Manager Parks

City of Toronto•Union, NJ

17h

About The Position

Reporting to the Director Parks, the Manager Parks leads delivery of Parks Services within a defined geographic area. The role provides direct leadership and support for a range of local parks services and city-wide technical and community response responsibilities. Working with other branches and divisions, the Manager leads divisional programs, initiatives and services as a member of the Parks Branch Management Team and other high-performing work teams, and provides senior-level support to the Director, including representation at internal and external meetings. The Manager develops operational plans and policy recommendations, administers the district’s annual budget, and oversees fiscal and service performance. The position manages, motivates and trains a multidisciplinary workforce of approximately 350 FTEs, including day-to-day work assignments, scheduling, performance monitoring, hiring, labour relations and compliance with collective agreements and applicable legislation. The role directs district parks maintenance and operations, including horticulture, turf, litter removal and custodial services, artificial ice rink operations, infrastructure repairs, special events and projects. It ensures the care and maintenance of parks, open spaces, buildings, yards, fleet and equipment. The Manager also works with councillors, community groups, agencies and other stakeholders; leads community consultation for parks improvements and approved capital projects; addresses public and political inquiries; and responds to media questions on specific projects.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job, combined with relevant management training and experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive management experience in progressively more responsible Parks and Recreation positions, including parks operations, service delivery, facility management, technical services, strategic planning, policy development, project planning and management, and community engagement and development.
Extensive experience leading, motivating, directing and managing a diverse workforce in a fast-paced, politically sensitive, customer-service-oriented environment.
Experience with financial reporting processes, including budget preparation and control, expenditure forecasting, preparation and interpretation of financial reports, and reporting on key performance indicators.
Highly developed human relations, financial management, communication, negotiation, relationship-building, analysis and conflict-resolution skills.
Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports for Council and Committee and make presentations.
Significant knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, collective agreements, related labour legislation, and corporate standards, policies and practices.
Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Province of Ontario Class G Driver’s License and be able to obtain a City equipment operators permit.

Responsibilities

Lead the delivery of Parks Services within a defined geographic area and provide support for city-wide technical and community response issues.
Serve on the Parks Branch Management Team and provide senior-level support to the Director, including representing senior leadership at internal and external meetings.
Develop detailed plans and recommend policies for program-specific requirements.
Develop, recommend and administer the district’s annual budget, control expenditures, and implement fiscal management strategies.
Manage, motivate and train approximately 350 FTEs, including scheduling, assigning and reviewing work; authorizing vacation and overtime; monitoring performance; approving salary increments; and recommending discipline when necessary.
Direct management teams in developing and implementing city-wide policies and procedures for Turf General Services, Horticulture, Parks Construction and Technical Services, and Golf Courses.
Direct parks maintenance and operations, including horticulture, turf, litter removal, custodial services, artificial ice rink operations, infrastructure repairs and maintenance, special events and district projects.
Allocate resources and oversee service levels and quality, coordinating with related divisions, agencies and utilities in caring for City green space.
Ensure the care and maintenance of parks, open spaces, parks buildings, yard properties, fleet and equipment in the assigned area.
Oversee hiring of permanent and temporary district staff.
Ensure compliance with collective agreements, occupational health and safety requirements, and other applicable legislation; ensure adequate training, safety equipment and safe work procedures.
Establish and monitor fiscal and program performance measures and operational plans to meet customer service needs and divisional goals.
Represent the Division or Branch on community and project committees and consult with councillors, agencies, community and environmental groups, and other stakeholders.
Direct General Parks Supervisors in investigating and addressing issues raised by the Mayor’s office, councillors, committees, the public or through complaints.
Manage labour relations issues for permanent and temporary staff through the grievance process and in accordance with collective agreements and employment standards.
Lead community consultation for parks improvements and approved capital projects, collaborating with community groups, sports organizations, parks and environmental groups, and other stakeholders.
Provide leadership, training and monitoring related to City policies and procedures, including conflict of interest, purchasing and collective agreements.
Respond to news media and answer technical, policy and procedural questions.
Take on other responsibilities as assigned to address unexpected issues and divisional projects.