Manager of Recreation

r i c h a r d s o n s e a r c h. c a

**POSITION**
**SPECIFICATION**

May 14, 2025

**MANAGER OF RECREATION**

**TOWN OF OLDS**

**THE ORGANIZATION**

The Town of Olds has a population of just under 10,000 people and is home to Olds College,

a leader in agricultural and technology education The community continues to expand, with

multiple active Area Structure Plans and ongoing municipal projects aimed at enhancing

infrastructure and services. The Manager of Recreation will oversee key recreational

facilities including the Olds Aquatic Centre, the Sportsplex (featuring ice arenas and fitness

amenities), various sports fields, and community parks. Recent initiatives include a new

approach to greenspace management, the introduction of drone technology for emergency

response, and expanded recreational programming across these facilities.

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**Overview**

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager of Recreation to join a dynamic and growing
municipality. Reporting to the Director of Community Services, the Manager of Recreation will
provide leadership and oversight to teams of staff responsible for the Sportsplex, Aquatics, and
Facility Maintenance operations. This role ensures the public use of Town amenities, maintains safe
operating practices, and supports the planning and implementation of strategic goals. A deep
understanding of preventative maintenance programs, project management, and overall facility
operations will be vital to the success of this role. Equally important is a strong understanding of
program development and program management to ensure the delivery of diverse, inclusive, and
engaging recreation opportunities that meet the needs of both youth and seniors in the community.
Key responsibilities include operational and capital planning, staff supervision, and customer
service. Stakeholder engagement remains a critical aspect of this position.

**Responsibilities**

**Facility Operations Oversight**
- Provide prompt and effective responses to public inquiries, working collaboratively to

address and resolve facility-related matters.
- Lead and support the coordination of Sportsplex and Aquatic Centre operational staff to

ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Design and implement work schedules, aligning activities seamlessly across departments

and teams.
- Compile and present reports as needed to support decision-making and operational

transparency.
- Manage procurement processes to ensure timely access to necessary supplies and

resources.
- Promote the reliable and efficient functioning of all Town facilities, equipment, and systems.
- Work with the Facility Maintenance team to schedule and supervise maintenance and repair

tasks to uphold facility standards.
- Safeguard recreational spaces to ensure they remain welcoming, clean, and suitable for

community programs and events.
- Oversee safety, maintenance, and security practices across all municipal buildings and

recreation sites.
- Ensure the continuous upkeep of all facilities.

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**Responsibilities Cont’d**

performance.
- Establish and regularly review operational protocols, including manuals, internal policies,

and standards for supplies and services.
- Implement a proactive maintenance strategy focused on preventing issues and minimizing

disruptions.
** Decision-Making**
- In partnership with the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, determine optimal maintenance

frequency and implement adjustments to maximize operational efficiency.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of facility-related policies to support

evolving community needs.
** Recommendations**
- Propose policy updates and new initiatives to enhance the use and management of

recreation and municipal spaces.
- Recommend facility improvements and system upgrades—mechanical, electrical, and

more—leveraging innovation and emerging technologies, while helping set priorities for
infrastructure renewal and capital planning.
** Leadership**
- Champion the Town’s strategic direction and vision as it relates to each department.
- Lead the implementation of service-level plans and provide support to staff to achieve

results.
- Direct projects and services related to the Sportsplex, Aquatics, and Facilities operations.
- Oversee supervisors in year-round operations with a focus on strong operational and

maintenance programs.
- Establish effective relationships with community stakeholders, including volunteer

organizations, schools, and user groups, to enhance user experiences at Town recreation
facilities.
- Stay current with trends and best practices in recreation service delivery.
- Ensure staff retention through recruiting, training, recognition, and succession planning.
- Develop and enforce policies and procedures to guide staff performance.
- Establish work plans to meet budget objectives and service levels approved by Council.

**TOWN OF OLDS | PAGE 04**

**Responsibilities Cont’d**

**Communi