Manager, Parks and Recreation Services

Position Details

• Job Title: Manager, Parks and Recreation Services
• Department: Community Services
• Reports To: Director, Community Services
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Engagement Type: Permanent
• Hours per Week: 35
• Salary: $83,816.16 - $101,890.76
• Application Due Date: November 6, 2026

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the planning, development, administration, management and maintenance of all municipal parks, trails, open spaces, recreational facilities including, arena, waterfront, outdoor pool operations, athletic fields, tennis courts, skate park, and urban beautification. Responsible for ensuring adherence to all legislated standards and municipal policies. The position is responsible for the planning, administration, and management of recreational programs and leisure activities, for all ages. This role is responsible for management of staff and delivery of programs, including year-round and seasonal summer and aquatic programs. This position manages and coordinates the Parks & Recreation Services capital program. Responsible to act and ensure a high standard of quality of all parks, trails and recreational facilities, delivery of service levels and exceptional customer service.

Role Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Parks & Recreation Services team, management of direct reports and human resources administration which includes work planning, scheduling and assessment of staffing needs; hiring/promotion, staff development, coaching/mentoring and conducting performance management reviews; conflict resolution, discipline and termination recommendations; authorizing overtime and leaves of absence; promote team goals and harmony among team members.
• Accountable to ensure all staff are knowledgeable of applicable health and safety legislation, policies and procedures, perform good health and safety practices; are trained to act appropriately in emergency situations, practice safe program delivery and operate equipment and materials safely utilizing safe work practices; ensure that documented procedural information is available, and that necessary reports/follow-up to such incidents are completed and reported accordingly.
• Prepare, administer and monitor annual operating and capital budgets pertaining to parks, trails, open spaces, beautification, recreation facilities and recreational programming in consultation with the Director of Community Services. Prepare operating budget variance reports as required.
• Recommend rates and fees and ensure financial accountability and viability of services. Monitor overall performance of parks, trails and recreation facilities against the business plan and budget; prepare and submit periodic performance/variance reports with initiation of corrective actions as necessary.
• Assist in the preparation of grant and joint funding applications for projects and partnerships; administer/monitor the approved annual budget including authorization of expenditures.
• Make recommendations for ongoing development and improvements to parks, trails and recreation facilities.
• Act as a liaison and/or resource to municipal departments, government organizations to further the parks and recreation facility portfolio and exchange of information.
• Participate in conferences and seminars for professional development and upgrading, as required.
• Maintain effective working relationships with non-profit user community groups/stakeholders and sports associations.
• Responsible for the effective management for all municipal parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities (including arena, outdoor pool operations, athletic fields ball diamonds, tennis courts, skate park, and urban beautification).
• Develop and recommend service level standards and levels of service; developing policies, procedures and operating practices; act as an escalation and resolution point for complaints and problems related to all areas of Park & Recreation Services.
• Strategically assess the recreational needs and interests of the residents of Meaford through needs assessments, surveys and questionnaires.
• Oversee recreational programming services, ensuring that the services meet Council direction and provide excellent customer service.
• Accountable for identifying, developing and providing recommendations for programming needs and direction by working closely and cooperatively with community groups, organizations and agencies.
• Oversee the Municipality’s recreation subsidy program through the partnership with Golden Town Outreach.
• Negotiate and manage external contracts; ensuring legislated standards and municipal policies are adhered to and appropriate inventory control, purchasing, and records management measures are in place.
• Ensure community needs are being accommodated, and facility usage is being maximized by collecting feedback, monitoring, reporting, and preparing recommendations and implementation plans for improvements.
• Implement a system of quality assurance for all areas to comply with provincial recreational guidelines.
• Ensure risk management assessment is undertaken on all indoor and outdoor recreation facilities and amenities.
• Ensure purchasing and inventory practices are adhered to and approves purchases and inventory/stock/storage procedures for recreation facilities.
• Secure and update a list of all municipal assets within the Parks and Recreation facilities division. Monitor performance of assets while preparing replacement programs for each asset.