Position
Director, Parks & Forestry
Reports to:
Commissioner, Community Services
Direct reports:
- Manager, Parks Planning
- Manager, Parks Development
- Manager, Parks Operations
- Manager, Forestry
The Director oversees a total team of 214 full-time staff in addition to a large complement of seasonal staff.
Budget:
The 2018 operating budget is 33.1M and the capital budget is 28.6M.
Mandate
The Director, Parks & Forestry provides leadership in the delivery of parks and forestry planning, development and operations as well as managing all related human, financial, and technological resources in the development and implementation of divisional strategies, service requirements and operational plans. To learn more about the Division, please click here.
Detailed information related to recent achievements and plans can be viewed in the Parks & Forestry Master Plan.
The Director responsibilities are to:
- Develop Divisional goals, objectives and long-range plans consistent with the Corporation’s Strategic Plan and Departmental plans.
- Direct the operations of the Division with accountability for human resource management, asset management, budget, revenue generation and cost containment.
- Determine service requirements and set priorities and standards.
- Recommend, approve, implement and measure changes to Divisional systems, policies and procedures.
- Plan, deliver and implement approved capital projects; direct recruitment, training, performance evaluation and recognition of Divisional staff.
- Prepare reports for Council and Committees, as well as the Commissioner and, as appropriate, make presentations on behalf of the Division.
Leadership
Competencies
- Applies strategic agility – maintains awareness of internal and external trends (political, intergovernmental and community of interest) and applies this knowledge to support the long-term vision and success to the City.
- Demonstrates business acumen – enhances performance and builds public trust by understanding the impact of decisions, issues and outcomes to the City’s business needs and strategic priorities.
- Communicates and builds relationships – proactively builds and maintains professional relationships, networks and/or contacts (internally and externally) and effectively works and communicates across the organization.
- Develops culture and people – demonstrates alignment with City values and genuinely fosters the long-term learning and development of others.
- Drives innovative change – develops an environment which embraces change, encourages acceptance and guides others to proactively, effectively and efficiently move through transition.
- Accountable for results – takes ownership of responsibility and produces results through the timely implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
First Year Priorities
- Lead Divisional staff in managing partnerships with private sector, community groups, other government bodies and outside agencies to deliver valued and cost-effective services to the community.
- As member of the Department’s Senior Leadership Team, effectively represent the Division’s interests; represent the Division with other municipal, provincial, or federal governments, local Councillors, agencies and the community-at-large.
- Champion the Two-Way Communication Program in the Parks and Forestry section.
- Participates as a member of the Parks and Forestry Leadership Team, Corporate, Departmental, and Divisional Working Groups, Committees and Special projects.
- Bring instant credibility to the role and develop a solid reputation with the City Manager, Mayor and Council; provide regular updates.
Candidate Profile
- Degree from recognized university program.
- Minimum of ten years of relevant work experience, some of which will be at a management level.
- Ability to lead and direct the Parks and Forestry Division in the delivery of associated services for the City by making use of broad management and strong leadership skills, complemented by an innovative, results-oriented approach and strong decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated rapport and relationship building skills.
- Possess strong communication and facilitation skills to interact effectively in a political environment with other levels of government, agencies and community groups.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment requiring collaboration, commitment and risk taking along with ease in working with elected officials and senior levels of leadership.
- Ability to prepare Corporate Reports and present to Council, at public meetings and special events.
Contact Us
The City of Mississauga is partnering with the executive search firm Odgers Berndtson in this search. To explore this opportunity further, please contact Julia Robarts in the Odgers Berndtson’s Toronto office at 416-366-1990 or submit your resume and related information online by April 13, 2018 at https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/14709
Confidentiality
Odgers Berndtson respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by candidates in our search assignments.
