Recreation Services Manager

Saskatoon; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 93,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Saskatoon is seeking a Division Manager for Recreation & Community Development to oversee one of the division’s functional areas such as customer services, facilities, or programs. The role focuses on maximizing facility usage, guiding staff, and aligning services with community demand.

You will manage budgets, lead staff development, and build partnerships with community groups while ensuring safety, accessibility, and program quality across city facilities and services.

Qualifications

• Degree in recreation administration, kinesiology, leisure studies, commerce or a related field.
• Four to six years’ progressively responsible recreation experience including municipal facility operation or program development experience, including two years supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• A vehicle suitable for use in the performance of duties is required

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs activities within the assigned area to maximize use of recreation facilities, programs and services in response to market demand.
• Manages staff; hires, assigns work schedules, assesses staffing needs, and conducts performance management.
• Selects programs and services to meet community and customer needs; evaluates and retires programs based on goals and feedback.
• Prepares and monitors operating and capital budgets; provides annual reporting.
• Manages public consultation to support partnership agreements and program delivery.
• Represents the department in discussions with other departments and external agencies on standards for safety and facilities.
• Negotiates leases, partnerships and operating agreements; pursues sponsorships for programs.
• Provides guidance to front-line staff to ensure responsive customer service processes.
• Supports committees by attending meetings and coordinating projects.
• Coordinates information to aid marketing campaigns for programs and rentals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Skills

Public recreation knowledge

Municipal recreation insight

Literature & standards

Staff leadership

Budgeting

Relationship building

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Word processing & spreadsheets

Data management

Education

Degree in recreation administration, kinesiology, leisure studies, commerce

Job description

Department:Recreation and Community Development

Term:1TemporaryFull Time position available for approximately 6 months.

Closing Date: 11/13/2026

Labour Group: The Society

This position is a The Society position and will be filled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Should it not be filled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, external candidates will be considered.

Job Summary

This position manages one of the areas (customer services, recreation facilities, program services, open space, special use recreation facilities) of the Recreation & Community Development Division.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs the activities within the assigned area in order to maximize use of recreation facilities, programs and services in response to market demand.
• Manages assigned staff; hires, assigns work schedules, assesses staffing needs, identifies and pursues other resources if necessary and performs layoff and recall. Plans and approves staff development. Conducts performance management and, when required, disciplinary action.
• Selects programs and services to meet community and customer needs; promotes, implements, evaluates and/or retires programs based on defined business goals and outcomes and in response to market demand and customer feedback.
• Prepares, coordinates, and monitors the operating and capital budgets for the assigned area; including annual reporting of area activities and recommends available resources for allocation.
• Manages public consultation processes to ensure the recreation infrastructure is developed to support volunteer and other agencies’ program delivery roles and to develop a framework for partnership agreements.
• Represents the department in discussions and negotiations with other departments and external agencies related to maintaining and monitoring standards for safety, cleanliness, and security of the assets, sport field, golf course and recreation facility development and emergency social services plans.
• Negotiates partnerships, leases, operating agreements and other related contracts, and represents the department on any partnership or management committees. Develop a strategy to approach and acquire sponsorships for selected programs and facilities.
• Provides, and seeks from front-line staff, advice and direction to ensure customer service processes are responsive, adaptive, and accessible.
• Provides support to assigned committees by attending meetings, preparing reports and coordinating projects.
• Coordinates the provision of information and / or resources, to assist the marketing staff in developing marketing campaigns to promote the program and rental opportunities available.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements:

• Degree in recreation administration, kinesiology, leisure studies, commerce or a related field.
• Four to six years’ progressively responsible recreation experience including municipal facility operation or program development experience, including two years supervisory experience.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• A vehicle suitable for use in the performance of duties is required

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of public recreation and community development principles and processes.
• Knowledge of the role of the municipality in recreation and leisure services delivery.
• Knowledge of current literature, standards, trends, and practises applicable to facility operation, program planning, and customer service.
• Ability to direct and support staff in achieving identified results.
• Ability to provide leadership and empowerment to achieve results through others.
• Ability to develop and present budgets, and control available resources to achieve expected results.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to negotiate rental/usage agreements through problem-solving, consensus, stakeholder involvement, and dialogue.
• Ability to express ideas and concepts effectively in oral and written form to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated skill in operation of word-processing, databases, and spreadsheets.

Weekly Hours:36.67

Salary Range:$93,293.52to$109,486.56 CADper annum (2026rates)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The City of Saskatoon offers an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. As an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the City commits to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplaces. By having our workforce reflect the community we serve, we support the realization of miyo-pimatisiwin, (me-o-pi-ma-ti-si-win) “the good life”, for all residents. To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City, please visit Saskatoon.ca/diversity

Accommodation

The City of Saskatoon strives to provide an accessible and inclusive workplace for all, including throughout the application and selection process through reasonable access and accommodations. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please email [e-mail].