Director, Parks and Recreation

DIRECTOR PARKS AND RECREATION

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31900) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus Crofton Maple Bay and the South End including University Village are home to a multitude of artistic cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The Municipality provides a stable and varied work environment competitive pay and benefits.

We are inviting applications from candidates with the proven skills qualifications and abilities for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation. If you are looking to take on a new challenge where you can make a difference with one of British Columbias most beautiful and diverse municipalities we look forward to receiving your application!

The Director of Parks and Recreation who reports to the General Manager of Planning Development and Community Services is a key member of the Municipalitys leadership team who oversees performance and service provision high-impact projects long term planning and asset management.

The Director is responsible for a large and diverse team presently comprised of five exempt managers and approximately 150 staff in a unionized environment. As the leader of Parks and Recreation you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the departments business including: parks sports fields trails cemeteries youth outreach Fuller Lake Arena & Cowichan Aquatic Centre operations recreation programming (representing a variety of interests ages cultures abilities) Municipal Forestry operations and community special events. Supported by the Parks & Recreation Management Teams this is an exciting opportunity to provide meaningful contributions to our community.

The core duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Providing leadership and direction to the Parks & Recreation Management staff including ensuring their engagement and retention across the recreation and parks function.
• Working collaboratively with other members of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Overseeing through parks and recreation management staff the long range planning development fiscal management and operational & maintenance coordination of parks sports fields trails cemeteries recreational facilities and forestry.
• Planning and overseeing high impact capital works projects.
• Working cooperatively with the Engineering and Planning Departments on all new developments park acquisitions and future park planning initiatives.
• Liaising with user groups governments community associations and the general public.
• Delivering the Youth Outreach program in Chemainus and Crofton.

Required Skills Qualifications and Abilities:

1. A Bachelors Degree in Recreation Sports/Leisure Administration Park management Public administration or related field.
2. Minimum of five (5) years experience in parks and recreation leadership including a minimum of two years at a managerial level.
3. Thorough knowledge and background in capital and operational budget preparation and control (long and short term).
4. Exceptional interpersonal communication presentation facilitation public relations negotiation problem solving decision making leadership and general management
5. Ability to effectively lead coach and motivate staff in a team
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with First Nations as well as representatives of cultural and recreational groups government business the general public staff and Council
7. Familiarity with applicable government regulations including WorkSafe BC and Technical Safety of BC.
8. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 B.C. Drivers License; a satisfactory current drivers abstract will be required.

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package is offered. This position is excluded from union membership.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills qualifications and abilities. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a police information check.

Required Experience:

Director