Manager, Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Manager, Parks & Outdoor Recreation

J0425-0269

NU126

Recreation

CATCOMCENT

Non-Union

Full Time

1

35 hrs/wk

$102,478.01 - $128,087.97/Year

April 23, 2025

May 14, 2025

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat. 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

1. Collaborate with relevant departments and community organizations to support and enhance park programming initiatives.
2. Lead public consultation processes and act as a departmental representative to community advisory committees and community associations.
3. Support the development and growth of community gardens within the parks system.
4. Engage with the community and user groups to gather feedback and understand park needs and priorities.
5. Develop and implement strategies for securing park sponsorships and partnerships to support park development and maintenance.

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

1. Plan for and monitor service levels for various park amenities, establishing targets and performance indicators.
2. Collect and analyze data related to park usage, needs, and trends to inform planning and decision-making.
3. Monitor and utilize data to assess the effectiveness of current park amenities and identify areas for improvement.

1. Contribute to the development and review of policies and procedures related to parks development, parkland acquisition, and shoreline management.
2. Review private development permit applications submitted to the City to ensure compliance with all Parks related policies.

1. A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional and Community Planning, Urban Studies, Parks and Recreation Management, Landscape Architecture or a related field.
2. 5 years of progressive experience in parks planning, development, and management, including experience in parkland acquisition, capital project management, and budget administration.
3. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and master plans.
4. Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and best practices related to parks development, parkland dedication, and environmental management.
5. Thorough understanding of relevant accessibility legislation, universal design principles, and best practices for creating inclusive environments.

1. Excellent leadership, supervision, and team management skills.
2. Strong project management skills, including planning, organizing, procurement, and overseeing complex projects.
3. Excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation and presentation skills.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Strong time and project management skills with the ability to multi-task.

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process.

Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers

Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.