Weed Harvester Operator - Rideau Canal GL-MAN-A1

Closing date

January 25, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time

Selection process number 26-CAP-OWW-RC-EA-Seas-005

Location Smiths Falls (Ontario)

Salary $29.20 to $31.73 per hour plus supervisory differential (salary under review)

Who can apply Persons employed or residing within a 100‑kilometre radius of Smiths Falls (Ontario), who have a legal status to work in Canada. Please indicate in your application the reason for which you are entitled to work in Canada:
Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or work permit.

Organization information For further information on the organization, please visit Parks Canada.

Duties The Weed Harvester Operator (GL-MAN-05 A1) for the Rideau Canal is responsible for operating a mechanical weed harvesting vessel to clear unwanted aquatic vegetation growth from the navigation channel between Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario. The main duties include transporting and operating the weed harvester at various locations on the Rideau Canal to clear weeds from the navigation channel, as well as operating a dump truck to transport and dispose of weeds off‑site.

At the beginning and end of the operating season, the Weed Harvester Operator undertakes maintenance activities on the weed harvesting vessels, such as cleaning, painting, lubricating, etc. In addition, they provide support to the Asset Management team, which includes maintenance, repair and construction of grounds, buildings and marine assets. The Weed Harvester Operator is responsible for planning and coordinating work for one other employee (GL-MAN-03).

Work environment Parks Canada is a federal government agency responsible for the protection and presentation of Canada’s outstanding natural and cultural resources through a system of national parks, marine conservation areas and national historic sites in all regions of Canada. Ontario’s historic canals are defining features of Canada, governed by Parks Canada who protects and presents these special places to all who visit them.

As a part of Parks Canada, the Ontario Waterways Unit is responsible for both the Rideau Canal and Trent‑Severn Waterway National Historic Sites. From the heart of Canada’s capital, the historic Rideau Canal waterway winds south from Ottawa through towns, farms and woodlands for 202 kilometres (126 miles) towards Kingston on Lake Ontario. The working canal, with its 19th‑century locks and structures, links rivers and lakes with man‑made channels – an ideal landscape for outdoor activities and glimpses of Old Ontario.

Intent of the process The current need is to staff one (1) seasonal position (0.75 FTE). However, this process may be used to create a pool of qualified candidates to staff similar position(s) with various tenures, security levels and/or language requirements.

Positions to be filled 1

• Obtain and maintain a reliability status security clearance.
• Possess a valid Province of Ontario class DZ license upon appointment (original proof must be provided).
• Possess or obtain within 6 months of appointment a valid Province of Ontario class A or AR driver’s license or greater with Z endorsement (original proof must be provided).
• Possess or obtain within 3 months of appointment a valid Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency (SVOP – original proof must be provided).
• Possess or obtain within 3 months of appointment a valid Marine First Aid Certification (original proof must be provided).

• Willing and able to do work that involves strenuous physical labour.
• Willing and able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Willing and able to travel to all areas of the canal.
• Willing and able to complete work near fast‑moving water.
• Willing and able to work from heights of up to 30 feet (9 metres).
• Willing and able to work irregular hours, overtime, weekends, and/or statutory holidays when required.
• Willing and able to wear a Parks Canada uniform and Personal Protective Equipment when required.
• This position is designated as safety‑sensitive, and the incumbent will be required to comply with the Agency’s zero tolerance policy and report fit for duty.

Your application must clearly explain how you…