Supervisor, Public Works

City of Kingston; Eastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government organization in Kingston, Ontario is seeking a Supervisor for Public Works. This role involves providing leadership and guidance to teams responsible for parks and public spaces maintenance. The ideal candidate will have supervisory experience, relevant educational credentials, and a strong commitment to safety and public service. This position involves both fieldwork and administrative responsibilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and customer service.

Qualifications

• Supervisory experience in public works operations required.
• Valid class 'G' driver’s license with ability to obtain ‘DZ’ license within 1 year.
• Experience in parks and recreation maintenance is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise work crews performing field assignments.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance operations and resources.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

Diploma in engineering, business, applied science, parks & recreation, or a related field

Tools

MS Office

Financial management software

AVL/GPS Systems

Customer service software

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). 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

The Supervisor, Public Works, provides leadership and guidance to unionized employees and is responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of Public Works maintenance operations including but not limited to parks, sports fields, horticulture, and winter control. This position is responsible for the prioritization of work assignments, condition assessments, site inspections, asset management, contract administration and financial management tasks.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage, organize, and resolve unexpected factors and conditions such as workforce issues, equipment breakdown, weather conditions, etc.

Plan and coordinate operational work, maintenance plans, and available resources to meet operational service levels, service requests and public safety.

Implement initiatives to mitigate services requests and develop operational efficiencies.

Supervise work crews performing field assignments throughout the city and:

• Provide training, mentoring, monitoring and feedback.
• Monitor quality, quantity, and completion of work according to plan and schedule.
• Communicate and inform staff of changes in legislation and internal policy/practices and address concerns.
• Ensure work is completed safely and in compliance with OH&S and City Policies and Procedures.
• Manage contracts to meet operational tasks.
• Ensure staff accountability.

Assess and resolve Public Works related concerns from user groups, property owners, residents, businesses, other city departments and divisions in a courteous and professional manner.

Site visit investigation and customer interaction to determine course of action and resolution on customer service requests.

Track and document communication and resolutions for any/all service requests and identify recurring operational inefficiencies.

Assist in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of capital and operating project budgets.

Managing daily job costing (timecards, equipment utilization and material purchases).

Administer all aspects of procurement for equipment and services, including procurement documents, contracts, and payment certificates.

Oversee asset management collection and mapping requirements for Public Works operations.

Work as part of the operations team to coordinate winter control activities, ensuring safe and timely snow and ice management across city right of way and in public spaces.

Interpret technical specifications, surveys, and asset condition assessment to interpret data and create work plans.

Assist in the development and enforcement of policies to optimize infrastructure life cycle and achieve competent, efficient and effective delivery of services, including but not limited to Occupational Health & Safety, Highway Traffic Act, Environmental Protection Act, etc.

Support other public works initiatives and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

Diploma in engineering, business, applied science, parks & recreation, environmental / horticulture, or a related field.

Supervisory experience working in public works related operations, such as roads & sidewalks, traffic signage, public parks and spaces, playgrounds, splash pads, courts and fields.

Valid class 'G' driver’s license with a satisfactory driver’s abstract with ability to obtain ‘DZ’ driver’s license within 1 year of hire; valid class 'DZ' driver’s license an asset.

Supervisory experience in a unionized environment an asset.

Demonstrated experience in parks and recreation operational maintenance and events support an asset.

Experience preparing, planning, and organizing work plans and maintenance plans for related parks and event operation an asset.

Turf maintenance, CSA Playground Inspection, and / or Ontario Public Health regulations for splash pads an asset.

Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, address public needs, and manage visitor services.

Intermediate computer skills with MS Office and a strong knowledge of other applicable software such as financial management programs, AVL / GPS Systems, asset management, and customer service software.

Knowledge of related acts and legislation including the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, CSA Standards for playground equipment, related environmental legislation, and WHMIS training.

Knowledge of technical specifications – Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications (OPSS) and Ontario Traffic Manuals (OTM).

Knowledge of Municipal Act and Ministry of Transportation – CVOR.

Strong leadership and team building skills, with the ability to prioritize, mentor and manage a team.

Strong organizational skills and effective problem‑solving skills with the ability to prioritize work in a demanding environment.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence others.

Working outdoors in all weather conditions and around heavy machinery. On‑call by schedule and respond to required City emergencies for support.

Ability to work all required shifts including weekends, overtime, on‑call and outside of regular business hours.

Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check.