2027 Program Director, Playgrounds for Summer

Town of Ajax; Ajax; Presencial; CAD 35.000 - 38.000; A tiempo parcial

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health & Wellness Program

Fitness Centre Combo Membership

Defined pension plan (OMERS)

Descripción de la vacante

The Town of Ajax is seeking a Program Director – Playgrounds to supervise and administer Summer Playground programs across approximately 27 locations. Reporting to the Community Recreation Coordinator, you will lead a team of 25–30 playground staff and volunteers to ensure safe, enjoyable programs for preschool and children.

You will handle program planning, budgets, supplies, payroll, staff training, and incident response, with strong emphasis on safety, quality programming, and effective site

Formación

• Completion of Grade 12 High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Knowledge of recreational programs and playgrounds is expected.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee supervision and administration of Summer Playgrounds program.
• Lead 25–30 staff and volunteers to ensure smooth operation.
• Manage site operations, safety, and program quality.
• Handle budgeting, supplies, payroll, and staff manuals.
• Address parent concerns professionally and report to coordinator.
• Plan staff training and respond to incidents per policy.

Conocimientos

Communication skills

Organization

Staff supervision

Time management

Educación

Grade 12 diploma

Post-secondary in Education/Recreation/Outdoor Education (asset)

Herramientas

Driver's license (G2/G)

Descripción del empleo

Department Recreation & Culture

Job Type Temporary Number of Positions 2 Affiliation Non-Union

Job Summary

Reporting to the Community Recreation Coordinator, the Program Director – Playgrounds is accountable for the overall supervision and administration of Summer Playground programs. Playgrounds oversees and ensures the implementation of safe and enjoyable programs for preschool and children at approximately 27 locations across Ajax.

Job Duties

• Accountable for the overall supervision and administration of the Summer Playgrounds program.
• Provides leadership to a team of 25-30 playground staff and volunteers and ensures that programs run smoothly during their shift.
• Ensures the effective operation of all playground program sites including policies and procedures, structure, quality programming, safety and the well‑being of all participants.
• Performs administrative tasks necessary to support the program, including, but not limited to; budget control, supply ordering, payroll, developing program/staff manuals, etc.
• Deals with all concerns, complaints or suggestions about the program from parents in a professional manner and reports to the Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents, problems, and emergencies as outlined in Departmental Policies and Procedures.
• Controls and orders equipment and supplies to effectively operate a quality program and ensures supplies and equipment are used appropriately.
• Actively involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of staff training.

Qualifications/Skills

• Completion of Grade 12 High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 3 years camp program experience in the recreation field with a minimum of one playground/camp season leadership skills and staff supervision experience or a combination of training, education and experience deemed equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of recreational programs and playground programs and/or camps.
• Valid Class ‘G2’ Ontario driver's license with a clear driver's abstract and access to daily use of a personal vehicle is required.
• Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license is preferred.
• Excellent organization, time management and planning skills.
• Self‑motivated, positive, confident and approachable.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Current Standard

• First Aid with CPR C certification (If hired, must be obtained by June8,2027).
• HIGH FIVE- Principles of Healthy Child Development certification (If hired, must be obtained by June8,2027).
• Willingness to obtain Behaviour Management Systems certification.
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference Check (with Vulnerable Sector screening) that is current (completed in the last6months), upon being hired.
• Must be available to work the full8weeks of Summer (July5- August27,2027) including mandatory training dates (Orientation,BMST,StaffTraining).
• Nice to Have Post‑secondary education in Education, Recreation or Outdoor Education is an asset.

What is Offered to Staff

• Rate of Pay: $25.05- $27.24 per hour*. *Please note: advertised pay rates are effective January1,2027.
• Hours of Work: Monday to Friday – 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.
• Town Perks:

• Health & Wellness Program
• Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership
• Defined pension plan (OMERS pension - https://www.omers.com/)

Key Dates for Summer Camps

• Promotional Interviews – Week of February15 or 23,2027
• Behaviour Management Systems Training – Recertification – April8,2027, May12,2027, May20,2027, or June3,2027
• Behaviour Management Systems Training – Full Certification – May27,2027, June9,2027, or June17,2027
• Corporate Training – June8,2027
• Summer Staff Training – June22,2027, June24,2027, June25,2027, June28,2027, June29,2027, and June30,2027
• Camps begin – June30,2027
• Playgrounds begin – July5,2027
• Camps/Playgrounds end – August27,2027* *Contracts may be extended to end on September3,2027 for Camp Finale.

Vacancy Statement

All job postings issued by the Town of Ajax are intended to fill existing vacant positions unless otherwise stated. Are you a current Town of Ajax employee? If you are a current Town of Ajax, please apply internally through the Jobs Hub app of your Workday account in order for your application to be processed as an internal applicant.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is committed to employment equity and building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those who have been historically excluded, including Black and Indigenous people, racialized communities, disabled persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and others facing systemic inequities. If selected for an interview, you will be provided with an opportunity to indicate your access needs. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and respectful hiring process. If you would like to request content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail]. Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We utilize AI solely for the purpose of anonymizing the application process to help ensure fairness and equity. Please note that AI is not used to screen candidates or make decisions regarding their suitability for any role.

Community Impact

The success of the Town depends largely on the employees. Staff are relied upon day in and day out – whether it is for issuing a marriage license, maintaining a local park, fighting a fire, processing a tax bill, planning a new subdivision, instructing a fitness class, or plowing snow. The employees are the Town's Ambassadors.

Take a moment to explore our current job openings and apply for those that align with your interests and qualifications. If nothing piques your interest at this time, consider signing up for a Job Alert or visiting us again soon to explore new opportunities. For information about the application process, please visit www.ajax.ca/careers. Thanks for your interest in the Town of Ajax! The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.