Parks, Recreation and Culture Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Community & Protective Services, this position is responsible for the general supervision of staff, delivery of programs and services, and financial and operational planning of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Services Branch. This position will support and focus on providing development and delivery of recreational and cultural programs, events, and services, as well as the provision of parks, opens spaces and trails, which align with the scope of municipal service delivery. Outcomes may be achieved directly, in partnership, or through community development methods. This position works closely with other municipal staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the public.

Administration / Management

• Oversee and supervise Services Branch staff and contracts
• Make recommendations for updated and new policies, directives, and procedures to the Director of Community Services
• Handle customer requests and complaints and maintain good public relations while providing excellent customer service
• Monitor and provide information regarding the parks, recreation, and cultural needs of the community, as well as trends and opportunities
• Participate in Community & Protective Services Department planning and lead planning within the Parks, Recreation & Culture Services Branch
• Provide recommendations and reports to the Senior Leadership Team and Council on matters pertinent to parks, recreation, and culture
• Occasionally represent the Town of Hinton to provincial and regional associations, outside agencies, organizations, and government on related matters
• Act as a staff liaison to the appropriate community and Council appointed groups
• Identify and act on opportunities for partnerships, community initiatives, and program development that advance recreational and cultural opportunities in the community
• Ensure the benefits of parks, recreation and culture form the foundation of all programs and services and are promoted to the community
• Represent the interests of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Services Branch for operations, projects, initiatives, and planning lead by other Departments
• Undertake small capital projects and integrate principles to align with the overall Asset Management Program

Financial

• Provide financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring for annual operating and capital budgets, as well as multi-year financial plans
• Assess and pursue revenue sources, grants, and special project funding proposals
• Authorize expenditures up to $20,000 within established guidelines
• Negotiate, draft, monitor, execute and approve, as applicable, agreements related to the Parks, Recreation & Culture Services Branch
• Prepare tender documents where necessary

Parks Management

• Ensure the operation of the Municipal Cemetery is managed within standards, policies, and available Town resources
• Ensure parks, open spaces, trails, sports fields, and municipal building grounds and sidewalks are maintained to required seasonal standards, policies, and within available Town resources
• Manage the aesthetic beautification of the municipality, specifically through general landscaping, including trees, shrubs, and flowers
• Provide staffing resources and expertise for inter-departmental activities, such as seasonal street-sweeping and event set-up/take-down

Recreation & Culture Management

• Ensure the operations of Town owned and operated recreation and cultural facilities, as well as programs and services, are managed within standards, policies, and available Town resources
• Implement evaluation structures and develop data on services and programs to improve management, accountability, and service delivery
• Manage recreation and cultural programs, services, facilities, and community development initiatives in a manner that improves quality of life, builds healthier communities, and provides opportunities for inclusion

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure appropriate safety and risk management policies, directives, and procedures are in place and followed
• Ensure all insurance and regulatory requirements are met
• Ensure all staff are appropriately screened and trained
• Promote good risk management practices with community partners and customer groups
• May be assigned a role within the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) for Disaster Services

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-Secondary Degree in Recreation Administration/Management or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in recreation administration and management including supervising unionized staff
• A combination of education and/or experience related to this position may be considered
• Experience working in community recreation development, program planning, and outcome evaluation
• Knowledge of safety standards and practices, grant funding and reporting requirements, and budget preparation and administration
• Experience working in facility and greenspace management
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• A Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate
  • Satisfactory background screening is required for this position including a Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Welfare Check
• A Class 5 Driver’s License with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract

  SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Provide supervision, coaching, and mentorship to staff and volunteers
• Contribute to leading a team-based work environment
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative, independence, integrity, and personal responsibility
• Excellent group facilitation and team building skills
• Strong public relations skills with the ability to speak effectively to the public and the media
• Superior project and time management skills
• Use discretion and sound judgement in complex situations
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong conflict management and mediation skills
• Provide a service-oriented focus with volunteers, government agencies, and the public
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures for program development involving children, youth, seniors, and other vulnerable people
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions

WORKING CONDITIONS

Details pertaining to the physical demands of the position can be found in the Physical Demands Analysis and Job Hazard Assessment with Health & Safety.

Hours

Able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Physical Effort

Office-based work performed typically includes administrative duties and varying levels of physical effort, including moderate lifting (up to 10 kgs), sitting, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, reaching, driving, carrying. Repeated motion of office tasks.

Travel

Some travel to field sites within and outside the Town under various road and weather conditions. Must maintain alertness and respond appropriately using defensive driving skills in various conditions (traffic, weather, distractions).

Work Environment

Moderate exposure to an office, shop/yard environments, and the field. Includes storage areas and other support infrastructure. Limited to Moderate exposure to the public. Potential exposure to client volatility dealing with the public. Potential exposure to hazards such as cleaning supplies and fluids. Remote work feasible in accordance with Town remote work directives, policies, and procedures.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Ensure the Town of Hinton health and safety policies, procedures, directives, and safe work practices are followed in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.