Summary of Duties

Reporting to the Director, Parks and Forestry, the Manager Parks Operations is responsible for the management, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of all park and open space assets, including parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, golf courses, and horticulture areas as well as winter control operations. The Manager, Parks Operations will provide leadership and direct the work of operations supervisors to ensure day-to-day operations and maintenance are in accordance with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, design standards, applicable by-laws and are in alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan.

Work Performed

• Provide leadership in the coordination and delivery of programs, policies and services that contribute to the implementation of strategic initiatives for Parks and Forestry to meet the Council’s Strategic Plan.


• Responsible for managing supervisory employees including hiring, coaching, administration, training, and performance aspects of reporting employees. Respond to sensitive and confidential human resource issues as required.


• Provide leadership in the execution and delivery of services and programs in the following areas of accountability:
  
  • Oversee the operations and asset management for all municipal parks and open space assets including playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, and trails including daily operations as well as preventative maintenance, facility repair and renewal in accordance with all applicable legislation and approved levels of service.
  
  
  • Oversee the maintenance and repair of roadside boulevards including mowing, vegetation management and pesticide application.
  
  
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of risk management practices to ensure the safe, lawful, efficient, and effective use and operation of all park lands which operate seven days a week.
  
  
  • Oversee the maintenance of horticultural installations and displays, planting areas, weeding and general maintenance of shrub beds throughout the city.
  
  
  • Provide technical support and expertise on capital projects and lifecycle planning.
  
  
  • Resolve issues related to parks raised by residents, community groups or the Mayor and Council.
  
  
  • Provide support to community development staff with community gardens, rinks, and community events regarding mowing and programming supplies.
  
  
  • Provide oversight of various construction and asset repair projects as well as inspections of completed work for quantity, quality and safe and efficient operation of tools and equipment.
  
  
  • Identify hazards or mechanical issues that impact operations, arrange for appropriate repairs and servicing as required.
  
  
  • Assist in the preparation of tenders, contracts, and quotations for related areas. Recommend suppliers and contractors and monitor performance.
  
  
  • Liaise, consult, and coordinate contractors and consulting engineers to ensure adequate service delivery.
  
  
  • Develop and maintain maintenance management information systems.
  
  
  
  


• Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and implementation of policies, programs and protocols that reflect this commitment.


• Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Health and Safety legislation and programs; and actively promote a culture of safety with direct reports.


• Encourage and support employee participation and commitment to divisional and organizational objectives. Actively mentor, provide development opportunities and build team performance with direct reports.


• Provide updates, information and recommendations to the Director, Parks and Forestry on priorities with responsibility to operationalize identified goals and strategies.


• Develop and review corporate policies, by-laws, standard operating procedures and other policies or legislation relevant to Parks Operations. Ensure that Parks Operations practices and policies are in place to ensure consistent service across the City.


• Liaise with unions on issues that affect bargaining unit employees as required.


• Promote and foster working relationships with employees and bargaining units and ensure consistent application of the collective agreements.

• Fairly and consistently administer provisions of various collective agreements to promote resolution of grievances.


• Provide representation at mediation and arbitration proceedings as required.


• Build and support employee commitment to a high level of performance in all areas of customer service, employee safety and delivery of individual goals and objectives.


• Engage in opportunities to work across Divisions and Service Areas in support of enterprise-wide collaboration.


• Prepare reports for Council and various Committees as required.


• Identify, recommend, adapt, and implement innovative and effective and efficient work practices and procedures to improve service delivery, increase efficiencies and the business responsibilities of park operations.


• Implement strategies to track performance measures for Unit deliverables, using appropriate data collection and analytics.


• Adhere to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy; includes the responsibility of delegation of procurement initiation approval authority and delegation of approval authority for professional consulting services as per policy amounts.


• Provide input to the development of the annual operation budget for Parks and Forestry.


• Represent the Service Area at Standing Committees and Council meetings as required.


• Represent the City of London and Service Area in legal proceedings as required.


• Prepare a response to inquiries from elected officials, media and the public as requested by the Director or Deputy City Manager of the Service Area.


• Represent the Division on the various boards and committees of external organizations, associations, and government partners to promote the City of London as a leader, share best practices, build relationships, and recommend solutions as required.


• Respond to emergency situations as required.


• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience

• A university degree or three-year community college diploma in Parks Management, Horticulture, forestry, or landscape design or in a relevant area of study along with five to seven years related experience including management responsibilities or an equivalent combination of education and related professional and lived community experience.


• Registration with Ontario Parks Association.


• Current First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain.


• Class G Drivers Licence.

Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in parks maintenance with an understanding of the area’s programs and services and how the work of the area aligns with the objectives of the Division.


• Demonstrated knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its application to public spaces; the ability to apply relevant legislation and standards such as AODA, CSA Play Areas Standards and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.


• Demonstrated analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for effectively implementing and monitoring programs and services.


• Demonstrated positive and proactive leadership capabilities, adept at leading a group of employees, contracted services, and consultants; demonstrated commitment to developing high performance teams.


• Demonstrated ability to inspire the people they lead through productive and honest dialogue, with personal integrity and actions.


• Ability to be a trusted advisor and/or advocate in sensitive and/or emotionally charged situations.


• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience in addressing and escalating as required, challenges and emergent issues.


• Proven commitment to the safety of employees with knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.


• Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail, make sense of data and solve problems.


• Highly developed interpersonal and customer services skills, including conflict resolution and problem solving; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations within the community; experience working collaboratively with organizations, clients, and other individuals . Political acumen to identify and manage issues.


• Ability to understand the importance of service delivery; implement initiatives that support the section’s customers in a timely and effective way.


• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, and related software and database applications. 

Compensation and Other Information

$97,932 to $128,215

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