Carlos Figueira doesn’t sleep well during the winter.
As director of Custodial, Grounds, Logistics and Mail Services, he and his team are particularly sensitive to shifts in the weather, mindful of forecasts and constantly checking their phones for weather alerts and cloud formations and patterns, even in the middle of the night.
Because when the snow falls, the team isn’t just thinking about their own driveway—they are thinking about an entire campus. Roads, sidewalks, and parking lots must stay clear. Building entrances, wet and salty, need attention.
While campus sleeps, snow doesn’t hit snooze.
Snow has to go
Eight full-time groundskeepers – gardeners and landscapers for most of the year – pivot in mid-to-late November as winter takes hold.
A Sunday snowfall isn’t a “wait until Monday” problem. No matter the day, the snow has to go.
That means layering up and heading out to clear:
And above all else, the helipad.
Perched above Lot P, the concrete circle ringed with high-tech lighting is a 24/7 priority. Figueira and his team never know when it will be needed, but when it is, the helipad and its connecting roadways must be ready for emergency use.
Snow relief
You might think the grounds crew dreams of the holiday break – a pause from shovelling, plowing, salting, and mopping. But even during university closure, someone is out there, clearing paths.
So Carlos and his team dream of spring. Of swapping snow shovels for gardening tools. Of manicuring gardens instead of pushing snow.
Until then, he checks the weather.
Stay safe on campus this winter with these tips:
- Report hazards: If you notice icy pavement, uncleared pathways, or other winter safety concerns, let the Facility Services team know. Ice-melter bins for community use are located across campus.
- Choose the right footwear: Wear winter boots with good treads for better grip.
- Stick to clear paths: Walk on cleared pathways and take shorter, steady steps.
- Slow down and stay alert: Avoid distractions, don’t rush, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.