Recreation Lead – Facility

Variety Village; Toronto; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Variety Village is hiring a Recreation Lead – Facility to support daily operations, safety and accessibility in a large on-site facility. You will supervise part-time staff, oversee equipment readiness and help programs run smoothly.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, previous recreation facility experience, and a commitment to inclusive participation for all abilities. This is an on-site, 1-year contract position at our Scarborough location.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Recreation/Leisure, Sports Administration, Physical Education is a strong asset.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service and public engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support inclusive and active recreation that promotes well-being, participation and engagement.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment for participants and members, including individuals with disabilities.
• Provide on-site leadership and coaching to part-time staff and assist with staff coverage.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational

Interpersonal

Customer service

Education

Post-secondary education in Recreation/Leisure

Job description

Key Details:

Job Title: Recreation Lead – Facility

Type: Full-time, Contract (1 year)

Location: 3701 DanforthAvenue, Scarborough, ON M1N 2G2. This isa fully on-site position.

Rate: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour, based on experience andqualifications.

Deadline: Submission ofcover letter and resume are due no later than August 28, 2026.

Reports to: Coordinator, Facility

Vacancy: Thisis a position to be filled.

AI Disclosure: Variety does not use artificial intelligence or automated tools to screen, assess, ormake hiring decisions. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team.

Variety is committed to building an inclusiveworkplace that embraces diversity, values differences, and supports the fullparticipation of all employees. We welcome applications from those who arepassionate about contributing to a workplace culture where everyone feelsvalued and included. We welcome applications from racialized persons/persons ofcolour, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, 2S & LGBTQIA+persons, and anyone who can add to the diversity of our team.

About Us:

VARIETY GROUP OF COMPANIES OVERVIEW

There are three companies that make up the Variety Group ofCompanies (Variety):

• Variety - the Children’s Charity (Ontario)
• Variety Village
• Variety Club of Ontario – Tent 28

Variety - the Children’s Charity (Ontario) supportsprogramming for children with a disability at Variety Village and throughoutthe province. Variety programming is inclusive and powered by sport,transforming the lives of individuals and families, while creating moreinclusive communities across Ontario.

Variety - the Children’s Charity (Ontario) is funded throughindividual donors, corporate sponsorship, fundraising activities, federal andprovincial governments, and foundations.

Variety - the Children's Charity (Ontario) ispart of an international charity that has been in operation since 1928. Thecharity began in Pittsburgh and spread throughout the United States. Thechapter in Ontario was the first chapter outside the United States and is nowone of the 5 Variety Chapters in Canada. It was founded in 1945, and theoriginal mission of the charity was to build a school for boys with adisability who could not receive an education in the mainstream school system.The school was called Variety Village.

Variety Village operated as a school until it became a centreof para-sport excellence.

Since the 1970s, Variety athletes and coaches haverepresented Canada at every summer Paralympic games. Currently, Variety Villageis a 170,000 square foot facility and operates as a fitness centre for thegeneral community as well as offering programs, training and camps for childrenof all ages and abilities.

Vision Statement:

“A Welcoming Community and World‑Renowned Facilitythat Empowers All.”

Mission Statement:

“As a Charity, we embrace a people firstphilosophy, prioritizing inclusivity and support for all. Our Mission is toempower individuals to connect, thrive, and achieve their personal bests.”

Values:

Inclusivity: We host events, deliverprograms, and create programs for all.

Respect: We foster a culture of mutual and equal respect.

Trust: Wecreate a safe and trustworthy environment for active participation and are atrusted source of expertise.

Empowerment: Wefacilitate personal growth and development.

The Opportunity:

The Recreation Lead – Facility is responsible for supporting the dailyoperations of Variety Village’s facility to ensure a safe, inclusive, andwell-maintained environment for members, participants, and staff. Workingclosely with the Facility Coordinator, this role provides on-the-ground supportand coaching to part-time staff, oversees equipment setup and maintenance,ensures facility readiness for programs and events, and assists with safety andaccessibility initiatives. The ideal candidate has strong organizational andcommunication skills, demonstrates leadership and initiative, and bringsexperience in recreation facility operations.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Facility Operations & Safety

• Support inclusive and active recreation that promotes well-being, participation,and engagement.
• Helpmaintain a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for participantsand members, including individuals with disabilities.
• Understandand follow emergency procedures, safety protocols, and incident reportingrequirements.
• Respondappropriately to emergencies and provide first aid or other requiredemergency assistance within the scope of certification.
• Workin and/or provide on-site leadership in various areas of the facility asrequired.

Staff Leadership & Support

• Provideday-to-day guidance, support, and coaching to part-time facility staff.
• Assistwith finding staff coverage when required.
• Provideon-the-job coaching and direction to staff to support consistent serviceand facility standards.
• Monitorcompletion of required administrative tasks and documentation.
• Identifyand communicate staff performance, attendance, or operational concerns tothe appropriate Coordinator.
• Assistwith new employee orientation, training, and seasonal in-service training.

Equipment & Facility Readiness

• Conductregular equipment checks to ensure equipment is safe, functional, andproperly maintained.
• Completemonthly pool and equipment inspections as assigned.
• Ensureemergency equipment is appropriately stocked, operational, and replacedwhen required.
• Assistwith equipment setup, takedown, organization, and inventory.
• Ensurefacility spaces and equipment are prepared for programs, activities, andevents.

Administration

• Maintainaccurate records related to facility operations, inspections, equipment,and staff activities.
• Completerequired documentation accurately and within established timelines.
• Performother related duties to support departmental and organizational needs.

Training & Professional Development

• Attendstaff meetings, training sessions, and seasonal in-service trainingrelevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Maintainall required certifications and demonstrate required National Lifeguardphysical and practical skills.
• Participatein ongoing training and professional development as required.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Recreation/Leisure,Sports Administration, Physical Education, or a related field is a strongasset.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working as alifeguard.
• Current and valid:
  • National Lifeguard – Pool
  • Standard First Aid with CPR-C & AED or Intermediate First Aid
• Airway Management, Basic Life Support, Lifesaving Instructor, First Aid Instructor, and/or Crisis Prevention & Intervention training is an asset.
• Previous experience providing leadership, coaching,or supervision to staff is an asset.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational,and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service and public engagementskills.
• Strong decision-making, judgment, andproblem-solving abilities.
• Dependable, reliable, punctual, and able to workeffectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently while followingestablished policies, procedures, and direction.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion,accessibility, and supporting individuals with disabilities.