Director of Parks & Recreation

Under general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Parks & Recreation is responsible for:

• Aquafun Centre
• Parks
• Ice Rinks
• Auditorium

This position is responsible for ensuring alignment and compliance with the Municipal Government Act, Provincial Legislation, Council-approved Bylaws, and the Town of Taber’s Strategic Plan.

In addition, the position is also responsible for leadership, administration, and daily activities for the Taber Parks & Recreation spaces & facilities.

As an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Parks & Recreation Services is a results-oriented individual who uses a high level of diplomacy, tact, and judgment to assist in strategic and long-term decision-making to create and maintain a unified team approach in relation to the provision of essential and important public services to the Town of Taber. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office with some meetings offsite.
• May be required to attend meetings and events outside of regular office hours as described in the responsibilities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide input and recommendations to the CAO, Senior Leadership Team and Council regarding the Town’s strategic planning and implementation, polices and programs, issue resolution, procedural and other management, and operational matters.
• Administer Parks & Recreation Services in conformity with the strategic direction, corporate policy and all relevant statutes, bylaws and resolutions.
• Ensure reports to Council meet the objectives of the Chief Administrative Officer and contain the necessary information and recommendations to facilitate Council’s decision making.
• Provide direction and control related to the preparation of the interim and annual budgets of Parks & Recreation Services.
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of long-range operational and capital plans for Parks & Recreation Services.
• Attend all Council meetings and attend meetings of Committees, Boards and Advisory Bodies as necessary; during meetings, make observations, suggestions and recommendations as appropriate.
• Maintain a high level of day-to-day contact with the Chief Administrative Officer regarding operational matters and budget accountability.
• Maintain a high level of day-to-day contact with Parks & Recreation Services employees regarding operational matters and budget accountability.
• Provide information to Council, staff, and the public concerning existing and proposed polices, practices, and programs of the Town.
• Ensure that employees of Parks & Recreation Services are provided with a safe and healthy workplace consistent with organizational standards and the healthy workplace initiatives.
• Enhance community relations and promote Town programs and initiatives; build local/regional partnerships.
• Support the Town’s various recreation facilities/parks, Aquafun Centre and related programing.
• Recruitment, train, mentor, and support department staff to ensure their success and professional growth and conduct performance reviews on an annual basis.
• Actively participate in the Town of Taber’s Health and Safety Program and assist to construct a positive culture where health and safety are prioritized.
• In consultation with other Town staff, liaises with provincial departments and other public agencies or jurisdictions as appropriate.
• Work with leadership and staff to respond to grant and other funding opportunities.
• Respond appropriately to public inquiries and concerns brought forward from citizens, government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as directed by the CAO.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge and proven ability to apply leadership philosophy and practice to improve organizational culture, and the productivity and effectiveness of staff.
• Considerable knowledge of the philosophies, objectives, and practices pertaining to Parks & Recreation Services.
• Cooperation and collaboration in team environments as well as work environments.
• Organizational skills (set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals and track details/data/information/activities).
• Problem solving skills (assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem).
• Employ good judgment, organizational and time management techniques to adhere to project and task specifics and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, as required.
• Ability to be self-motivated, retain concentration and work independently with frequent interruptions to process the workload within established time frames. 

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS:

• Physical Skills Work requires moderate physical strength and effort occasionally, such as lifting approximately twenty pounds, carrying object(s) and stacking them or placing them in a storage area.
• Motor Skills Work requires pulling, pushing, standing, or walking throughout workday.
• Visual Skills Work requires reading and reviewing documents both in paper and electronic form. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor of Business Administration or Management is an asset enhanced by the completion of courses in local government and leadership. Other various combinations of education and training may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years’ supervisory experience at a senior leadership level managing multi-faceted operations that includes Parks & Recreation services in Municipal Government setting is preferred.
• A solid understanding and experience in Municipal Emergency Management.
• Experience leading and managing in a Unionized environment.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully dealing with a wide variety of stakeholders such as Council, developers, homeowners, consultants, government officials, etc.
• Incumbent will include exceptional conflict management, negotiation, decision making, leadership, analytical thinking, planning, organizational and coaching skills, as well as strong oral and written communication skills.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and ability to provide a driver’s abstract.
• Ability to provide a clean Police Information Check.

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