We are looking for a highly-motivated, operationally-minded, and enterprising individual to run our Parks & Arenas Department. This exempt position will be of interest to candidates who have strong initiative, coupled with the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions. A leadership style that is firm and goal oriented, and yet motivates, trains, and engages others in an enthusiastic, people-first way is important. The emphasis on building rapport and relationships with individuals and groups requires an outgoing, poised and persuasive communication style. Because the pace of the work is faster than average, the ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions is critical.
Reporting to the General Manager of Community Services, the Arenas and Parks Manager is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and management of the City’s arenas, parks, playgrounds and outdoor recreational facilities. This position provides leadership and direction to staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery. The Manager oversees daily operations including scheduling, staffing, facility maintenance, regulatory and safety compliance, event coordination, contractor and vendor management, and budget and revenue oversight. The role also supports long-term asset management, capital planning, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service levels, sustainability, and community satisfaction.
We are looking for a highly-motivated, operationally-minded, and enterprising individual to run our Parks & Arenas Department. This exempt position will be of interest to candidates who have strong initiative, coupled with the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions. A leadership style that is firm and goal oriented, and yet motivates, trains, and engages others in an enthusiastic, people-first way is important. The emphasis on building rapport and relationships with individuals and groups requires an outgoing, poised and persuasive communication style. Because the pace of the work is faster than average, the ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions is critical.
This position will suit an energetic individual who is educated, experienced and takes a people first approach when leading and managing their team and their operations. Key work examples in this role include:
- Oversee daily operations of arenas, parks, and outdoor facilities to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery across all seasons.
- Plan, implement, and monitor operational programs, including staffing schedules, maintenance plans, inspections, seasonal transitions, and emergency response readiness.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements, including occupational safety legislation, facility standards, and applicable Technical Safety BC requirements, and actively promote a strong safety culture.
- Manage facility and asset condition, including preventative maintenance, repairs, contractor coordination, and oversight of arena refrigeration plants, mechanical systems, and related operational standards.
- Oversee arena ice and parks standards, including ice quality, water and resurfacing practices, playground and public-space inspections, and risk controls for public use areas.
- Recruit, supervise, and develop staff, including full-time, part-time, casual, and seasonal employees, fostering a respectful workplace, strong performance, and effective resource deployment.
- Coordinate customer service, bookings, and stakeholder relationships, responding to public inquiries and issues, supporting events and user groups, and maintaining positive relationships with community partners and contractors.
- Support financial, asset, and service improvement planning, including budget monitoring, contractor performance, asset lifecycle planning, capital project coordination, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Requirements:
- Diploma in Recreation Management or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Current B.C. Refrigeration Operator Certificate or Fourth-Class Power Engineer Certificate, and a valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or management experience in a related operational environment, preferably in a unionized workplace.
- Comprehensive knowledge of arena refrigeration and ice plant operations, with a strong working knowledge of parks operations, including grounds maintenance, horticulture, equipment reliability, and preventative maintenance programs.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and supervise staff across arena and parks operations, including full-time, part-time, casual, and seasonal employees, with proven coaching and performance management skills.
- In-depth knowledge of WorkSafeBC and Technical Safety BC requirements, with demonstrated experience implementing safe work procedures, identifying and correcting hazards, and leading incident reporting, investigations, and follow-up actions.
- Strong operational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to organize work, adapt procedures, make sound decisions, and manage complex operational challenges.
- Sound financial and administrative skills, including budget monitoring, cost estimation, basic revenue tracking and reconciliation, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and related operational systems (experience with BAS/DDC systems is an asset).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear direction in routine and emergency situations and to prepare professional reports, documentation, and correspondence.
- Ability to meet operational and physical requirements of the role, including working flexible hours (evenings and weekends), working outdoors in all weather conditions, meeting physical demands of the work, and maintaining required certifications, clearances, and security/criminal record checks.
$114,881 - $123,039
Candidates should submit a résumé by emailing a pdf or word document to resumes@dawsoncreek.ca, with the job posting name and number in the subject line, by midnight on the closing date referenced above. The City thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
