Manager, Park and Trail Development

Job Summary

Service Area: Public Services Department: Parks Work Location: City Hall, 1 Carden Street Work Mode: Hybrid Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position Salary Range: $121,204.72 - $151,505.90 Affiliation: Non-Union Posting Period: October 19, 2026 to November 2, 2026 11:59 p.m.

 

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

 

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Position Overview

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Manager, Park and Trail Development. Reporting to the General Manager, Parks, this position will provide overall leadership, direction and supervision to the Park and Trail division with a collaborative focus on Park and Trail development/redevelopment in creating quality community spaces. Guided by goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Corporate Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provide visible and positive leadership to the Park and Trail Development staff, while developing and nurturing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating.
• Establish objectives and evaluate performance; monitor results and provide coaching, training and development opportunities as needed.
• Provide leadership in the development of standard operational policies and procedures, and best management practices to implement approved departmental and corporate strategies.
• Establish for the Park and Trail Development department annual goals and objectives, the work program, and areas of improvement and change. Annually forecast the growth needs and priorities of the Division for additional resources.
• Develop parks planning and development standards, policies, and procedures in consultation with both Parks Operations and Culture and Recreation staff to ensure the needs of the community are met within industry best practices.
• Develop short and long-term strategies, budgets, and forecasts related to parks planning, development, and programming.
• Lead and provide input into agreements to inform parkland acquisition and development agreements.
• Oversee the division's input to the development review process related to parkland and trail requirements including rezoning, official plan updates and amendments, secondary plans, plans of subdivision, site plans, etc. to ensure high quality parks, open space, and trails are delivered in compliance with City policies, agreements, legislated requirements, and sound park development standards and practices.
• Oversee the execution of the city’s parkland dedication bylaw and policies and update the bylaw as and when needed.
• Monitor the administration of the parks component of development agreements.
• Oversee a team of park practitioners to deliver park and trail capital projects
• Ensure engagement with the community for the renovation, restoration, or creation of parks.
• Develop and revise standards for the development of public lands including parks and trails in collaboration with other relevant City departments.
• Responsible for annual operating budget requirements for Park and Trail Development including budget monitoring and financial control.
• Responsible for developing and recommending the capital budget forecast budget including managing the requirements of the Development Charges By-law and any other agreements as they may relate to parks and open space, including short and long-term financial forecasts for park development and park infrastructure/master plan renewal.
• Deliver project management and contract administration for planning/design and construction in a timely, cost-effective manner for all approved capital projects.
• Work in compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Work collaboratively as a representative of the Department/Division on internal and external staff teams and committees as required, as well as, lead and represent the Parks department at Council meetings, as required, and effectively respond to public comments and inquiries.
• Participate in projects related to asset management, infrastructure management and PSAB requirements, and MPMP reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

• Considerable experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through a post-secondary diploma or degree in Landscape Architecture or a related field, and experience related to open space planning and development. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Leadership skills and experience managing staff or leading work teams preferably within a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Planning Act, land use planning and development approvals processes as they relate to open space planning and development.
• Member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects or the Canadian Institute of Planners, or other related professional affiliation is considered an asset.
• Excellent communication skills, strong collaboration and public relations skills are essential.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and control.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legislation.
• Ability to engage work collaboratively with other supervisors, city departments, and a broad range of stakeholders.
• Highly functional in computer applications including Windows, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and familiarity with Autocad and GIS software.
• Valid Class 'G' driver's licence with a good driving record. Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver's abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that it has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 3 years. The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements

 

NotesApplicants are required to demonstrate in their application how their qualifications match those specified above. Assessments based on all of the objectives and qualifications listed above will be a part of the interview, written and/or practical test and reference checking.

 

Hours of work35 hours per week, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Occasional evening and/or weekend work would be required to attend meetings.

 

How to applyClick "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by November 2, 2026.

 

Hiring Process TransparencyThe City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

 

Commitment to Diversity & AccessibilityThe City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

 

Privacy Notice Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.