SKILLED LABOURER Full-time Job

Reporting to the Manager, Road Operations under the direction of the Supervisor, Road Maintenance, Lead Hand or designate, the Skilled Labourer performs semi-skilled trade and general labouring duties. The Winter Patrol Technician provides winter road patrol activities during the Road Operations winter maintenance period as well as carrying out a wide array of activities to maintain the safety of the City of Oshawa road and sidewalk network. This position is expected to make decisive decisions in order to complete or take actions that deal with the City’s winter road maintenance responsibilities while undertaking inspections of road and sidewalk sections to determine necessary snow and ice control procedures. Of particular importance is to monitor weather, routinely patrol all street classifications, undertake spot salting and plowing operations when necessary; respond and or communicate to Service Oshawa, Security, complaints from the public, requests from the police and directions from the road supervisor or senior management. The incumbent shall be required to work extensively alone and weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled labouring duties of various semi-skilled trade activities, some of which includes asphalt raking, concrete finishing, pipe laying, form work, rough carpentry, bridge and gabion repairs, brick and block laying and sewer work
• Perform other various general labouring activities
• Perform road patrol duties during the road operations winter maintenance period which typically runs from the second Friday in November until March 31
• Inspect, conduct ratings and report on municipal infrastructure and assets within the road allowance for deficiencies and snow accumulation as defined in the Minimum Maintenance Standards
• Prepare work orders for repairs to city infrastructure through the use of computer software
• Monitor and record road and weather conditions, ambient temperatures, computer radar imagery and be ready to respond when a winter storm event is forecasted and approaching
• Perform winter road patrol duties, for hazards such as, accumulation as per M.M.S, plowing snow on roads and sidewalks, delivering notices of by-law violations regarding sidewalk snow clearing and depositing snow on roads, monitoring identified areas for flooding and ice build-up, directing City snow clearing operations or equipment to problem areas and monitoring the City’s contractors for performance
• Observe and record all activities in a daily diary and ensure all observations are recorded on relevant winter maintenance patrol shift records
• Inspections shall include but are not limited to: snow and ice, road signs, road and sidewalk surface conditions, drainage issues, guiderail systems, mailboxes, electrical installations, railway crossings, intersections, catch basins, manholes, detour signs, debris on the travelled portion of the road and streetlighting
• The winter patrol technician shall be considered part of the supervisory staff thereby accepting responsibility for the safety, quality and productivity of the winter control operations
• Ensure spreader trucks are set to the appropriate application rates determined by the Road Supervisor based on quality standards and monitor the results of the application. Patrol, monitor and inspect road and sidewalk conditions, conduct ratings on salting and plowing effectiveness and record results
• Monitor the productivity, logistics and organization of staff and contractors on assigned routes
• Produce and submit neat and accurate records
• Accurately identify, measure, and record; snow accumulation, temperature, weather, precipitation and road and sidewalk conditions which could be used as evidence in court
• Remind operators of any plowing hazards on their assigned routes
• Note and update the dispatch board for plowing hazards on roads and sidewalks
• Inspect and identify deficiencies on roads, sidewalks, curbs, boulevards, manholes, catch basins, culverts, bridges, signage and roadside safety devices
• In addition to the various winter road conditions described in the Standards, the existence and inspection of other road inventory shall also be noted during the scheduled patrol
• Respond to emergency situations such as flooding, icy conditions, oil spills and property damaged due to plowing or maintenance operations
• Lightly enforce City By-laws specific to Winter Control Operations for example, delivering notices of violations, regarding sidewalk snow clearing and depositing snow on roads
• Investigate complaints and inquiries from residents, elected officials and City staff
• Work in accordance with City of Oshawa Safe Work Standards and the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Support and demonstrate the City of Oshawa core values of Authenticity, Courage and Trust
• Perform various duties related to the Winter Control/Call Board activities and other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Knowledge and skill normally associated with the successful completion of a recognized snow and ice school and municipal winter maintenance training program. Plus five (5) years of experience in a municipal road maintenance environment or the equivalent combination of formal education and relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability in concrete finishing and asphalt raking
• Good computer skills and experience using related software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, RWIS or electronic road weather monitoring and forecasting systems, internet, hours of service software, road temperature gauges, electronic spreader controls and anti-icing equipment)
• Capable and willing to train for internal licensing on Grade 2 equipment or higher, at the City’s convenience and in accordance with seniority, based on operational requirements
• Physically fit and able to perform strenuous work such as climbing, lifting and moving heavy items (80 lbs./approx. 36 kgs.), involving considerable effort, and capable of performing the work assigned in a safe manner
• Working knowledge and understanding of and ability to apply relevant safety policies, standards and legislation (Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, First-Aid and CPR)
• Sound knowledge of the City’s Quality Standards, Procedures, Minimum Maintenance Standards and City by-laws
• Good communication skills and ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Able to complete forms and records relevant to the job and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Able to work alone with minimal supervision and possess personal qualities of reliability, co-operation, self-motivation and sound judgment
• Good interpersonal skills; common sense, tact and courtesy to deal with the general public, external agencies and to discuss routine information with colleagues
• Understand and able to plan ahead and be aware of changing weather conditions
• Try to anticipate problems to improve the operation
• Able to maintain confidential information
• The position requires you to work scheduled evening and night shifts in accordance with Article 11.05(c) of the CUPE Local 250 Collective Agreement
• The position requires you to work scheduled week-end shifts in accordance with Appendix E and the Letter of Understanding re: Weekend Patrol for the Winter Maintenance Period of the CUPE 250 Collective Agreement
• Possess or capable of obtaining, within the probationary period, a valid Ontario Class "DZ" Driver’s License, and able to pass the Corporation’s tests for motor vehicle operation
• Capable of obtaining a minimum Operator 2 internal licence
• Must serve on the Summer and Winter Call Board

As a condition of employment, the City of Oshawa will require successful candidates to undergo a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters check and an employment medical.

Please be advised that position location as noted is at the time of posting and is subject to change, as required due to operational needs.

A progressive city of 187,800 people located just a short 30-minute drive from Toronto, the City of Oshawa is one of Canadas fastest growing communities that is exceptionally positioned to live, work, learn and invest. Its strategic pursuit of sustainable growth, excellent community service delivery and co-operative partnerships have enhanced its quality of life advantage, while maintaining a strong commitment to financial stewardship.