Team Leader - Natural Areas Trails

City Of Edmonton; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Edmonton is seeking a passionate and experienced Natural Areas Operations Team Leader to oversee trail operations. This role involves maintaining over 400 kilometers of trails, ensuring safety and accessibility while fostering team growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience required.
• Three years of practical experience in Natural Area settings preferred.
• Standard First Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and sanitation of 400+ kilometers of trails.
• Lead, train, and supervise the trails operations crew's Crew Leaders.
• Adapt work strategies based on evolving community needs.

Skills

Knowledge of COE hiring practices

Familiarity with trail maintenance

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to manage staff effectively

Adaptability to changing priorities

Education

University degree in Natural Resources or a related field

Tools

SAP

LMS

Google Suite

Job description

Are you a passionate and experienced leader with a deep appreciation for natural spaces? The City of Edmonton's Parks and Roads Services is seeking a dedicated Natural Areas Operations Team Leader to oversee and guide our trails operations crew. This pivotal role ensures the efficient maintenance and sanitation of over 400 kilometers of the city's cherished asphalt and granular trails within our natural areas. You will play a crucial part in preserving these vital community assets, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all residents of Edmonton. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, excel at fostering team growth, and are committed to operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.

This Team Leader position directly reports to the Natural Areas Supervisor and holds critical responsibility for the comprehensive oversight and leadership of the trails operations crew's Crew Leaders. This role ensures the efficient and effective execution of the established work plan, proactively adapting strategies to align with the evolving priorities of the Open Space Operations Section and to consistently meet the diverse needs of Edmonton's citizens. The trails operations crew is entrusted with the critical task of maintaining and sanitizing the extensive network of over 400 kilometers of both asphalt and granular trails that meander through the city's cherished Natural Areas. As an integral member of the Parks and Roads Services branch, the Team Leader is expected to actively cultivate and champion the organization's core Cultural Commitments: Safety, Helpfulness, Accountability, Integration, and Excellence, while simultaneously driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

What will you do?

• Provide comprehensive oversight and leadership to the trails operations crew's Crew Leaders
• Ensure efficient and effective execution of the established work plan, adapting strategies to evolving priorities and citizen needs
• Oversee the maintenance and sanitation of over 400 kilometers of asphalt and granular trails in Natural Areas
• Assist in the interview and recruitment process for seasonal and permanent staff, and train, direct, and supervise staff
• Assist the Supervisor in evaluating staff and providing feedback into the disciplinary process
• Promote a safe work environment and maintain records for employee safety, mandatory, and functional training
• Mentor and coach Crew Leads and staff to foster a culture of growth and development
• Implement section, work, and culture expectations, monitor performance, and contribute recommendations for performance reviews
• Conduct field inspections of Crew Leaders and field crews
• Prepare various reports to support unit budget and workforce planning
• Review financial information and contribute to reporting requirements
• Utilize various software programs including SAP, LMS, SDM, Google Suite, and Pictometry
• Work with the Financial Analyst and Management Supervisor to define and carry out the work plan for the area
• Assign specific reactive work (e.g., river flooding, trail collapse, significant snow events) for remediation
• Liaise with Citizen Services staff in the River Valley Operations group, overseeing construction details/detours and managing partner groups
• Work with internal and external contractors and construction companies to ensure work along trails meets safety requirements and detours are in place
• Communicate with other members of the section/unit leadership team to discuss activities, goals, plans, and user input
• Respond to inquiries and requests through 311, Council, or the Mayor's Office as required
• Perform other duties or Branch priorities as required
• Oversee and coordinate snow removal work on active pathways in the River Valley Trails system
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

• Completion of a University degree in Natural Resources or a related field
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Standard First Aid certification
• Three (3) years of practical experience working with teams in Natural Area settings

Assets:

• Chainsaw/chipper training
• Operational maintenance and sanitation experience in natural areas

Skills required for success:

• Knowledge of COE hiring practices in a Local 30 environment
• Familiarity with trail maintenance requirements and local site knowledge
• Experience dealing with difficult people
• Adaptability to changing priorities, whether due to managerial direction or weather dependency
• Ability to manage staff effectively while maintaining key performance indicators
• Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation in addressing challenges such as maintaining a continuous trail network amidst significant construction and utility servicing
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion
  

Conditions of Employment:

• Compliance with the City of Edmonton's safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a requirement for this position
  
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot, cold), precipitation (rain, snow), brightness, and darkness
• Exposure to chemicals, particulates
• Requirement to wear safety footwear (steel-toed boots, etc.), slip-resistant shoes, skin protection (cream, sunscreen), coveralls, hand protection (gloves), body protection, hearing protection, eye protection, and respiratory protection
• May involve working alone, with violent/aggressive patrons, and potentially shift work/split shifts
• Physical demands include moderate to light effort, including lifting up to 20 lbs, balancing, crawling/crouching, climbing ladders, depth/night perception, pulling, reaching, use of feet (for controls), and pushing

Work Environment:

• The work environment involves both office and field settings within Edmonton's natural areas. The position will require hands-on involvement in ensuring the trails network remains safe and accessible. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining Edmonton's extensive trail system for millions of annual users

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week.
Salary Range: $40.034 - $46.217 (Hourly); $83,590.990 - $96,501.100 (Annually)
Talent Acquisition Consultant: AM/VH

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Classification Title: Comm Serv Team Leader
Posting Date: Jun 16, 2025
Closing Date: June 23, 2025 11:59pm (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union: CUPE Local 30
Department: City Operations
Work Location(s): Various Locations Edmonton (City Wide)