Manager of Parks & Forestry
POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE:
Under the general direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation, the Manager of Parks & Forestry is responsible for the management and operation of all parkland and open space including Forestry, Horticulture, Athletic Facilities, Trails, Turf Maintenance, Maintenance Operations, and Capital Projects along with associated accounts payable and receivables and providing a high standard of customer service. This position is also responsible for ensuring that activities and operations follow the Occupational Health & Safety Act, all related legislative policies, regulations, corporate policy, and direction.
The establishment of a thriving community as a key component of the City of St. Thomas’ Strategic Plan. This component relies on the quality of community based recreational services. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan identifies the provision of growing recreational services as a key guiding principle for community health and well-being.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Administration
- Responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating assigned services and activities of parks facility including operations, scheduling, maintenance, arboriculture services, hiring, supervising, monitoring performance of staff and parks operations in the following areas: forestry, arboriculture, infrastructure, turf and athletic fields, playgrounds, and
- Develops, recommends and following approval, implements and administers policies, standards and procedures for the maintenance and operation of parks and athletic fields, forestry, horticulture, and
- Oversees locations of homeless encampments and coordinate required Operations staff interventions.
- Performs other such duties, responsibilities and functions as required
Financial Accountability
- Purchases major operating works (Contracted Services, Capital Works, Playground Equipment) and drafts tender documents for contract services under the guidance of the City’s Purchasing Bylaw.
- Reviews and approves all permits and invoices for facility and park use ensuring accuracy and compliance with Manages departmental operating budget and approves all spending and invoices.
Customer Service
- Responds to inquiries and maintains effective working relationships with Civic Departments, related Boards and Committees, user groups, the public and service area staff.
- Provides advice and interpretation regarding the department’s policies and procedures.
Project Management
- Develops and/or performs research for ongoing improvement of systems, technologies, practices and programs for municipal park operations and equipment, with a commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of best practices.
- Delivers project management and contract administration for planning/design and construction in a timely, cost-effective manner for all approved Parks Service Area capital projects.
- Prepares and submits to the Director, required plans and/or Council reports and sectional proposals for the annual operating and capital budgets and forecasts in conjunction with the City of St. Thomas Strategic Plan and established Asset Management Plan.
Staff Management
- For all personnel holding authorized positions under the incumbent’s direct supervision and subject to the City’s Human Resources policies:
- Participates in the selection and hiring of employees,
- Appraises the performance and conduct of employees,
- Recommends the promotion, demotion, discipline and termination of employees.
- Ensures the training and orientation of new staff under the incumbent’s jurisdiction.
- Develops, implements, communicates, and enforces internal safety policies, rules and regulations for service area staff and the use of equipment.
- Ensures the safe operation of parks through enforcement of structured standards: HR Policies and Procedure manual, Fire Safety Plan, Children’s Play spaces and Equipment Standards (CAN-CSA-Z614-07), Electrical Safety Authority, International Society of Arboriculture Standards, Ministry of Labour, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A two (2) year diploma/degree from a recognized college/university in horticulture or related area of study.
- Four (4) years’ experience in a Parks/Horticultural environment together with three (3) years of supervisory/management experience including sport fields, arboriculture, horticulture, and parks operations.
HOURS OF WORK:
- The normal workweek consists of 35 hours; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch.
- Must be available to the Supervisor of Parks & Forestry and/or on-call staff member (seven days/week 365 days/year) when emergencies/questions arise.
- Attends Council meetings as required to answer questions related to submitted reports.
- Working days could extend outside of departmental operations to assist with annual budget preparation, council meetings, etc
- Required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work without compensation.
This is illustrative and not all inclusive.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Salary Range: $96,856 – $117,729 per annum (Band 9)
- Comprehensive Benefits
- OMERS Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)
Applications must be received no later than Monday June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
HOW TO APPLY: To view the full job posting, please visit www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities OR go to: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-CA/stthomas/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/6749
Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.
Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.
The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.
Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Personal information for this position is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, as amended.
