Director Of Recreation, Parks & Facilities

Director of Recreation, Parks and Facilities

Permanent, Full-time Position

Non-Union

The Township of Springwater, located in Simcoe County, Ontario, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to fill the role of Director of Recreation, Parks and Facilities.

As part of the Senior Management Team and reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Recreation, Parks and Facilities is responsible for the overall leadership, management and direction of Recreation, parks and facility services encompassing recreation programs; parks and facility development, management and maintenance for the Township of Springwater. The successful applicant will facilitate the development of strategy and policy for the department, and ensure that the Township’s Strategic Plans are incorporated into activities and services. The Director provides guidance and assistance to Advisory Committees, and liaises with local sports, recreation, community and private sector organizations in relation to recreation and community activities and events.

Position Responsibilities

The usual responsibilities of the position are:

• Provides strong leadership, management, and technical support to the Township functions of Recreation programming, parks and sports field operations, and facility management (including the Elmvale Arena, Fire Stations, Libraries, Community Halls, EDHS, etc.)
• Leads and directs the general management and day-to-day administration of the Recreation, Parks and Facilities Department.
• Manages and oversees the operations and maintenance of all parks, trails and recreation facilities.
• Provides long-range strategic planning for the Recreation, Parks and Facilities Department, including leading the establishment, implementation and ongoing review of long-range recreation plans such as the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Trails Master Plan, Master Cultural Plan and Building Condition Assessments.
• Oversees construction of new facilities/parks; monitors progress of facilities and assists in the administration of the contract, where required.
• Promotes year-round use of parks and recreation facilities for regular programs and special events to ensure maximum economical use of facilities.
• In collaboration with the Manager, Recreation, Parks & Facilities, ensures all recreation programs are properly evaluated and the appropriate improvements and alterations are made to maintain the quality and relevance of programs.
• Liaises with other directors on matters involving various municipal interests as they relate to departmental activities.
• Maintains effective and co-operative liaison with government agencies, local school boards and other leisure agencies and organizations.
• Coordinates capital and operating projects that Council approves through the budget process as they pertain to the Recreation, Parks and Facilities department; monitors/administers approved budget and reports on same; and authorizes payment of accounts.
• Review and recommend fee structures for the usage of Recreational facilities and the participation in recreational programs.
• Directs and monitors the human resource activities of the department, including assessing staffing needs staffing needs and recommend changes to complement and/or major organization design changes; participate in the recruitment and selection process and/or review hiring recommendations and authorize.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with corporate objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of a post-secondary University degree in Recreation Studies, Leisure Studies, Public Administration or Business Administration, or related field.
• Possession of a recognized professional designation (Certified Recreation Facilities Professional – CRFP) and active membership in Ontario Recreation Facility Association (ORFA); certification in aquatics and playground management an asset.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive senior management experience in a parks and facilities field and, in the delivery, and design of Recreational programs, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment required.
• Thorough project management experience including project administration and experience with tenders and contracts.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal operations in parks and facilities construction and maintenance management; program design concepts and marketing strategies; provincial grant processes and related legislation/regulations and contemporary management practices.
• Thorough knowledge and proficiency in the recreation portfolio; including recreation programming and community development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) combined with project management and organizational skills, analytical, research, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to think strategically in a political and community service environment, to building strong and enthusiastic staff teams and external alliances/partnerships, to align the service area with corporate goals and objectives.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to take and provide direction.
• Excellent performance management, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with all levels of staff, elected officials, consultants, contractors, and the recreation community and balance their needs with operational requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside of the organization and department; maintaining good working relationships with elected and appointed officials; representatives of local industries and members of the public; community groups and other levels of government.
• Excellent financial management and experience developing and managing capital and operational budgets.
• Sound judgment and professional tact to gain cooperation and compliance from the general public, contractors, and industry professionals.
• Understand and ensure compliance with the Municipal Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Regulations, and any municipal by-laws, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of all applicable provincial and professional recreation and related standards.
• Computer literacy utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and virtual meeting platforms. Knowledge of PSD CityWide is an asset.

Rate of Pay

The Township of Springwater offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive employee benefit plan, including participation in the OMERS pension plan for this position. Compensation for this position is currently $124,264 to $145,373 per annum (2024 rate under review).

Hours of Work

This position will work 35 hours per week; however, hours outside of normal business hours including attendance at evening meetings and special events will be required.

How to Apply

Apply online by visiting www.springwater.ca/careers.

Closing Date: February 9, 2024.

Note: Only online applications accepted. All applicants must provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Written correspondence pertaining to this recruitment may be sent to the email address provided. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they check their email regularly. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and is used to determine eligibility for potential employment.

This job posting reflects the general responsibilities and requirements of the job and does not include all the work requirements of the job.

The Township thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accessible Accommodations

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible support you may need.