ManagerofParksandOpenSpace

JobType:Full-timePermanent

JobPosting#:

ClosingDate:November6,2026

Group:Non-Union

Department:CommunityServices

Location:OwenSound,ON

TheCityofOwenSoundisseekinganexperiencedandstrategicleadertoserveasManagerofParksandOpenSpace .ReportingtotheDirectorofCommunityServices,thispositionprovidesoverallleadershipandmanagementoftheCity'sparks,openspaces,urbanforestryprogram,RiverDistrictbeautificationinitiatives,andGreenwoodCemetery.

TheManageroverseesthemaintenance,planning,development,andoperationof48parksencompassingover500acresofopenspace,aswellasGreenwoodCemetery.Thisroleisresponsibleforensuringsafe,sustainable,andaccessibleparksandopenspaceswhileprovidingleadershipinassetmanagement,capitalplanning,environmentalstewardship,andcommunityengagement.Thispostingisforanexistingvacancy.

WhatYou’llDo

Parks&OpenSpaceOperations;

- Provideleadershipandoversightforallpark,openspace,forestry,andcemeteryoperations.
- Directmaintenanceprogramsincludingturfmanagement,horticulture,sportsfields,trails,playgrounds,landscaping,snowremoval,andlittercollection.
- Overseecampgroundoperations,specialeventsupport,beautificationinitiatives,andurbanforestryactivities.
- Ensureallparks,openspaces,andcemeteryfacilitiesaresafe,attractive,andwellmaintained.
- ProvideoversightoftheCity'surbanforestryprogram.
- Leadinvasivespeciesmanagementinitiatives,includingEmeraldAshBorerandPhragmitesmanagementstrategies.
- Developproactivemaintenanceandenvironmentalmanagementprogramsthatsupportsustainabilityandoperationalefficiency.
- Ensurecompliancewithapplicableenvironmentalandsafetyregulations.

ParksPlanning&Development;





- Leadparksandopenspaceplanninginitiatives,includingParksMasterPlansandlong-termdevelopmentstrategies.
- SupportimplementationoftheCity'sOfficialPlanandRecreation,ParksandFacilitiesMasterPlan.
- ReviewdevelopmentapplicationsandproviderecommendationstotheCity'sDevelopmentTeam.
- Coordinatepublicengagementactivitiesrelatedtoparksplanninganddevelopmentprojects.

Budgeting&AssetManagement;

- DevelopandmanageannualoperatingandcapitalbudgetsforParksandCemeteryoperations.
- Overseecapitalprojectsandlong-terminfrastructureplanning.
- Supportongoingassetmanagementinitiativesandlifecycleplanningforparksassetsandequipment.
- ManagefleetandequipmentassignedtoParksandOpenSpaceoperations.

Leadership&LabourRelations;

- Provideleadership,guidance,andsupporttosupervisorsandstaffwithinParksandCemeteryoperations.
- Establishpriorities,approveworkschedules,andoverseestaffperformance,training,anddevelopment.
- Supportrecruitment,successionplanning,andworkforcedevelopmentinitiatives.
- Advisesupervisorystaffoncollectiveagreementinterpretation,grievancehandling,andlabourrelationsmatters.

CommunityPartnerships&CorporateCollaboration;

- PreparereportsandpresentationsforSeniorLeadership,Committees,andCouncil.




- RepresenttheCitywithcommunityorganizations,governmentagencies,partnerorganizations,andstakeholdergroups.
- WorkcollaborativelywithotherCitydepartmentstosupportrecreationalprogramming,specialevents,capitalprojects,andfacilitymanagementinitiatives.
- Fosterstrongrelationshipswithresidents,usergroups,contractors,andcommunitypartners.

WhatWe’reLookingFor

Education&Experience;

- Post-secondarydegreeinHorticulture,Forestry,ParksPlanning,EnvironmentalStudies,LandscapeManagement,orarelateddiscipline.
- Minimumfive(5)yearsofprogressiveleadershipexperienceinurbanparks,openspace,cemetery,forestry,orrelatedmunicipaloperations.
- Experiencesupervisingstaffinaunionizedenvironment.
- Municipalexperienceisstronglypreferred.

PreferredCertifications(Assets)

- IntermediateorAdvancedParksPractitionerdesignation.
- CertifiedGroundsTechnician.
- PlaygroundPractitionercertification.
- CemeteryOperationsorCemeteryManagementcertification.
- SportsTurfMaintenancecertification.
- ProjectManagementCertificationorPMPdesignation.
- ISACertifiedArboristMunicipalSpecialist.
- HealthandSafetycertificationsrelatedtomunicipaloperations.

Skills&Competencies;

- Extensiveknowledgeofparks,openspace,cemetery,urbanforestry,sportsfield,playground,andlandscapemanagementpractices.
- Strongunderstandingofapplicablelegislation,includingtheOccupationalHealthandSafetyAct,AccessibilityforOntarianswithDisabilitiesAct,TechnicalStandardsandSafetyAct,Occupiers'LiabilityAct,Funeral,BurialandCremationServicesAct,andrelatedregulations.
- Excellentleadership,communication,publicrelations

📌 Manager of Parks and Open Space (Owen Sound)
🏢 Owen Sound
📍 Owen Sound