Manager, Parks Operations & Forestry (Management & Executives)

Full Time

  City of Guelph

  Guelph, Ontario, Canada

The City of Guelph is a vibrant community with over 120,000 people located in the heart of Southern Ontario, just one hours driving distance from Toronto.  Set in a picturesque natural setting, Guelph is known for its rich architectural heritage, growing economy and excellent quality of life – all good reasons to consider a career in this beautiful city.

Job summary

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Manager, Parks Operations & Forestry with the Parks & Recreation department.  Reporting to the General Manager, Parks & Recreation, this position will provide strong leadership and manage a large team that maintains greenspaces, trails, and park amenities; and, plans, maintains, and restores trees and natural areas. This position oversees the following work groups: Forestry; Parks Infrastructure and Horticulture; Turf and Sports fields; Sanitation, Trails and Natural Areas Stewardship; and, Administration. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, excellence and wellness, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision – to be the city that makes a difference.

Duties

  • Provide visible and positive leadership to staff consistent with the commitments of the City’s Leadership Charter, developing and nurturing a work environment that is safe, inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff.
  • Deliver the relevant portions of the following plans: Natural Heritage Action Plan (2019); the Parks & Recreation Master Plan (current renewal of 2009 plan); the Guelph Trails Master Plan (current renewal of 2005 plan) and the Urban Forest Management Plan (2012, currently being renewed)
  • Provide strong written and verbal communication to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure that program delivery meets service standards and is customer-focused.
  • Stay current with issues and “best practice” in parks and urban forestry, to be able to anticipate and lead beneficial program evolution, and nurture a similar culture throughout the team.
  • Make recommendations for service delivery improvements and needs of the department through comprehensive asset management
  • Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with relevant guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee the development and/or maintenance of a wide diversity of programs; including, but not limited to memorial trees and benches, community gardens, outdoor rinks, horticulture displays, invasive species, amusement rides, etc.
  • Establish and maintain positive business relationships with city staff, internal and external partners and stakeholders.
  • Develop, monitor and maintain operating and capital budgets; monitor expenses, analyze variances and initiate corrective action where required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Considerable expertise related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through a successful completion of a Bachelor Degree in Forestry or Parks, or a related field, and considerable experience related to forestry and parks planning, development and maintenance. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Leadership skills acquired through experience managing staff or leading work teams within a municipal parks and/or forestry environment; preferably unionized environment.
  • Public relations skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
  • Knowledge of budget preparation and control.
  • Experience with FMW is consider an asset.
  • Experience with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legislation.
  • Ability to engage and work productively with other managers, city departments, contractors, and stakeholders.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Windows, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and GIS and data base applications.
  • A valid Class G driver’s licence with a good driving record; Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver’s abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that it has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 5 years. The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements
  • Membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, qualified to work in urban forestry in Ontario or comparable related professional affiliation, is considered an asset.
  • Possession of related training, certifications, and licences relating to any of the work groups, is considered an asset.
  • Experience with Project Management considered an asset.
  • A team player with excellent interpersonal skills and experience motivating, training and managing staff in a results-oriented environment.
  • Excellent customer service skills with the ability to resolve customer inquiries/complaints in an effective and professional manner.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and assignments in order to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to analyze problems, identify alternatives and make recommendations in order to implement program improvements.

Compensation

$108,665.66- $135,832.07