MANAGER OF RECREATION

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager of Recreation to join a dynamic and growing municipality. Reporting to the Director of Community Services, the Manager of Recreation will provide leadership and oversight to teams of staff responsible for the Sportsplex, Aquatics, and Facility Maintenance operations. This role ensures the public use of Town amenities, maintains safe operating practices, and supports the planning and implementation of strategic goals. A deep understanding of preventative maintenance programs, project management, and overall facility operations will be vital to the success of this role. Equally important is a strong understanding of program development and program management to ensure the delivery of diverse, inclusive, and engaging recreation opportunities that meet the needs of both youth and seniors in the community. Key responsibilities include operational and capital planning, staff supervision, and customer service. Stakeholder engagement remains a critical aspect of this position.

THE ORGANIZATION

The Town of Olds has a population of just under 10,000 people and is home to Olds College, a leader in agricultural and technology education. The community continues to expand, with multiple active Area Structure Plans and ongoing municipal projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and services. The Manager of Recreation will oversee key recreational facilities including the Olds Aquatic Centre, the Sportsplex (featuring ice arenas and fitness amenities), various sports fields, and community parks. Recent initiatives include a new approach to greenspace management, the introduction of drone technology for emergency response, and expanded recreational programming across these facilities.

For more information, please visit their website: www.olds.ca.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility Operations Oversight

• Provide prompt and effective responses to public inquiries, working collaboratively to address and resolve facility-related matters.
• Lead and support the coordination of Sportsplex and Aquatic Centre operational staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Design and implement work schedules, aligning activities seamlessly across departments and teams.
• Compile and present reports as needed to support decision-making and operational transparency.
• Manage procurement processes to ensure timely access to necessary supplies and resources.
• Promote the reliable and efficient functioning of all Town facilities, equipment, and systems.
• Work with the Facility Maintenance team to schedule and supervise maintenance and repair tasks to uphold facility standards.
• Safeguard recreational spaces to ensure they remain welcoming, clean, and suitable for community programs and events.
• Oversee safety, maintenance, and security practices across all municipal buildings and recreation sites.
• Ensure the continuous upkeep of all facilities.
• Apply industry best practices to maintain facilities at optimal levels of quality and performance.
• Establish and regularly review operational protocols, including manuals, internal policies, and standards for supplies and services.
• Implement a proactive maintenance strategy focused on preventing issues and minimizing disruptions.

Decision-Making

• In partnership with the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, determine optimal maintenance frequency and implement adjustments to maximize operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of facility-related policies to support evolving community needs.

Recommendations

• Propose policy updates and new initiatives to enhance the use and management of recreation and municipal spaces.
• Recommend facility improvements and system upgrades—mechanical, electrical, and more—leveraging innovation and emerging technologies, while helping set priorities for infrastructure renewal and capital planning.

Leadership

• Champion the Town’s strategic direction and vision as it relates to each department.
• Lead the implementation of service-level plans and provide support to staff to achieve results.
• Direct projects and services related to the Sportsplex, Aquatics, and Facilities operations.
• Oversee supervisors in year-round operations with a focus on strong operational and maintenance programs.
• Establish effective relationships with community stakeholders, including volunteer organizations, schools, and user groups, to enhance user experiences at Town recreation facilities.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in recreation service delivery.
• Ensure staff retention through recruiting, training, recognition, and succession planning.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures to guide staff performance.
• Establish work plans to meet budget objectives and service levels approved by Council.

Communications & Public Relations

• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop marketing, promotion, and scheduling initiatives for recreation facilities.
• Serve as the direct contact for user groups and the public regarding facility-related concerns, contracts, or disputes.
• Oversee booking requests and scheduling enhancements to meet customer demands and improve operating efficiency.

Budget Management

• Develop, prepare, and manage operating and capital budgets with support from the Director of Community Services.
• Ensure adherence to financial management practices and Town policies.
• Pursue new revenue generation initiatives and manage capital project procurement

Contract & Risk Management

• Initiate and manage agreements and contracts related to recreation facilities and operations.
• Implement risk management and safety procedures for Town facilities in compliance with policies and legislation.

Risk Management & Safety

It is the responsibility of the Town of Olds employees to take care to ensure their own safety and the safety of others, to know and follow all safety and health instructions, rules, regulations and safe work procedures and to report any unsafe or substandard condition or act as soon as possible to the employer.

• Ensures risk management and safety programs are in place for employees working in the section and for members of the public using facilities and amenities, that are consistent with Town standards and policy as well as provincial and federal legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Related post-secondary education such as Recreation Facility Management, Recreation Administration, Business Administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License.
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED level C (BL) CSA Std. Z1210-17 – Intermediate certificate.
• AARFP certifications in Arena, Pool, or Building Maintenance.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional municipal experience in recreation or facility operations and management.
• Strong leadership, supervision, and performance management skills.
• Experience in contract management and related business practices.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking with strong ethics and values.
• Effective planning, organizing, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Provincial legislation and municipal bylaws governing public leisure and recreation services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

JESSE JACOBSON | T: 587.453.4242 | E: jesse.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca |

www.richardsonsearch.ca