Manager of Recreation and Facilities

Fort Erie bridges big city entrepreneurial opportunities with small-town charm and lifestyle. Quality of life is incomparable with its strong values, a dynamic work environment and easy access to modern amenities complemented by small-town ambience, warmth and welcome. Along with an array of historical sites, natural beauty and beaches, recreational trails, excellent fishing, birding and cycling, and a gateway to Buffalo via the Peace Bridge, Fort Erie has so much to offer!

The Town of Fort Erie is a diverse and welcoming community.  Come join our team of dedicated, professional and committed co-workers and put your mark on something that is exciting and rewarding.  We are recruiting people who share our values of teamwork, respect, honesty and commitment.  Our mission is to lead and serve Fort Erie by pursuing opportunities, leveraging partnerships and managing our resources to achieve prosperity.

The Manager of Recreation and Facilities will Lead and direct the organization, operation, strategic planning and efficient delivery of recreation, cemeteries and facilities services to ensure achievement of Division goals. This position works closely with the Manager of Roads, Parks & Fleet Division and Manager of Engineering Division to ensure an integrated approach and high level of customer service. Their responsibilities will include the operation and maintenance of: owned and/or leased office buildings, fire stations, arenas, museums, libraries, banquet halls, mixed-use buildings, outdoor structures, open spaces, trails, and municipal parking lots.

The ideal candidate will have successfully completed a three (3)-year college diploma in Building Science or Property/Facility Management, with five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience. They will hold accreditation from the International Facility Management Association, or Building Owners and Managers Institute, or an equivalent. They will also possess a Refrigeration Plant accreditation or have equivalent experience. In addition, the ideal candidate will have applied knowledge of supervisory and management practices and procedures, budgeting and procurement. A valid drivers’ license with driving record acceptable to The Corporation is required.

Compensation includes an annual salary of $121,345 - $145,614 (2025 salary range) and includes a comprehensive health, benefit and pension package.

Fort Erie: A Community for Everyone

The deadline for receiving applications is 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. For more information and to apply for this position please visit www.forterie.ca. 

The Town of Fort Erie is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available to candidates upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest, only those advancing through the recruitment process will be contacted.  Personal information is collected under the Municipal Act, 2001 to determine employment suitability.

Department:             Infrastructure Services

Division:                   Parks and Facilities Division

Reports to:               Director of Infrastructure Services                                

Position Objective

Lead and direct the organization, operation, strategic planning and efficient delivery of recreation, cemeteries and facilities services to ensure achievement of Division goals. This position works closely with the Manager of Roads, Parks & Fleet Division and Manager of Engineering Division to ensure an integrated approach and high level of customer service.

