Manager of Parks & Forestry

City of St. Thomas; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 96,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St. Thomas is seeking a Manager of Parks & Forestry to oversee the management and operation of all parkland and open spaces. This permanent, full-time position involves significant responsibilities in administration, financial management, customer service, and staff management, contributing to community recreational services and well-being.

Benefits

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)

Qualifications

• Four (4) years’ experience in a Parks/Horticultural environment.
• Three (3) years of supervisory/management experience.
• Competent understanding of Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations, maintenance, and administration of parks and recreational areas.
• Manage departmental operating budget and approve spending.
• Coordinate project management and contract administration for capital projects.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Team management

Education

Two (2) year diploma/degree in horticulture or related area

Job description

Job Description

Posted Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 4:00 a.m. | Expires Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 3:59 a.m.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS

Parks & Recreation Department has an opening for the following position:

MANAGER OF PARKS & FORESTRY

Permanent, Full Time

Posting #1070-06-25

POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation, the Manager of Parks & Forestry is responsible for the management and operation of all parkland and open space including Forestry, Horticulture, Athletic Facilities, Trails, Turf Maintenance, Maintenance Operations, and Capital Projects along with associated accounts payable and receivables and providing a high standard of customer service. This position is also responsible for ensuring that activities and operations follow the Occupational Health & Safety Act, all related legislative policies, regulations, corporate policy, and direction.

The establishment of a thriving community as a key component of the City of St. Thomas’ Strategic Plan. This component relies on the quality of community based recreational services. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan identifies the provision of growing recreational services as a key guiding principle for community health and well-being.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Administration (70%)

• Responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating assigned services and activities of parks facility including operations, scheduling, maintenance, arboriculture services, hiring, supervising, monitoring performance of staff and parks operations in the following areas: forestry, arboriculture, infrastructure, turf and athletic fields, playgrounds, and horticulture.
• Develops, recommends and following approval, implements and administers policies, standards and procedures for the maintenance and operation of parks and athletic fields, forestry, horticulture, and playgrounds.
• Oversees locations of homeless encampments and coordinate required Operations staff interventions.
• Performs other such duties, responsibilities and functions as required.

Financial Accountability (10%)

• Purchases major operating works (Contracted Services, Capital Works, Playground Equipment) and drafts tender documents for contract services under the guidance of the City’s Purchasing Bylaw.
• Reviews and approves all permits and invoices for facility and park use ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy.
• Manages departmental operating budget and approves all spending and invoices.

Customer Service (10%)

• Responds to inquiries and maintains effective working relationships with Civic Departments, related Boards and Committees, user groups, the public and service area staff.
• Provides advice and interpretation regarding the department’s policies and procedures.

Project Management (5%)

• Develops and/or performs research for ongoing improvement of systems, technologies, practices and programs for municipal park operations and equipment, with a commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of best practices.
• Delivers project management and contract administration for planning/design and construction in a timely, cost-effective manner for all approved Parks Service Area capital projects.
• Prepares and submits to the Director, required plans and/or Council reports and sectional proposals for the annual operating and capital budgets and forecasts in conjunction with the City of St. Thomas Strategic Plan and established Asset Management Plan.

Staff Management (5%)

• For all personnel holding authorized positions under the incumbent’s direct supervision and subject to the City’s Human Resources policies:
• Participates in the selection and hiring of employees,
• Appraises the performance and conduct of employees,
• Recommends the promotion, demotion, discipline and termination of employees.
• Ensures the training and orientation of new staff under the incumbent’s jurisdiction.
• Develops, implements, communicates, and enforces internal safety policies, rules and regulations for service area staff and the use of equipment.
• Ensures the safe operation of parks through enforcement of structured standards: HR Policies and Procedure manual, Fire Safety Plan, Children’s Play spaces and Equipment Standards (CAN-CSA-Z614-07), Electrical Safety Authority, International Society of Arboriculture Standards, Ministry of Labour, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A two (2) year diploma/degree from a recognized college/university in horticulture or related area of study.
• Four (4) years’ experience in a Parks/Horticultural environment together with three (3) years of supervisory/management experience including sport fields, arboriculture, horticulture, and parks operations.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Highly organized with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Must possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage a team of staff in a progressive manner that promotes communication, teamwork.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and public relations skills are mandatory.
• A competent understanding of all related legislation and regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ontario Municipal Act is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer software is required including Microsoft Office programs.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to deal with the public with diplomacy and tact.
• Strong organizational skills to ensure that the tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner to meet Council’s established service levels and deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate processes and apply industry best practices to associated divisional areas to achieve operational effectiveness.
• Following established procedures, policies, and other documentation is required to effectively operate the City’s parks and open space facilities and amenities.
• Energetic, motivated, and innovative with excellent time management skills to work in a fast-paced environment and meet or exceed deadlines with quality results.
• Ability to manage and mediate conflict.

Other

• Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory Police Criminal Record Check.

HOURS OF WORK:

• The normal workweek consists of 35 hours; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch.
• Must be available to the Supervisor of Parks & Forestry and/or on-call staff member (seven days/week 365 days/year) when emergencies/questions arise.
• Attends Council meetings as required to answer questions related to submitted reports.
• Working days could extend outside of departmental operations to assist with annual budget preparation, council meetings, etc
• Required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work without compensation.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Salary Range: $96,856 - $117,729 per annum (Band 9)
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)

Applications must be received no later than Monday June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

HOW TO APPLY:

Go towww.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities.Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.You may need to register/create a Login.

Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.
Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information for this position is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, as amended.