Parks Manager

**ABOUT US**

SUMMARY

The Manager, Park Operations and Surface Areas ensures that client owned parkland, green spaces, forests, trails & trail safety, storm management ponds/systems, roadways, parking areas, sidewalks and curbs are developed, managed and maintained cost effectively, safely and efficiently. This role will set standards for best in class levels and methods of park, play areas, green spaces and surface area operations and maintenance by performing inspections and recommendation of new projects for implementation. This job is accountable for the management, financial performance and operational enhancement of the noted areas by utilizing in house staff, contractors and consultants.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership - Demonstrates strong competent leadership in order to achieve our corporate goals and guide team members in reaching their full potential and meeting their objectives through coaching, performance management and ongoing training.

Health & Safety - Takes leadership role by acting as safety Officer to ensure all team members have the necessary training and PPE to perform their jobs. Keeping up to date and ensuring compliance with current health and safety legislation for relevant areas. Developing plans and procedures to minimize health and safety risks. Investigation and reporting of incidents, accidents, complaints and cases of ill health for department.

Financial Accountability - Accountable for developing and administering the annual Park budget, Greenhouse budget and portions of the Infrastructure, various buildings and associated capital budgets. Along with maintaining and spending funds accordingly identifying any variances and recommending solutions as they arise. Will participate in regular financial review meetings with internal team and Client as required.

Park Maintenance - Responsible to manage Park wide maintenance functions for forestry, horticulture, general maintenance and assist with the oversight of the winter maintenance contract

Planning/Development/Implementation - Required to plan future park development with client and implement a sustainable solution to maintain. Also responsible for the overall park team plan and structure to ensure sustainability for the long-term.

Client Interaction - Demonstrates excellent knowledge and experience by assisting and guiding client with various park related project initiatives that involve Federal Government requirements, client educational sessions and neighborhood programs to increase park activity and community involvement.

Maintain Records - Develop and document processes to ensure that the required maintenance records are maintained for vehicles, pesticides, snow removal/salting and finance.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Post Secondary Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or related discipline.
- Proven leadership and people development experience in related field of operations.
- Financial Acumen.
- Experience developing and implementing annual operational and capital budgets.
- Experience with RFP and procurement processes beneficial.
- Significant knowledge of native plant species and their requirements along with their relationship to existing species and their requirements.
- Valid Drivers License.
- Financial knowledge and experience as it relates to budget and capital project planning, variance reporting and planning for operational and capital five year plans.
- Experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment preferred including forklift, skid steer and bobcat.
- Experience in working at heights.
- Minimum of 5 Years of Experience or education in landscape architecture, urban planning and/or civil/environmental engineering preferably in parkland or related property.
- Experience in facility and trails management as well as horticulture, arboriculture, turf management and landscaping.
- Sound, practical knowledge of related legislation, policies, procedures, directives and guidelines affecting municipal parks, recreation and trails.
- Thorough knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Pesticides Act, Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
- Thorough knowledge of plant materials and IPM.
- Demonstrated ability to implement a continuous improvement approach to developing and deploying best practices, policies and procedures.
- High degree of professionalism with outstanding ability to work effectively and efficiently with internal and external clients at all levels of management.
- Demonstrated coaching, mentoring and communication skills to enable team members to achieve high-quality outcomes.
- Demonstrated understanding of customer needs to ensure strong communications with both internal and external customers.
- Possession of a valid Ontario Driver’s G License is required.

Licenses and/or Professional Accreditation
- None required.