Manager, Parks and Recreation

City of Kingston; Kingston; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic leader to manage the parks and outdoor recreation initiatives. This role involves developing comprehensive plans for parkland acquisition and enhancing community access through interconnected greenspaces. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic team, ensuring effective project management and budget oversight while fostering community engagement. If you are passionate about creating inclusive and vibrant public spaces and have a strong background in urban planning, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Health and Wellness Programs

Pension Plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in parks planning and management.
• Strong understanding of legislation related to parks development.
• Experience leading teams in a municipal environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term strategic plans for parks development.
• Manage annual capital and operating budgets for parks initiatives.
• Oversee parks and shorelines capital program execution.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Customer Service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning

Membership in Ontario Professional Planners Institute

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Tools

ArcGIS

CAD

MS Office

Job description

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Director, Recreation and Leisure Services, the Manager of Parks & Outdoor Recreation, is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the comprehensive planning, development, and management of the municipality's parks system and shorelines engineering portfolio as it relates to the Waterfront Master Plan. This role involves developing long-term strategies for parkland acquisition, parks development and championing the creation of interconnected parks and communities through greenspace and trail systems, including waterfront trails.

The Manager plays a key role in identifying future parkland needs, supporting park programming and community gardens, and collaborating closely with developers on parkland dedication and development opportunities. Furthermore, this role is responsible for developing park sponsorship programs, planning for service levels and targets for park amenities, implementing master plans, and utilizing data-driven insights to assess needs and inform decision-making. A critical aspect of this role includes establishing and managing a comprehensive asset management program for parks and shoreline infrastructure, including the implementation of methods and systems for asset capture and tracking, as well as overseeing condition assessments conducted by both consultants and staff.

The Manager is accountable for the development and monitoring of both capital and operating budgets, strategically leveraging various funding sources such as development charges, community benefit funds, sponsorship and contributions. This position directly supervises parks development staff and the shoreline engineering staff, providing leadership and guidance in project management and the delivery of capital programs.

Strategic Planning and Development:
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for parks development, ensuring alignment with community needs and municipal objectives.
Formulate strategies for parkland acquisition, prioritizing lands that support strategic goals and connectivity.
Oversee the processes related to parkland dedication and conveyance, ensuring compliance with legislation and policy
Lead the planning and development of interconnected trail systems, including waterfront trails, to enhance community access and recreational opportunities.
Contribute to the development and implementation of parks and recreation master plans, waterfront master plans, shoreline plans and other City plans.

Team Leadership and Supervision:
Provide effective leadership, supervision, and mentorship to parks development staff and the shoreline engineer.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Manage staff performance, including setting objectives, providing feedback, and conducting performance evaluations.

Financial Management:
Develop and manage annual capital and operating budgets for parks development and shoreline initiatives.
Identify and secure various funding sources, including development charges, community benefit funds, grants, and other external funding opportunities.
Monitor budget expenditures, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to financial policies.

Project Management and Capital Programs:
Oversee the parks and shorelines capital program, including the planning, design, and execution.
Support Project team in managing consultants and contractors involved in park development and shoreline projects.
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, permits, and approvals for capital projects.

Park Programming, Partnerships and Community Engagement:
Collaborate with relevant departments and community organizations to support and enhance park programming initiatives.
Leading public consultation processes and acting as a departmental representative to community advisory committees and community associations
Support the development and growth of community gardens within the parks system.
Engage with the community and user groups to gather feedback and understand park needs and priorities.
Develop and implement strategies for securing park sponsorships and partnerships to support park development and maintenance.
Cultivate relationships with potential sponsors and community partners.
Review and manage proposals for park and waterfront business and recreation initiatives to support activation of the City’s waterfront and parks and recreation spaces.

Development Liaison and Parkland Dedication:
Work closely with developers to negotiate and secure parkland dedication in accordance with municipal policies and regulations.
Identify opportunities for leveraging development projects to enhance the parks system.
Review development proposals and provide input regarding parkland requirements and integration.

Service Level Planning and Data Analysis:
Plan for and monitor service levels for various park amenities, establishing targets and performance indicators.
Collect and analyze data related to park usage, needs, and trends to inform planning and decision-making.
Monitor and utilize data to assess the effectiveness of current park amenities and identify areas for improvement.
Managing Geographic Information System (GIS) data, and providing drafting and mapping services, and data analysis support to support the Recreation & Leisure Services Department with assistance from the City’s GIS Section

Policy and Procedure Development:
Contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures related to parks development, parkland acquisition, and shoreline management.
Reviewing private development permit applications submitted to the City to ensure compliance with all Parks related policies

Other duties as assigned

A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional and Community Planning, Urban Studies, Parks and Recreation Management, Landscape Architecture or a related field.

Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute is an asset.

Designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) is an asset.

Ontario Association of Landscape Professionals membership is an asset.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an asset.

5 years of progressive experience in parks planning, development, and management, including experience in parkland acquisition, capital project management, and budget administration.

Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and master plans.

Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and best practices related to parks development, parkland dedication, and environmental management usually gained through experience in the public sector.

Thorough understanding of relevant accessibility legislation (e.g., AODA in Ontario), universal design principles, and best practices for creating inclusive environments.

Proven ability to develop and manage capital and operating budgets, including identifying and securing funding sources.

Experience leading teams in a municipal environment.

Experience in a municipal or related environment in the area of open space and parks planning, shoreline is an asset.

Valid class “G” driver’s licence

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Excellent leadership, supervision, and team management skills

Strong project management skills, including planning, organizing, procurement, and overseeing complex projects

Excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including the public, developers, and community groups

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions, including asset condition data

Must have excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills with the ability to influence others

Strong, effective customer service and interpersonal skills

Ability to work in a team environment, liaise with key stakeholders and to function effectively with minimal supervision

Advanced computer skills including MS Office

Proficiency in ArcGIS

Proficiency in CAD

Proficient in relevant software applications (e.g project management software, strategy tracking software, HMS software, Financial Management Software).

Strong time and project management skills with the ability to multi-task

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to gather and interpret information

Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to formulate solutions to complex issues


Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check

Hybrid position, minimum of three days in-office per week.

Primarily office environment with occasional fieldwork involving site visits to parks and shoreline areas, which may involve exposure to various weather conditions and terrain.

May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings and events.