Director of Parks and Recreation
Kingsville, ON, Canada
Full Time
Experienced
Director of Parks and Recreation
The Director of Parks and Recreation is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic planning, administration, and delivery of the Town of Kingsville’s parks, recreation, facilities, programs, and special events. The Director provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight to ensure the delivery of recreation programs and services and the maintenance and upkeep of all municipal buildings and grounds are consistent with the Town’s strategic direction and delivered at the highest quality of service possible to the residents of Kingsville
The Director leads and supports the Manager of Recreation and Special Events, and the two Supervisors of Parks and Facilities, ensuring alignment with Council priorities, corporate objectives, approved budgets, and applicable legislation.
The Director reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer and is a member of the Senior Management Team. The Director will be expected to attend Council meetings. The Director may be asked to serve as the Acting CAO from time to time, as required.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership and Service Delivery
- Provide overall leadership and accountability for the delivery of recreation programs and services and the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of all municipal parks, facilities, and properties.
- Ensure parks, recreation, facilities, and special events services align with Council priorities, the Town’s Strategic Plan, and approved budgets.
- Oversee the operations and management of the Town’s parks, trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and marina operations.
- Plan and direct the development of parks, facilities, and programs.
- Prepare and implement long‑range plans to ensure parks and facilities continue to meet evolving community needs.
Recreation Programs and Community Engagement
- Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of recreation programs, services, and revenue strategies to meet community leisure and recreational needs.
- Increase utilization of municipal facilities through innovative programming and partnerships.
- Collaborate with community groups, user groups, and members of the public regarding the use of Town facilities and services.
Facilities and Asset Management
- Ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation and maintenance of all municipal buildings and properties, including but not limited to Library Buildings, OPP Station, Town Hall, Fire Halls, Grovedale, Unico, Lakeside Pavillion, Gosfield Communications Community Centre and the Kingsville Arena Complex.
- Evaluate operations and recommend changes, upgrades, renovations, and development as required.
- Oversee the maintenance and care of specialized equipment including refrigeration, Olympia, trucks, lawn equipment, splash pads, ball groomers, and power tools.
- Ensure routine maintenance, care, and contracted services are provided for all Town‑owned facilities, including HVAC, air conditioning, plumbing, carpentry, janitorial, and elevator services.
Financial, Capital, and Contract Management
- Prepare, administer, and monitor the department’s operating and capital budgets.
- Monitor and report on lifecycle assessments for parks and facilities infrastructure.
- Ensure accurate administration and monitoring of expenses related to operations, services, capital projects, and grants.
- Prepare, issue, and evaluate Requests for Proposals, tenders, and quotations for facility‑related equipment and services.
- Monitor and supervise work undertaken by contractors to ensure compliance with Town standards and contractual requirements.
Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management
- Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with legislation, policies, procedures, and guidelines supporting departmental operations, including human resources, risk management, customer service, facility allocation, health and safety, and financial management.
- Demonstrate awareness of evolving trends, legislation, and initiatives that may impact future program development and service delivery.
Leadership and Human Resources
- Provide positive, consistent leadership to staff in a safe, inclusive, and respectful manner.
- Develop and monitor work schedules, conduct performance management, staff training, coaching, and leadership development.
- Ensure the collective agreement is being followed.
- Evaluate staff performance and support succession planning.
Additional Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with all Building and Property Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), including inspections and maintenance of playground equipment.
- Responsible for all building and property conservation issues under the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan as established under the Green Energy Act.
- Assist in the facilitation of winter sidewalk control in coordination with the Manager of Public Works.
- Prepare reports and presentations for Council and attend Council meetings as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned in support of departmental operations.
Qualifications
- University degree in Recreation Administration, Parks Management, Public Administration, or a related field; or graduation from a Civil Engineering Technology program.
- Minimum of eight (8) years’ progressive management experience in municipal parks, recreation, and/or facilities operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of recreation program development, policy development, facility operations, service delivery, and parks operations and management.
- Knowledge and experience in the operation of refrigeration equipment is considered an asset.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, lifecycle costing, and cost analysis.
- Proficiency with computer applications, including the Microsoft Office suite.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and report‑writing skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively with Council, staff, contractors, and the public.
- Work is primarily in an office environment on a 35 hour work week with some after-hours work required, which includes attendance at meetings, facilities, parks, and community events.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required to attend Council meetings, special events, or respond to operational needs.
- Exposure to outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
- The position may require travel within and outside the municipality.
Wage Rate
$152,238- $190,298 (Salary Group 12)
Comprehensive benefits package and enrollment in OMERS pension plan.
Non-union position.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to The Human Resources Department. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
New Position
All applications are appreciated; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodations under the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will be provided upon request.
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