Director, Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Director, Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries in the Infrastructure and Engineering Services department. In order to apply for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted.

The position

The Director, Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries develops, implements, maintains and promotes plans, programs and budgets ensuring a safe and efficient operation of a number of public facilities including community parks, recreation and cemetery services and facilities. The Director provides advice and detailed recommendations to Council on meeting the needs of the community in the services provided through Cemetery Operations, Recreation Facilities, Parks, Horticulture, Active Transportation and Special Events.

Overall responsibilities

Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies

Direct a division responsible for arenas, boat docks, marinas, cemeteries, chapels, mausoleums, parks, picnic shelters, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor pools, community halls, workshops, skateboard parks, sport fields (baseball, soccer, tennis), campgrounds, trails and active transportation corridors and the administration of special events.

An annual operating budget of approximately $12 million

Overseeing the financial and physical management of capital, maintenance, and lifecycle funding of all assets

Liaise with community groups, organization and volunteers

Develop, maintain and enhance innovative partnership opportunities

Develop effective working relationships with government and non-government agencies, user groups and contractors

Conduct studies and prepare reports that analyze, interpret, and illustrate relevant social, economical and environmental projects in support of Council priorities

Participation in Labour Management committee (CUPE 12.1)

Participation in collective agreement negotiating committee (CUPE 12.1)

Member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety committee

Education & training

University degree in a related program; preferably recreation and leisure studies or business administration; with 6 to 10 years of related experience

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

Progressive management experience in the areas of recreation or leisure management

Extensive leadership experience in municipal or broader public, private or voluntary sector environments

Extensive senior level experience with significant scope, complexity and diversity of operations in a public or private sector environment

Thorough knowledge of parks and recreation operations, both programs and facilities, maintenance and construction; contract administration and asset management

Understanding/knowledge of the Provincial Cemeteries Act and Cemeteries By-law to ensure compliance with legal matters

Experience in planning and designing recreational facilities/repair maintenance programs for building systems and arena and pool operations

Knowledge of current issues facing local government in Ontario and particularly as they relate to the Director’s portfolio

Experience overseeing operating and capital budget and projects

Experience working in/with a unionized environment

Experience in horticulture and arboriculture

Knowledge and experience in the delivery of parks and cemetery maintenance, construction and renovation of parklands, buildings and playgrounds

Knowledge and experience in the management of municipal trees and woodlots

Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and internet (or other similar software programs)

Work environment/hours of work

This position works both indoors and outdoors. This position works weekday, occasional evening and weekend hours.

Driver’s licence/vehicle requirements

Because of the responsibilities, this position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G Ontario driver’s licence; a driver’s abstract will be conducted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. An acceptable driver’s abstract will: be an original document and current (within the previous thirty (30) days); have no more than four (4) demerit points; have no more than two (2) convictions for the same offence; have no criminal code convictions; have no ‘non-medical or administrative’ license suspension in the preceding three (3) years; because this position may be required to drive their own vehicle, a reliable vehicle is also required.

Benefits

This permanent full-time position will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory), vacation entitlement and a comprehensive benefit package that includes life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short and long term disability, extended health and dental benefits following the successful completion of a 3 month waiting period.

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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.