Description
The Department of Grounds and Roads within the Facilities Management is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Supervisor.
Facilities Management is responsible for providing the operations function for the University. Operations includes all activities associated with the routine, day to day use, support and maintenance of buildings or physical assets; inclusive of administration, management fees, normal/routine maintenance, custodial services and cleaning, fire protection services, pest control, snow removal, grounds care, landscaping, environmental operations and record keeping, trash-recycle removal, service contracts, leases and utility charges (electric, gas/oil, water).
The Operations & Maintenance department of Facilities Management is responsible to ensure that building structures, caretaking, grounds, water and sewer distribution systems, building operating and monitoring systems for the University owned and leased properties are operated and maintained in a reliable, efficient and cost effective manner to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment in which campus users can carry out their activities.
Grounds and Roads is responsible for the operations of the University's outdoor environment including year round maintenance and repair of roads, sidewalks, horticulture, grounds hard and soft landscaping, exterior recycling & sold waste services at the University campuses. In the winter months activities are snow and ice control on sidewalks, entrances, roadways, parking lots, and for installation and maintenance of plantings within buildings.
The Grounds and Roads Supervisor will oversee all aspects within the Grounds and Roads Portfolio providing contract management, reporting, construction, repair and maintenance, supervision of staff and contractors, and training associated with the grounds and roads programs. Coordinates the grounds and roads projects and contracts. Oversees the distribution and completion of work orders. Works on additional administrative duties in these portfolios as required to maintain compliance with health and safety and quality assurance programs. Works with manager and staff/contractors in executing projects and cover off during vacation for manager. Ensures accurate reporting, developing and implementing innovative technologies.
Work at this level requires a high level of expertise and thorough knowledge of recognized practices and techniques in the field of public works, roads, horticulture and grounds maintenance management. Work involves regular contact with customers and their problems with a high degree of public relations skill. This position communicates with staff and contractors on work in progress, supervises and coordinates the maintenance and repair of roads, sidewalks, grounds infrastructure, the purchase of raw materials and the general maintenance of the grounds furniture and effects.
This position reports to the Manager of Grounds, Roads and Fleet. Work is performed under the general direction of the Manager of Grounds, Roads and Fleet and is expected to be completed without immediate supervision. Position is accountable for supervision of staff, contractors, and consultants including training, hiring, and delegation of work, performance management, and disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Problems range from medium to high complexity with significant impacts on the physical operation of the campus. Stressors are moderate to high and include aging infrastructure, changing technology and an increasing and continuous demand for uninterrupted service. The position involves technical and personal problem solving and conflict resolution.
This position is exempt and part of the Management and Professional Staff (MaPS) job family. Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. This position will be required to be on-call most of the year with the ability to work extended days and weekends as required for emergency response and to meet critical deadlines, is expected. The incumbent will be placed on a rotational after hours call-out list. The hours per week are scheduled according to seasonal demands.
Primary Purpose of the Position (key purpose, functions, roles):
Under the direction of the Manager, this position is responsible for providing direction and coordination for the overall activities related to maintenance of hard and soft grounds landscaping, horticulture, budget planning and general grounds maintenance. This position oversees the designing and maintaining of a safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing environment where applicable. This position is also responsible for the supervision and development of staff and contractors.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Lead the planning, delivery, maintenance, repair, and renewal of campus roads, sidewalks, grounds, landscaping, horticulture, and related infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and attractive campus environments.
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Manage daily operations, work planning, preventive maintenance programs, service requests, and resource allocation to meet departmental objectives and service standards.
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Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, performance management, workforce planning, and professional development for staff, students, contractors, and consultants.
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Administer budgets, contracts, procurement activities, inventory, and capital improvement initiatives, ensuring effective stewardship of University resources.
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Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on operational, maintenance, and capital projects, providing technical expertise, recommendations, and customer service.
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Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, codes, safety requirements, University policies, standards, and contractual obligations.
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Monitor operational performance, investigate incidents and service issues, implement corrective actions, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
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Prepare reports, analyses, recommendations, and other documentation to support planning, decision-making, and accountability requirements.
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Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Diploma or degree in a related field: Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, Arboriculture degree in management or related field.
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Must have a solid background in public grounds and road work operations and 5 to 7 years of relevant experience.
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A minimum of 5 to 7 years of demonstrated strong leadership experience and have ability to be a mentor, motivate and develop staff in a unionized environment.
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Must have a strong background in road maintenance operations, grounds landscaping management and techniques used in public works operations.
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Proven ability to be a leader, mentor, and motivator for staff and contractors. Leadership training would be an asset.
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Must have an aptitude for working with contractors, multiple stakeholders and associated contracts.
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Must be able to take direction, possess good verbal, organization, written and presentation skills.
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Must be able to follow established procedures and take responsibility for completing assigned tasks on time
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Must be able to manage own time effectively.
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Must have a demonstrated ability to solve problems.
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Must have intermediate level computer knowledge and be able to use Microsoft office suite including word, excel, outlook, power point and other software.
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Experience with the Archibus, Peoplesoft and Computerized Maintenance Management System would be an asset.
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Must be able to analyze data and information, formulate and document plans, read and interpret blueprints and specifications.
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Must have a proven record of learning and upgrading technical skills and leadership skills.
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Must have thorough knowledge of the principles of environment health and safety.
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Proven track record of providing excellent customer service and superior organizational skills.
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Ability to interact with tact and courtesy in discussing information and dealing with the general public and campus partners.
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Must be able to verbally present ideas, problems, solutions, and instructions clearly and concisely.
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Handles complex, stressful situations with diplomacy, calmness and good judgment.
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A valid class 5 Alberta Operators License is required with less than 7 demerit points.
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A valid first-aid certificate would be an asset.
Job Skills and Abilities:
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Strong stakeholder relations and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively address inquiries, concerns, and issues from diverse audiences.
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Ability to interpret and apply technical, regulatory, and contractual documents, including the development of RFPs and contracts.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information and recommendations clearly to stakeholders and management.
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Proven leadership skills, including team development, performance management, communication, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.
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Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple deadlines, and work effectively both independently and under pressure.
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Thorough knowledge of roads, sidewalks, grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, and related operational and management practices, supported by proficiency in standard business and computer applications.
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Proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, build effective working relationships, and contribute to team and organizational objectives through a customer-focused and cooperative approach.
Application Deadline: August 10, 2026.
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 1 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
