Manager of Outdoor Operations

Quinte West; Quinte West; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinte West is seeking a Manager of Outdoor Operations to oversee the Roads and Parks divisions within Public Works and Environmental Services. You will lead a team of staff, manage budgets, plan maintenance and capital projects, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across municipal infrastructure.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and coordination with internal departments and external partners to deliver high-quality public services.

Qualifications

• This role requires a related degree or diploma in engineering or equivalent experience.
• CRS designation and a valid DZ licence with Air Brake are required.
• Professional designations CET or C.Tech are preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of Ontario road regulations and safety standards.
• Strong leadership, budgeting and project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Organize and direct maintenance and operational activities for roads and parks.
• Direct Public Works staff and equipment for road and park projects.
• Prepare estimates and requisitions for materials and equipment.
• Coordinate with the Director on tenders and quotes under Purchasing Policy.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training and performance evaluations.
• Provide 24/7 emergency standby coverage and winter patrols as required.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to support service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budgeting

Project management

Negotiation

Communication

Education

3-year college diploma or university degree in Engineering or related field

CRS designation

DZ licence with Air Brake

CET or C.Tech designation

Knowledge of Ontario road regulations

Tools

Google Docs

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Position: Manager of Outdoor Operations

Department: Public Works and Environmental Services

Division: Outdoor Operations

Reports to: Director of Public Works and Environmental Services

Public Works and Environmental Services

This department is responsible for the effective and efficient planning, engineering, maintenance, rehabilitation and operation of the municipal road system, parks and open space, solid waste management services, water treatment and supply, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, development approvals and general engineering services.

Outdoor Operations

The Outdoor Operations Division is responsible for the municipal roads and parks. The roads division oversees the maintenance of much of the day to day infrastructure used by residents including roads, bridges, culverts, sidewalks, signage traffic lights, streetlights, public parking lots, and for landfill site operations. The parks division is responsible for the care and maintenance of municipal parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, splash pads, skateboard parks, dog parks, amphitheatre, boat launches, docking and flowers.

Purpose and Scope

The Manager of Outdoor Operations is accountable for the general operation and maintenance of the Roads and Parks Division and assigned departmental staff.

This position is a member of the Quinte West Management Team responsible for implementing approved policies, plans and programs as well as ensuring business objectives are met. Leading a talented team of staff, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce in efficient delivery of municipal services and helps shape a workplace culture founded on trust and transparency.

Responsible for providing leadership to the division in alignment with corporate strategies, plans and priorities, the Manager supports strategic planning, budget development, work planning, human resources, staff development and change management and works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to build mutually beneficial working relationships.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize and direct maintenance and operational activities to ensure that the highest quality standards are achieved.
• Responsible for and direct Public Works staff and equipment required to perform the work related to the municipal road and parks system including maintenance, repair and construction.
• Make recommendations on annual maintenance and construction projects, the purchase of equipment, vehicles and land for municipal purposes, etc. as required and in conjunction with the Director.
• Investigate proposals by Utility companies, contractors, etc. to relocate, extend and/or repair their respective lines and make recommendations to the Director.
• Investigate and resolve complaints/concerns from the public within established policies.
• Ensure that all materials and equipment provided are of the highest quality.
• Ensure that all equipment, vehicles, etc. are maintained in a state of readiness having due regard for the financial investment and health and safety.
• Examine and certify bills or accounts against the City for materials and labour utilized in roads and parks operation.
• Prepare and provide estimates and requisitions for any and all materials, equipment etc. that are required.
• Advise the Director regarding specifications, tend forms, etc. regarding inviting quotations, calling tenders or proceeding with any special works in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy.
• Investigate and report to the Director on the potential effects to the road and parks system for applications dealing with land severances, minor variances, site plan applications, Official Plan amendments, Zoning By-law changes, draft plans of subdivision, gravel pit applications, etc. as required.
• Assist office staff with various reports as required and perform various office duties as assigned.
• Provide as required, 24 hour, year round emergency standby and maintain as required, 24 hour winter patrol.
• Ensure meet all regulations for the handling and storage of explosives and magazines.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and overall professional development.
• Follow all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, other applicable legislation, best practices, and City policies and procedures.
• Accountable for the recruitment and selection of division staff including identifying staffing and budget requirements, participating in interviews and ensuring the hiring of highly qualified individuals in line with organisational policies and applicable legislation.
• Ensure compliance, training and staff supervision pertaining to applicable legislation.
• Direct and coordinate the activities of subordinates including monitoring daily activities, providing guidance and administering disciplinary action.
• Provides regular and constructive feedback to staff on their performance, recognizing achievements and providing individualized support.
• Facilitates the development and achievement of business and personal objectives which includes individual development action plans designed for the continued growth and sophistication of the team.
• Accountable to ensure that all safety requirements are met by contractors or independent operators.

