Parks Director Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

About Red Deer: 

Red Deer sits at the heart of Central Alberta along the QEII corridor, perfectly positioned between Calgary and Edmonton. With more than 100,000 residents and a regional reach of over 300,000, it's a growing hub for business, services, and opportunity.

Here, big-city amenities meet small-city ease. Enjoy abundant parks and trails, vibrant arts and culture, excellent recreation and education, and a strong sense of community.

With easy access to lakes, outdoor adventures, and the mountains, plus a thriving economy and high quality of life, Red Deer is an inviting place to live, work, and grow.

About The City of Red Deer Municipal Government:

The City of Red Deer is a dynamic municipal organization with a $480M operating budget, a $60M capital program, and a workforce of nearly 1,700 employees. It is focused on growing with purpose by attracting talented, community-minded people who want to make a difference.

Guided by the vision "Our City, One Voice," Red Deer is building a thriving, inclusive, and connected community, with priorities centered on a vibrant economy, community wellbeing, and strong engagement.

At its core, the City values its people, embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared success

The Opportunity:
The City of Red Deer is currently recruiting for a Parks Labourer 2 to fill a regular full-time position. This position performs a variety of labour, construction, horticultural, snow and ice control, and fleet and equipment maintenance duties in support of the City of Red Deer Parks system as directed. The role provides leadership and project coordination for Reclamation and Natural Vegetation Planting crews and plays an enhanced role in maintaining and updating GIS data to support parks operations and environmental initiatives. During the winter months, the Parks Labourer 2 contributes to the section's snow removal program. The role requires the operation of motorized equipment as needed and ensures all work is completed in accordance with City Design Guidelines, Contract Specifications, and applicable industry standards using best practice landscape and horticultural techniques. The Parks Labourer 2 also maintains and participates in programs related to tree maintenance and planting, urban forestry, and ecological and environmental services.

Top Key Responsibilities:

• Parks Operations - Provide guidance and training to Parks Labourers in routine and specialized tasks, including safe work practices. Perform parks labour, maintenance, and construction duties in accordance with City Design Guidelines, contract specifications, and industry best practices. Read and interpret landscape plans and drawings; complete site layout and work execution accordingly. Apply chemical treatments under licensed direction and ensure legislated tracking and compliance. Provide customer service and operational support for events, bookings, and facility use. Work safely around powerlines and utilities in accordance with regulations and training. Complete assigned work independently, maintain daily records, and communicate work status to the Foreperson. Support GIS/geospatial applications and digital data entry as required.
• Fleet and Equipment - Safely operate fleet vehicles, equipment, and tools in compliance with operating procedures, safe work practices, and legislation. Conduct pre-use checks, routine inspections, and minor maintenance; adjust attachments as required. Monitor equipment condition, participate in scheduled maintenance, and recommend repair, replacement, or disposal. Provide equipment operation training and sign-off for team members.
• Leadership - Support operational efficiency by recommending cost-saving initiatives and improved work practices. Report staff performance issues, challenges, and successes to the Foreperson. Model and uphold RISE principles within the team.
• Communication and Public Relations - Communicate clearly and courteously with the public, contractors, suppliers, and internal City departments. Provide information on planned or active worksites and adjust operations to minimize community impacts. Assist with de-escalation of challenging or heightened interactions.
• Purchasing and Administration - Order, receive, and distribute parts and supplies using correct business units, work orders, and fleet units. Complete time entry, purchase orders, credit card transactions, and submit required documentation. Coordinate pickup and delivery of materials to worksites and parks facilities.

As our preferred candidate, you will have:

• Grade 10 combined with a minimum of 1-1/2 years' related experience in horticulture, landscaping, construction, or parks related activities.

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License, air brake "Q" endorsement will be considered an asset.

• Standard First Aid course.

• Ability to operate and complete routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment used within Parks department operations.

• Ability to exert continuous physical effort and work in fatiguing positions. 

• Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions.

• Ability to exercise care and to follow all safety policies and procedures, particularly in high public-use areas.

• Knowledge and experience in working with Parks and Public Works procedures and City policies, or equivalent.

• Basic understanding of design guidelines, contract specifications and other applicable industry standards.

• Experience mentoring staff and working as a team.

• Ability to understand, follow and provide instructions.

• Ability to use computers, electronic devices and tablets for email, time entry and daily work and safety documents.

• Hold self to RISE principles and 9 Core Competencies.

Affiliation:   Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 417 

Status:   Regular Full-Time

Remuneration:   $34.62 to $36.44 per hour 

Hours of Work:   80 hours biweekly; Monday to Friday, some evening and weekend work may be required.

The City of Red Deer does not permit the use of unauthorized internet resources or Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools  (for example, Copilot, ChatGPT or any other form of AI) during interviews or any supervised or timed assessments.  Any violation may be investigated and result in serious consequences, including the rejection of your application.

We thank you for your application. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are a municipal government, eager to meet tomorrow's challenges. Our employees are the cornerstone of our organization. We are always seeking creative and skilled individuals with the ability and desire to lead in our dynamic workplace. Each of our employees brings diverse experiences and perspectives, as well as unique skills and talents to the job. Our diverse employee base ensures an environment where individual, team, and organizational successes are embraced and celebrated. We strive to ensure a supportive and respectful work environment for all. Employees are treated fairly and have equal opportunity within the organization to thrive and attain their highest potential. We welcome your application and look forward to discussing how The City of Red Deer can become your next career choice.