safe work environment by taking necessary precautions and applying safety procedures in accordance with health and safety legislation and City of Waterloo policies.
- Assisting with training and guidance of Outdoor Maintenance Students, as required.
What you will bring:
- A minimum Grade 12 education or equivalent.
- 1.5 - 3 years of experience in a related field involving manual physical labour and operation of power tools, vehicles and equipment.
- Valid MTO ‘G’ class driver’s license in good standing with driver’s abstract acceptable to the City (maximum of 3 demerit points; maximum of 2 convictions within the previous 36 months; no driving related criminal code convictions within the previous 36 months; and no ignition interlock restrictions) is required to perform the job.
- Landscape experience including grass cutting, tree and shrub maintenance, sodding and irrigation is an asset.
- Experience with tree planting, pruning, watering, and basic tree care and maintenance (watering, fertilizing, mulching, chipping and stump grinding) is an asset.
- Equipment experience with a backhoe, tractor mower, pickup truck, and / or dump truck is an asset.
- Capable of performing the physical demands of the position, which may include lifting, bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling and standing on a regular basis.
- Willing and able to work in an outdoor environment and actively participate in daily activities in various weather conditions.
- A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
- Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service
- Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.
What we will require:
- A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City.
- Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualification, if applicable.
- Candidate testing may be required.
Shifts:
- Forestry Services: Monday to Friday, generally between the hours of 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM; may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
Wage Class:
- Seasonal Labourer – Horticulture, Forestry and Cemetery – Class C, $29.78/ hour.
In accordance with Appendix ‘A’ Wage Schedule, a rate of 5% less than the corresponding rate will apply for any incumbent while serving a probationary period. Shift premiums per Appendix “A” of the current CUPE Local 1542 Collective Agreement may apply.
Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):
The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected], quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of a recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.
Our use of AI during recruitment:
Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.
