Application Deadline Date: November 06, 2026

Manager of Parks and Open Space
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Job Posting #: 2026-33
Closing Date: November 6, 2026

Group: Non-Union
Department: Community Services
Location: Owen Sound, ON

The City of Owen Sound is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Manager of Parks and Open Space. Reporting to the Director of Community Services, this position provides overall leadership and management of the City's parks, open spaces, urban forestry program, River District beautification initiatives, and Greenwood Cemetery.

The Manager oversees the maintenance, planning, development, and operation of 48 parks encompassing over 500 acres of open space, as well as Greenwood Cemetery. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, sustainable, and accessible parks and open spaces while providing leadership in asset management, capital planning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

What You'll Do

- Provide leadership and oversight for all park, open space, forestry, and cemetery operations.
- Direct maintenance programs including turf management, horticulture, sports fields, trails, playgrounds, landscaping, snow removal, and litter collection.
- Oversee campground operations, special event support, beautification initiatives, and urban forestry activities.
- Ensure all parks, open spaces, and cemetery facilities are protected, attractive, and well maintained.
- Provide oversight of the City's urban forestry program.
- Lead invasive species management initiatives, including Emerald Ash Borer and Phragmites management strategies.




- Develop proactive maintenance and environmental management programs that support sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental and safety regulations.

Parks Planning & Development

- Lead parks and open space planning initiatives, including Parks Master Plans and long-term development strategies.
- Support implementation of the City's Official Plan and Recreation, Parks and Facilities Master Plan.
- Review development applications and provide recommendations to the City's Development Team.
- Coordinate public engagement activities related to parks planning and development projects.

Budgeting & Asset Management

- Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for Parks and Cemetery operations.
- Oversee capital projects and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Support ongoing asset management initiatives and lifecycle planning for parks assets and equipment.
- Manage fleet and equipment assigned to Parks and Open Space operations.

Leadership & Labour Relations

- Provide leadership, guidance, and support to supervisors and staff within Parks and Cemetery operations.
- Establish priorities, approve work schedules, and oversee staff performance, training, and development.
- Support recruitment, succession planning,



and workforce development initiatives.
- Advise supervisory staff on collective agreement interpretation, grievance handling, and labour relations matters.

Community Partnerships & Corporate Collaboration

- Prepare reports and presentations for Senior Leadership, Committees, and Council.
- Represent the City with community organizations, government agencies, partner organizations, and stakeholder groups.
- Work collaboratively with other City departments to support recreational programming, special events, capital projects, and facility management initiatives.
- Foster strong relationships with residents, user groups, contractors, and community partners.

What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

- Post-secondary degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Parks Planning, Environmental Studies, Landscape Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in urban parks, open space, cemetery, forestry, or related municipal operations.
- Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment.
- Municipal experience is strongly preferred.

Preferred Certifications (Assets)

- Intermediate or Advanced Parks Practitioner designation.
- Cemetery Operations or Cemetery Management certification.
- Sports Turf Maintenance certification.
- Project Management Certification or PMP designation.
- Health and Safety certifications related to municipal operations.
- Extensive knowledge of parks, open space, cemetery, urban forestry, sports field, playground, and landscape management practices.
- Strong understanding of applicable legislati

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