Manager, Parks, Arenas and Marina Operations

Basic Function:
The Manager, Parks, Arenas and Marina Operations oversee Parks and Sports Fields, Community Halls, Trails, Forestry, Cemeteries, Marinas, Arena Operations and Parks Administration.

The Manager is responsible for overseeing the capital construction, daily operations and general maintenance of all municipal recreational facilities, parks, open spaces, sports fields, trails, forests, community centres, playgrounds, cemeteries and marinas.

Position Description:

• Lead staff ensuring informed practices are utilized in providing efficient, effective, and quality services.
• Provide direction, advice and guidance to the supervisory staff who are responsible for the delivery of day-to-day operations
• Manage a staff complement of union and non-union staff
• Foster a learning environment to assist staff in reaching their full potential. Develop policies, procedures, rules and regulations for the department in accordance with evidence-based standards
• Assess staffing needs, participate in the recruitment process, and prepare recommendations concerning selection of staff
• Build and support employee commitment to a high level of performance in all areas of customer service, employee safety and delivery of individual goals and objectives
• Plan and organize Supervisor's workloads and their assignments; review progress and direct changes as needed
• Actively maintain a positive workplace by communicating with staff; regular visits to county facilities; supporting staff in performing their duties; and effectively addressing workplace challenges
• Provide approved levels and standards of service through effective management of human, physical, information and financial resources of the department
• Direct and manage the daily and long-term operations of various parks, sports fields, recreational facilities, forestry, marinas and cemeteries
• Oversees the administration of the Forest Strategy including urban/rural trees, woodlots and associated bylaws
• Provide Supervisors with an operational plan to follow for the year and a method to accurately record progress and achievements
• Oversee the maintenance of horticultural installations and displays, planting areas, weeding and general maintenance of shrub beds throughout the county
• Oversee the Fire Safety Plans for all recreational facilities
• Oversee service maintenance contracts such as grass cutting, portable toilets, beach cleaning, goose management, and aquatic vegetation control
• Oversee service contracts for concession stands, vending machines, Live Barn for arenas and ball diamonds, sports fields, and marinas
• Ensure that the level of service and bylaws required for the operation of all recreational facilities, parks, cemeteries, marinas, sports fields and forests are maintained
• To determine the operating and capital planning needs and to manage the annual operating and capital budget, making recommendations regarding workloads and employee resources
• Prepare and present reports to Council for approval of budgets, new initiatives, new regulations, work improvement programs or capital upgrades
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support park, sports fields, forestry, cemeteries, and arena/marina operations improvement initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades and landscape enhancements
• Assess vision and objectives of the department and conduct research to evaluate the ability of the department to meet internal and external stakeholders needs
• Acts as project manager responsible for capital projects
• Prepares tender, quotations and implementation strategies for parks, cemeteries and marina capital projects
• Evaluate issues and prepares estimates for parks, cemeteries and marina repairs and capital improvement projects
• Support the monitoring of regular maintenance inspection programs
• Direct the development, implementation and enforcement of internal safety policies, rules and regulations and ensure that they are communicated to departmental staff
• Required to take an active role in Norfolk County's Health and Safety program including participation on the committee as the department's management representative
• Representative on the Norfolk County Security Review
• Oversee the execution of department support for Norfolk County sponsored presentations and civic events, along with services-in-kind requests for community and special events and/or temporary road closures etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements
Knowledge and Experience:

• Post secondary education in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Parks Administration, Public Administration or equivalent
• Parks and Recreation Management Certificate considered an asset
• Additional certification through professional organizations such as Ontario Recreation Facilities Association, Ontario Museums Association, Association of Municipalities Ontario an asset
• Minimum three (3) years current related experience in public spaces and facilities including progressive leadership experience. Municipal experience preferred
• Must possess the Ontario Recreation Facilities association (ORFA) Basic Refrigeration Facility Operator Course certificate or obtain within first year of employment
• Must obtain the Certified Cemeterian Professional designation within 18 months of employment
• Certified Ice Technician (CIT) considered an asset
• Certified Aquatic Technician (CAT) considered an asset
• Registered Playground Practitioner Certification considered an asset
• Certified Grounds Technician considered an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• A leader who is visionary, credible and a trusted role model who inspires and challenges others to achieve their full potential
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and always maintain a high degree of confidentiality, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and corporate policies and procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills, supervisory, leadership and team building skills
• A demonstrated ability to contribute to and build upon a positive and healthy work environment
• Knowledge of professional equipment, technology, principles, theories and/or ideas
• Working knowledge of municipal legislation, regulations, along with a solid understanding of arena, pool, trails, forestry, cemetery, marina, and parks operations
• Computer knowledge in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office, Pearl, FMW) and department specific software (Stone Orchard, Salesforce, HMS Xplore)
• Ability to work independently with little direction in a fast paced and stressful environment, meeting deadlines with constantly shifting priorities
• Ability to make appropriate decisions and solve problems effectively
• Proven organizational skills demonstrating effective time management, accuracy, and adaptability
• Excellent communication, administrative and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent public relations skills to work with community partners, advisory committees and agencies
• Proven ability to research, assemble and present information and recommendations in a professional manner
• A high degree of integrity and discretion due to exposure to confidential and/or politically sensitive information
• Experiences and leadership in a unionized environment, project management and working with community organizations
• Proven ability to communicate effectively within the municipal organizational structure
• Ability to work in a team environment, accept and follow verbal and written instructions, complete duties to an acceptable level of quantity and quality with minimal supervision and follow all of Norfolk County Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
• Must be familiar with Public Pools Regulation, Ontario Building Code, Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Small Vessel Regulations, Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
• A valid Ontario G driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle including the ability to provide a drivers abstract when requested during the recruitment process
• Awareness of safe work environments as they relate to job responsibilities and have a solid understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Work schedule may require working some evenings and weekends as required to attend committee meetings and special events and periodically meet with community organizations when required

Benefits
Posting #:
NU 31.25

Title:
Manager, Parks, Arenas and Marina Operations

Number of vacancies:
1

Status:
Permanent Full Time

Employee Group:
Non-Union

Wage:
$97,600 - $122,000 per annum

Division
: Community and Development Services

Department
: Parks, Recreation and Culture

Reports To:
Director, Parks, Recreation and Culture

Location:
Simcoe, ON

Posting Period:
October 7, October 28, 2025

Application information:

• Ensure the file extension for your resume document is .doc, .docx or .pdf
• If you are electing to include a cover letter, the cover letter and resume must be uploaded as 1 file
• Find out more information about Norfolk County here: Employment at Norfolk County -

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required and verification of education.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.