Full-Time, Fixed-Term until September 30th, 2026 (with the possibility of extension)
Ashbury College is a leading not-for-profit independent day and boarding school for students in Grades 3 to 12 located in Canada’s capital and on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation. We serve a diverse community, including students from over 60 nationalities from the National Capital Region, the diplomatic community, and international boarding and day students.
Our mission is to inspire students in a dynamic learning environment to be intellectually curious, compassionate, and engaged global citizens. Our strategic direction is centered on the highest standards in teaching and learning, whole-student development, access and inclusion within our pluralistic community, community engagement, and resource stewardship for long-term sustainability.
Located in central Ottawa, Ashbury College is seeking a full-time Summer Groundskeeper who is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall appearance of the school’s exterior grounds, landscaped areas, athletic fields, parking lots, walkways and outdoor facilities, ensuring a safe, clean and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. You’ll report to the Supervisor of Buildings, Grounds and Projects.
Minimum Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience in grounds keeping, landscaping, facilities maintenance or related field preferred.
- Experience operating grounds maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers and snow removal equipment.
- Basic knowledge of landscaping practices including planting, pruning, lawn care and seasonal maintenance.
- Basic knowledge of safe handling and storage of fertilizers, herbicides, ice melt and other grounds maintenance materials.
- Ability to perform minor repairs related to exterior maintenance such as fencing, signage and outdoor furniture.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a school environment.
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining a safe, clean and well-presented campus.
- Ability to follow instructions and comply with health and safety procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
- Ability to pass a background check appropriate for working in a school environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work flexible hours when required, including occasional evenings, weekends and overtime during peak operational periods (e.g. special events, seasonal cleanup).
- WHMIS training and basic health and safety training.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Experience working in a school, institutional or campus environment.
- Knowledge of environmentally sustainable landscaping practices.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and equipment up to a maximum of 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel and reach for extended periods.
- Ability to operate powered equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as mowing, trimming, digging, sweeping and shoveling.
- Ability to safely climb ladders and work at moderate heights when required.
- Ability to respond to urgent operational needs.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate tools and equipment.
- Visual ability to identify hazards, perform detailed work and operate machinery safely.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety boots, gloves, hearing protection, eye protection and high-visibility clothing.
Specific responsibilities include:
Grounds Maintenance
- Operate and maintain grounds equipment including walk-behind and ride-on mowers, gas/electric trimmers, edgers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and snow removal equipment.
- Perform seasonal grounds maintenance including:
- Lawn care (mowing, edging, fertilizing, overseeding, aeration)
- Spring and fall clean-ups
- Leaf collection and disposal
- Garden bed preparation and mulching
- Planting flowers, shrubs and plants including seasonal annuals and perennials
- Maintain landscaped areas including planting, watering, weeding, pruning trees and shrubs, planting annuals and perennials, and maintaining garden beds.
- Maintain athletic fields and outdoor recreation areas and ensuring safe playing surfaces.
- Perform snow and ice removal from walkways, entrances, emergency exits, parking lots and accessibility routes, including salting and sanding as required.
Campus Operations Support
- Assist with event setup and teardown including tents, tables, chairs, staging, signage and outdoor equipment for school events, athletics and community activities.
- Assist with office relocations, furniture moves and delivery of equipment as required.
- Support waste management and recycling programs including outdoor waste stations and composting initiatives where applicable.
- Assist other Facilities staff with general maintenance duties as required.
The compensation for this role will be $20/hour. You are encouraged to visit us at ashbury.ca to learn more about our facilities, internationalism, community engagement, and school values and culture.
This posting is for an existing vacancy and will close on May 9th, 2026. All applications should be forwarded on or before that date. Kindly note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted. We encourage all qualified candidates to submit their applications at their earliest convenience. Please note that the posting will be removed once the position is successfully filled.
We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including those from groups that have faced historical and/or systemic barriers to equity. Joining Ashbury means contributing to a dynamic learning environment where your unique perspectives and experiences help shape a more inclusive future.
If we contact you about an employment opportunity and you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. The compensation for this position will be $20/hour. To apply, please visit our Candidate Portal.
