Labourer II - Trails and Encampments at City of Edmonton

The City of Edmonton is seeking resilient and compassionate individuals for the role of Encampment Labourer. This is a unique and challenging position that sits at the intersection of environmental restoration and complex social issues. Working within our Parks and River Valley system, you will be responsible for cleaning encampments and returning natural areas to their original state. This role requires more than just physical strength; it demands a high level of emotional intelligence, a calm demeanor in stressful environments, and a commitment to treating all community members with dignity. If you are a dedicated professional who can balance the technical requirements of the job with the psychological awareness needed for this sensitive work, we encourage you to apply.

As an Encampment Labourer, you will perform manual labor to clean and restore encampment sites throughout Edmonton. This work is conducted in a highly complex social landscape, often involving interactions with people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges. You will navigate difficult terrain and manage significant safety hazards, including biohazards and illegal contraband, while utilizing specialized tools and rappelling equipment. Because the sites are not intended for human habitation, the work is both physically demanding and mentally taxing. Successful candidates must be able to process the societal impacts of homelessness while maintaining a focus on safety and environmental recovery. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with community partners and enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and respectful approach to every site.

What will you do?

• Scout for and map encampment locations using GPS-enabled applications
• Perform thorough site assessments to identify hazards like biohazards, sharps, and debris in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Remove refuse, clothing, and material from sites and load them into service vehicles.
• Safely handle and dispose of biohazards, chemicals, and propane tanks
• Clear vegetation and obstructions using arboriculture tools such as chainsaws, loppers, and hand saws
• Operate specialized equipment including truck-mounted winches and rappelling gear to navigate steep or unstable terrain
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, including taking pictures of locations and completing timesheets
• Liaise with community partners and enforcement agencies to ensure sites are safe before beginning work
• A commitment to participating in team debriefs and utilizing available mental health supports to manage the unique stressors of the role
• Other duties as required
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Completion of the tenth (10th) school grade
• One (1) year experience as a labourer performing site clean up and/or using manual and specialized tools and equipment
  
  
  

Skills required for success:

• Ability to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures and safety measures, especially when handling hazardous materials
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to effectively communicate with the general public, team, community partners, and people with lived experience
• Ability to make field decisions regarding site access and safety
• Experience operating 1-ton trucks and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in remote or difficult environments
• Prior experience in arboriculture or the use of specialized removal equipment like winches, chainsaws, pruning saws, and rappelling gear
• Familiarity with GPS-enabled mapping applications
• Ability to maintain a respectful and professional demeanor when working in stressful situations and navigating sensitive social issues
• Skill in using manual and power tools, including chainsaws, pruning saws, and winches
• Ability to maintain mental well-being while working in environments that reflect severe societal impacts and human hardship
• Skill in maintaining a calm and respectful presence when encountering individuals in stressful or unpredictable situations
• The ability to perform duties within prescribed safety procedures while treating people with lived experience or special expertise with consistent empathy and respect
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
• Applicants may be tested
  
  
  

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Successful candidates will be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment, including medical monitoring, is a requirement of this position
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, goggles, sunscreen and coveralls
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications
  
  
  

Work Environment:

• The role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains
• The work occurs primarily outdoors in various terrains (river valley, parks, sidewalks)
• Exposure to environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, dust, poor air quality, noise, light variation, vibrations, chemicals, animals, and exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards may occur
• Potential exposure to occupational hazards such as biohazards (bodily fluids, needles), chemicals, and aggressive domestic or wild animals
• This role requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks such as standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, lifting items up to 100 pounds, pushing, pulling, reaching, using feet/hand control requiring physical stamina and resilience
• Working at heights
  
  
  

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] . Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits .

Up to 4 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $25.935 - $34.208 (Hourly); $54,152.28 - $71,426.30 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.