Manager of Recreation and Facilities

Exciting changes are happening in North Middlesex! Our community is growing, and so are our recreation and facility needs. As a result of an internal restructuring/promotion, we are now seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Manager of Recreation and Facilities position in our Community Services Department. 

This position is key to helping us continue to provide excellent services and programs for our residents. If you’re a leader with a vision for enhancing community spaces and experiences, we want to hear from you!

Located in Southwestern Ontario, the Municipality of North Middlesex serves a population of 6,700, and growing!  Being conveniently positioned along main routes from more urbanized areas (20-minute drive to London and under one hour to Sarnia) to key travel, recreation, and tourism destinations (just minutes from Lake Huron and the Pinery Provincial Park).  North Middlesex offers a close-knit, friendly and safe community, offering a great place to live, work and play. Having a history that is firmly rooted in agriculture and farming, our mission is to lead, live and invest in a dynamic, inclusive community.

North Middlesex is known for its diversified, export-focused agricultural sector; two vibrant downtown commercial centers underpinned by small business and entrepreneurship; and ongoing residential and employment growth supporting an increase in population and economic opportunity. 

Overview of the Position:

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development and Community Services, the Manager of Recreation and Facilities is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Community Services department. This role involves the coordination of the facility operations team to ensure that facilities and grounds are properly maintained meeting the service levels set in accordance with the Director and Council. This role is also responsible for the direct supervision of the facility operations team and is responsible for scheduling and training of staff. The Manager will assist the Director in creating policy and procedures for the department that align with the Municipality’s strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and maintenance of all park and open space areas including sport fields, playgrounds, facility grounds and municipal cemeteries.
• Implement and monitor preventative and ongoing maintenance programs for recreational facilities, providing the Senior Management Team guidance regarding contingency plans for all facilities.
• May act as the Director’s representative regarding Community Services matters and assistsin planning, development and implementation of Community Services initiatives pertaining to parks, facilities, recreation and cemeteries.
• Advise and assist the Director of Economic Development and CommunityServices in long-range and strategic planning, as well as the preparation of processes, policies and procedures.
• Co-ordinate,supervise and schedulestaff, ensuring timesheets, reports, work orders and records are completed and accurate.
• Perform regular site inspections of facilities, buildings and parks to evaluate quality and scope of work being performed by staff and take actions necessary to ensure standards are maintained, and work is completed and ensure risk and liability issued are being addressed.
• Ensure inspection and completion of accurate records for refrigeration plants, boilers and HVAC systems.
• Assists the Community Services Administration staff to ensure all documentation is completed and submitted prior to facility bookings.
• Respond to enquiries and/or resolve concerns related to the Parks and Recreation Division from building and facility users, public, community groups, Members of Council and staff.
• Liaises with internal stakeholders such as municipal staff, library staff, and tenants to ensure grounds/facilities are properly maintained.
• Ensure adherence to legislative requirements such as the Building Code, the Fire Code, the Municipal Act, Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant legislation governing and/or pertinent to service delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Departmental Leadership

• Train staff on the use of safe and proper work procedures and practices, proper care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Develop and implement service level strategies to maintain a high level of service to residents through our facilities and grounds.
• Serves as a resource to the Director of Economic Development and Community Services in making management decisions; by monitoring the performance of staff and recommending changes to policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper and effective staffing levels to meet the expected service levels through recruitment and development, as well as providing direct supervision, mentoring, coaching, and development of staff.
• Performs regular performance reviews including the establishment and maintenance of work plans. Engage in ongoing feedback regarding staff goals, objectives, and performance. Support staff development and training activities.
• Develop an operational strategy for the next operating season in-line with the Recreation Master Plan and Municipal Strategic Plan.
• Work in compliance with, and ensure staff are knowledgeable of, and in compliance with, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, applicable legislation regulation, statutes, departmental policies/procedures/practices, operational guidelines, and safe work practices.

Human Resources

• Reports to the Director of Economic Development and Community Services and works with the Senior Management Team to collectively implement the Municipality’s vision and strategic direction.
• Directly supervises the Recreation Department Staff, providing day to day oversight, including scheduling, assigning, and monitoring work; determine training and development needs; coach and mentor; conduct performance appraisals and determine/recommend disciplinary action in accordance with collective agreements and municipal policies.
• Co-operates in maintaining an open, problem-solving climate throughout the Community Services Department; a climate that makes best use of collaborative efforts by all.
• Responsible for the health and safety of the employees within the Community Services Department.

Finance

• Assists the Director of Economic Development and Community Services with the preparation of the operational and capital budget for the Parks/Recreation and Facilities Operations Department in coordination with the Municipal Treasurer.
• Regularly monitors expenditures in relevant budget areas, adjusting spending as needed to comply with budget targets while finding new efficiencies in operations.
• Asset Management – all municipal managers are considered active stewards of asset management; work with the Director and Treasurer to define and prioritize asset management functions and projects.
• In coordination with the Director of Economic Development and Community Services and the Treasurer, identify grants and sources of funding, including partnerships pertaining to the Parks/Recreation and Facilities Department.
• Manage the purchase of required supplies, equipment and contracted services including preparing requisitions and/or purchasing within budget.
• Responsible for effective risk management, liability control and due diligence measures.

Preferred Qualifications

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

• Completion of post-secondary education in the field of recreation and leisure services, landscape and design, facilities management, parks management or a related field would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge and exposure to Project Management and Contract Administration.
• Certified Ice Technician (CIT) through the Ontario Recreation and Facility Association (or willingness to obtain).
• Certified Recreation Facilities Professional through the ORFA (Or willingness to work towards).
• Standard First-Aid/CPR.
• Joint Health and Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Minimum of a Valid Class-G Ontario driver’s license.

Experience

• 5+ years in a supervisory role within a Recreation/Community Services Department (unionized environment)
• Experienced in dealing with members of the public as well as contractors.
• Experience with Provincial Regulations guiding Asset Management would be considered an asset.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Knowledge of legislative requirements for facilities and parks including the legislation surrounding a refrigeration plant.
• Strong technical knowledge of facility systems including refrigeration systems, HVAC, basic electrical and basic plumbing.
• Strong technical knowledge of grounds maintenance including parks, sports fields, playgrounds and facility grounds.
• Use of computer software: Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of PSD CityWide software is considered an asset.
• Experience utilizing a work order program.
• Ability to manage people, provide leadership, coordinate and facilitate operational tasks.
• Ability to work within a budget.
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal relations, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of knowledge and skill through continuous training and certificate updates