Manager of Recreation Services

Alberni Valley Employment Centre; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 108,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Port Alberni is seeking a Manager of Recreation Services to lead the delivery of high-quality recreation, culture, and aquatic programs. This role involves planning and supervising department staff, managing budgets, and ensuring operational excellence in community recreation services.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package

Flexible schedule

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Strong background in recreation management.
• Ability to prepare operating and capital budgets.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs operations and programs of parks and recreation sectors.
• Supervises the work of department employees.
• Assists in preparing operating and capital budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Public Relations

Safety Management

Operational Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management or Sport Administration

Job description

City of Port Alberni

Manager of Recreation Services

THE ORGANIZATION: CITY OF PORT ALBERNI
At the heart of the west coast, where the forest meets the sea, is the vibrant waterfront community of Port Alberni. Surrounded by glacial peaks and nestled along a 48-kilometre saltwater inlet that opens to the Pacific Ocean, Port Alberni offers residents the best of West Coast living in a setting that is both breathtaking and accessible.

Home to nearly 20,000 people, Port Alberni is located within the traditional unceded territories of the Tseshaht and Hupačasath First Nations. These relationships are foundational to the City’s identity, and reconciliation remains a central part of our planning and decision-making.

Port Alberni combines small-town warmth with big-city amenities. We are proud to offer a deep sea port, a modern hospital, a state-of-the-art high school, and more recreational facilities than many larger centres. From skating rinks and scenic trails to soccer fields and bike parks, our community is built for active, healthy lifestyles across all generations.

Our waterfront is a hub of activity and a source of pride. The Harbour Quay, waterfront pathways, and working marinas offer space to gather, explore, and celebrate. Local shops, cafes, and weekly markets add charm and character, creating a strong sense of community connection.

As we continue to grow, Port Alberni is embracing new economic opportunities while honouring its roots. Forestry and related manufacturing remain key industries, but we are diversifying—welcoming innovation in tourism, marine and aerospace sectors, the arts, clean technologies, and value-added food processing. Our position as a leader in the fish and seafood industry, strengthened by partnerships with First Nations and rural communities, supports a sustainable, forward-looking economy.

Port Alberni offers affordability, opportunity, and quality of life. Here, nature is at your doorstep, and community is just around the corner. Whether you’re drawn by the ocean, the mountains, or the promise of a close-knit and growing city, Port Alberni is ready for you.

THE OPPORTUNITY: MANAGER OF RECREATION SERVICES
TheCityisseekinganewManagerofRecreationServicestojoinitsParks,RecreationandCultureteam.ReportingtotheDirector,Parks,RecreationandCulture,this position will lead the City’s recreation, culture and aquaticteamstoensurethedeliveryof high- quality programs andservices. Wearelookingforanexperienced leader who has a strong background in recreation and is a results-oriented team player.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs operations and programs of parks and recreation sectors, in accordance with sound practices and objectives, and applicable policies and requirements
• Plans, assigns and supervises directly, and with support staff, the work of department employees.
• Assists in preparing operating and capital budgets and authorizes, controls and monitors revenues and expenditures for the department.
• Establishes, promotes and maintains effective public relations, contact and liaison with external parks, recreation and culture authorities and organizations as well as the public and other City departments.
• Assesses the effectiveness of department programs and operations, and evaluates the needs and interests of the community, developing and recommending plans and programs to accommodate same.
• Coordinates and supervises internal and external operations and plans, and conducts professional development and in-service training courses for staff, as required.
• Attends Council, committee and other meetings; presents reports on departmental activities and projects
• Ensures that safe work practices are followed by employees, through the practice of due diligence and an understanding of WorkSafeBC regulations, as well as related statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Actively participates in all aspects of OH&S programs including regular inspections, safety meetings, investigations and safety events.
• Assists in hiring, disciplinary matters, layoffs and terminations, as well as in processing employee grievances, arbitration hearings and related labour relations matters.
• May fill in for other department managers or the Director, as needed.

THE CANDIDATE:
The Manager of Recreation Services is an experiencedandskilledleaderwho hasa proven trackrecordofdeliveringresultsand is interested in being part of a dynamic team. Theideal candidatewillhavean inclusiveandcollaborativeleadershipstyle,anda strongbackgroundinallaspects of recreation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and procedures used in administering public parks and recreation operations, programs and services.
• Thorough knowledge of rules, policies, regulations and objectives governing parks and recreation operations.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and supervise, directly and through delegation, the work of department staff.
• Ability to manage all operations and related facilities with minimal supervision and provide a high degree of effective leadership in planning and supervising directly and indirectly the work of a staff team.
• Ability to prepare capital and operating budgets, and administrative reports related to department operations, programs and services.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards applicable to department operations and of effective safety control methods.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of groups, including City staff, elected and business officials, union representatives, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, facilitate groups, and promote public involvement in department initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Sport Administration or a related discipline, and a minimum of 5 years of related experience. A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates may apply by forwarding a resume and cover letter to [e-mail] by 4:30 pm on August 11, 2025.

For additional information, including a full job description, please go to portalberni.ca/ employment-opportunities.

The salary range for this position is $108,221 - $124,177, and includes a comprehensive benefit package. This position works a flex schedule.