Responsibilities include the operation and maintenance of: owned and/or leased office buildings, fire stations, arenas, museums, libraries, banquet halls, mixed-use buildings, outdoor structures, open spaces, trails, and municipal parking lots.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee physical environment including construction/maintenance of buildings, janitorial, systems, security, environment and energy conservation
• Provide strategic advice and planning support in all areas of facilities maintenance, management, rentals/tenancies, lease/buy, spatial optimization, accessibility, capital renewal and replacement including asset use/life-cycle, according to standards and practices consistent with The Corporation’s capital asset management system
• Manage and direct and exercise technical direction over Division operations to improve and ensure safe, effective and efficient service delivery
• Manage municipal facility sponsorship programs with local businesses in exchange for advertising and brand visibility at city-run facilities like arenas, community centers, and public spaces, including advertising signage, naming rights, and event or program sponsorships.
• Formulate, implement and monitor short and long-term policy and operational objectives and special projects
• Investigate emerging technologies and industry trends to develop and implement innovative strategies and solutions that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery
• Prepare annual operating, and capital budgets with multi-year operating and capital forecasts for Council approval
• Review and make recommendations to rates and fees annually to address operational needs
• Ensure efficient allocation and cost-effective management of Division budget, establish/maintain staffing levels and schedules, inventory control and procedures; and approve acquisition of goods and services
•  Oversee the preparation of and recommend controls, agreements and contracts covering work done for the Corporation by contracted service providers; organize and assign jobs following tendering awards; supervise the work on an ongoing basis; monitor and assess performance to ensure that the agreements are honoured
• Manage internal staff, consultants, contractors; participate in on-site consultations, inspections and project monitoring including design, construction and commissioning, ensuring all staff are adequately oriented and trained.
• Develop new or revise current departmental programs to maximize the use of facilities, formulating policies and procedures and evaluating the success of programs and revising if necessary.
• Create and supervise the development and operation of recreation programs, services and revenue strategies to meet the recreational and leisure needs of the community and to increase utilization of municipal facilities
• Collaborate with community groups and members of the public regarding their use of municipality owned facilities and services.
• Attend and provide support to Committees of Council, external and internal technical committees and informal working groups as directed
• Manage client relations by regularly interacting with customers, vendors, stakeholders and internal customer service partners; monitor customer satisfaction; receive and respond to or co-ordinate responses to claims, customer enquiries and complaints and communicate Infrastructure Services policies and protocols
• Prepare and, when required, present administrative and status reports, policy recommendations, by-laws and/or resolutions for the Directors, CAO and/or Council’s consideration
• Participate in the selection, management and motivation of staff; support evaluation, training, development and discipline of staff to foster a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement; participate in Labour Management forums
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and best practices and recommend and/or take appropriate action in response
• Ensure adherence to collective agreement, corporate policies, Occupational Health and Safety Act, The Corporation’s Health and Safety Policy and all other relevant legislation
• Ensure Division is prepared to respond to an emergency and is familiar with the Town and Region Emergency Response Plans covered elsewhere
• Perform all duties in absence of Director as required to ensure the effective coordination of Department objectives
• Assume direct responsibility for complex and special projects as directed by the Director, Infrastructure Services

Education & Experience

• Three (3) year College Diploma in Building Science or Property/Facility Management
• Accredited by International Facility Management Association or Building Owners and Managers Institute or equivalent 
• Refrigeration Plant accreditation or equivalent experience
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience 
• Valid drivers’ license with driving record acceptable to The Corporation

Knowledge

• Applied, technical knowledge of property management, building codes, maintenance standards and practices including operation and maintenance of HVAC equipment; fire and security systems; building and landscaping equipment; building construction methods; creation and maintenance of artificial ice surfaces; arena and cemetery operations, Urban Forestry standards
• Applied, technical knowledge of facilities maintenance standards and practices
• Technical knowledge of various applicable statutes and regulations, in particular the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, Building Code Act, 1992, Ontario Fire Code,  Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Species at Risk Act, Working at Heights Regulation, Green Energy Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupiers’ Liability Act, the collective agreement, WSIB, human resource policies and other applicable legislation and regulations.
• Applied, technical knowledge of Microsoft office, Asset Management and work order systems software, record keeping
• Applied, technical knowledge of project management practices and procedures
• Technical knowledge of the use and care of hand tools, small power tools and heavy construction equipment
• Applied knowledge of supervisory and management practices and procedures, budgeting and procurement
• Technical knowledge of consultant and construction contract supervision
• Applied, technical knowledge of budgeting, asset management and procurement forecasting and analysis

Skills & Ability

• Ability to demonstrate ethical conduct, judgement, political sensitivity, discretion, integrity and reliability
• Ability to operate computer and various business software applications
• Adapt to change, learn and practice new skills
• Analyze and solve complex problems and recommend innovative, practical solutions
• Customer service skills
• Organize, lead and direct others in attaining Corporate goals by setting high performance standards while managing risk
• Concern for quality and standards
• Interact skillfully and professionally with internal and external customers and members of Council
• Demonstrated management, leadership and ability to develop and motivate staff in a team environment; lead by example
• Ability to prioritize and organize a high volume of assignments; delegate and empower to ensure timely project completion
• Establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships through collaboration
• Resource and financial management skills
• Requires specialized judgment, decision-making and problem-solving
• Willing to adapt to change, learn and practice new skills

Supervision

Directly supervises Supervisor, Facility Operation & Maintenance, Supervisor, Recreation & Arenas, Administrative Assistant Parks & Facilities; oversees all other Division employees and external contractors.

Working Condions

• Frequent deadlines, irregular schedules, interruptions
• Regular outside contact via electronic correspondence with the public, clients, customers, other municipalities/agencies
• Rapidly evolving priorities 
• Sitting, standing, regular movement with choice