Note: The above duties are representative of a typical position and are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

Competencies

This position will:

Demonstrate the City’s core corporate competencies:

• Ambassador
• Health and Safety Behaviour
• Integrity, Trust and Accountability
• Quality of Work
• Teamwork

Demonstrate the City’s leadership competencies:

• Leadership
• Financial Management
• Managing Others
• Service Delivery
• Decision Making

Demonstrate the position competencies:

• Action Oriented
• Building Effective Teams
• Managing and Measuring Work
• Directing Others
• Conflict Management

Contacts

The position will have direct contact with:

Internal: Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Human Resources, members of Council and Committees, department staff and other City staff, where appropriate.

External: Local boards and their senior officers, federal and provincial officials, agencies, developers, consultants, contractors, solicitors, other municipalities, and the general public.

Education/Specialized Training/Skills

The position will require:

• A minimum of a three (3) year community college diploma or university degree in Engineering, or a related field, or an approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Road Supervisor (CRS) designation.
• Valid DZ Licence with an Air Brake Certificate.
• Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) or Certified Technician (C.Tech) designation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Ontario Regulations pertaining to roads construction, maintenance and traffic standards, etc.
• A highly developed sense of professionalism, tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated respect for highly confidential and sensitive issues.
• A high degree of emotional intelligence (the capacity to be aware of, control and express one's emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically).
• Demonstrated customer service and public relations skills.
• Thorough knowledge of current issues facing local government in Ontario and particularly as they relate to the portfolio.
• Knowledge of human resources management, financial management and project management strategies.
• Demonstrated ethical behaviour and business practices.
• The ability to work well independently on several projects concurrently and possess excellent communication, organizational and creative thinking skills.
• Proficient knowledge of related policies, procedures, legislation and initiatives.
• The ability to work with a diverse group of individuals in a team environment.
• A commitment to providing high quality, cost effective services to the City and the community.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work in a demanding environment.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Strong computer skills including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, (or other similar software programs) email and internet.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong and effective analytical, critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

Nice to have

Although not required, the following would be considered a preferred asset to the position.

• The ability to communicate in both English and French.

Work Experience

The position will require:

• A minimum of six (6) years related experience in a municipal public works environment, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.
• Previous experience with equipment utilized in the road system, roads, bridges, watermains, sanitary and storm sewers, sidewalks, curb and gutters, drainage systems, traffic signage and markings, etc.
• Management experience in municipal or broader public, private or voluntary sector environments.

Nice to have

Although not required, the following would be considered a preferred asset to the position.

• Previous experience in a unionized work environment.
• Recent and relevant experience in leading, managing, coaching and mentoring staff.
• Recent and relevant experience in managing projects from strategy through planning, implementation and evaluation.

Decision Making

The position is responsible for providing timely, accurate advice to the Director, direct reports, and other City staff on matters relating to the division's duties and responsibilities regarding the conformance of all departmental activities to municipal and professional standards, provincial/federal policies, and regulations. Errors or lack of action could have a lasting negative impact on the municipality.

Supervision

The position is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the division. Supervisory responsibilities include defining and assigning work, providing training and leadership, evaluating staff performance and ensuring performance evaluations are completed.

Work Environment

• Work in an office environment on a regular basis, with occasional exposure to outside elements.
• Regular requirement for extended hours (evening meetings, etc.)
• Attend evening Council and/or Committee meetings when required.
• Occasional travel outside the municipal boundaries may be required.
• Regular requirement to respond to emergency calls.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends, and respond outside of normal working hours as required.