Manager - Parks

Our City, Our Future

St. John's is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John's is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John's and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John's a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

The City is seeking a Manager of Parks, reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Public Works. This position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City's parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and open spaces. This role is key to enhancing the quality of life for residents by ensuring safe, accessible, and sustainable outdoor environments.

Accountabilities

• Develop, monitor, and manage the Division's operational and capital budgets.
• Monitor and ensure the proper functioning, maintenance, and security of assigned equipment, parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and open spaces.
• Provide subject matter expertise, information, and advice to Council, peers, and the public.
• Participate in various internal and external committees to provide input, guidance, and recommendations as required.
• Review and provide commentary on residential, commercial, and open space development plans to ensure compliance with City policy.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Parks Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Five years of progressive management/supervisory experience in public works operations and maintenance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of municipal operations, budgeting, and asset management.
• Customer-service orientation and community engagement mindset.
• Knowledge of horticulture, arboriculture, playground and sport field maintenance, snow clearing, and health and safety standards.
• Commitment to health & safety, environmental stewardship, and quality service delivery.
• Ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work flexible hours as needed.
We value experience, but we also recognize that skills come from many places. If you have a combination of education and experience that fits this role, we encourage you to apply.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community's diversity.