Senior Parks & Open Space Leader — Urban Forestry & Planning

YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce; Owen Sound; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health & Dental plan

OMERS defined benefit pension

Job summary

City of Owen Sound seeks an experienced leader to serve as Manager of Parks and Open Space. You will oversee 48 parks, 500+ acres of open space, and Greenwood Cemetery, directing operations, planning, and asset management.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, sustainability, and community engagement while ensuring safe, attractive facilities and effective capital planning. Strong municipal experience is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in horticulture, forestry, parks planning, environmental studies, landscape management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in urban parks, open space, cemetery, forestry, or related municipal operations.
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment.
• Municipal experience is strongly preferred.
• Valid G class driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for park, open space, forestry, and cemetery operations.
• Direct maintenance programs including turf management, horticulture, sports fields, trails, playgrounds, landscaping, snow removal, and litter collection.
• Oversee campground operations, special event support, beautification initiatives, and urban forestry activities.
• Develop proactive maintenance and environmental management programs that support sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Lead parks planning initiatives and public engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Public engagement

Budgeting / financial acumen

Asset management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Staff development

Education

Degree in Horticulture/Forestry/Parks Planning/Environmental Studies/Landscape Management or related

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

City of Owen Sound seeks an experienced leader to serve as Manager of Parks and Open Space. You will oversee 48 parks, 500+ acres of open space, and Greenwood Cemetery, directing operations, planning, and asset management.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, sustainability, and community engagement while ensuring safe, attractive facilities and effective capital planning. Strong municipal experience is highly valued.