Manager, Parks and Open Space
The City of Guelph is a vibrant community with over 120,000 people located in the heart of Southern Ontario, just one hours driving distance from Toronto. Set in a picturesque natural setting, Guelph is known for its rich architectural heritage, growing economy and excellent quality of life - all good reasons to consider a career in this beautiful city.
Resumes are being accepted for the position of Manager, Parks and Open Space within the Parks & Recreation Department. Reporting to the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, the successful candidate will be responsible for the development and maintenance of Guelph’s parks and open space system, with a focus on creating quality community spaces. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, excellence and wellness, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision – to be the city that makes a difference.
DUTIES:
Park Planning & Development
- Develop parks planning and development standards, policies and procedures in consultation with both Parks Operations and Recreation staff to ensure the needs of the community are met within industry best practices.
- Develop short and long-term strategies, including recommendations for acquisition of parkland, related to parks planning, development and programming.
- Assist with the review and approval of terms and conditions for parkland acquisition terms, for inclusion in development agreements.
- Oversee the development review process related to parkland requirements including: rezoning, official plan amendments, secondary plans, plans of subdivision, site plans, consent etc. to ensure high quality parks, open space and streetscape in compliance with City policies, agreements, legislated requirements and sound park development standards and practices.
- Monitor the administration of the parks component of development agreements including letter of credit values/reductions.
Park and Open Space Management
- Strategically manage neighbourhood parks and ensure engagement with the community for the renovation, restoration or creation of park space as living community centres.
- Provide input for the programming and utilization of traditional outdoor recreation facilities while affording innovative recreational, cultural and educational programs and events targeted toward an engaged community.
- Develop and revise standards for development and maintenance of public lands including parks, storm water facilities, trails; work closely with Engineering and Public Works staff regarding the maintenance and operational requirements of the parks and open space system.
- Plan, direct and evaluate services provided by Parks operations sections---Turf & Sports Fields, and Infrastructure and Horticulture. Deliver services in accordance with Council mandates and departmental standards and policies.
- Respond directly and /or otherwise initiate and ensure investigation and suitable timely follow-up response to inquiries, complaints, or requests for service from the general public, residents, emergency services, other departments, senior management, and members of Council.
- Direct and/or perform research for ongoing improvements in systems, technologies, practices and programs for municipal park operations and equipment, with a commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of “best practices”.
Financial and Project Management
- Responsible for annual operating budget requirements for the Parks Division, including budget monitoring and financial control.
- Responsible for developing and recommending the capital budget forecast budget including managing the requirements of the Development Charges By-law and any other agreements as they may relate to parks and open space, including short and long-term financial forecasts for park development and park infrastructure/master plan renewal.
- Deliver project management and contract administration for planning/design and construction in a timely, cost-effective manner for all approved capital projects.
Leadership
- Develop and nurture a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff.
- Provide visible and positive leadership to staff within the department; establish objectives and evaluate performance; monitor results and provide coaching, training and development opportunities as needed.
- Provide leadership in the development of standard operational policies and procedures, and best management practices to implement approved departmental and corporate strategies.
- Establish for the Division annual goals and objectives, the work program, and areas of improvement and change. Annually forecast the growth needs and priorities of the Division for additional resources.
- Work in compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Other
- Work collaboratively as a representative of the Department/Division on internal and external staff teams and committees as required, as well as, lead and represent the Parks Planning and Development division at Council meetings, as required, and effectively respond to public comments and inquiries.
- Participate in projects related to asset management, infrastructure management and PSAB requirements, and MPMP reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Considerable knowledge and expertise related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through a post secondary diploma or degree in Landscape Architecture, Recreation and Leisure Studies, or a related field, and progressively responsible experience related to parks maintenance, programming and development; candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated leadership skills acquired through experience managing staff or leading work teams within a parks maintenance and development environment; preferably unionized.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong collaboration and public relations skills are essential
- Sound knowledge of budget preparation and control.
- Proven knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legislation.
- Proven ability to engage and work collaboratively with other supervisors, city departments and a broad range of stakeholders.
- Highly functional in computer applications including Auto CAD 2008 software, GIS and data base applications, Windows, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Class.
- Valid Class ‘G’ driver’s licence with a good driving record.
- Member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects or the Canadian Institute of Planners, or other related professional affiliation is considered an asset.
Rate: $87,225.25 - $109,031.57
All interested candidates should forward their resume quoting the position title in the subject line by email at careers@guelph.ca by August 27, 2012.
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment.
We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
www.guelph.ca/careers
