Job Status: Permanent Full-Time

Union: Non-Union

Number of Positions: 1

Hours of Work: 35

Location: Park Avenue Business Centre

Closing Date: July 29, 2026, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Project Manager, Parks & Facilities in the Engineering Division.

Job description

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has a diverse portfolio of facilities (corporate buildings, libraries, arenas, pools, community halls, fire stations, public works yards etc.) and parks (open spaces, playgrounds, splash pads, sport fields, beaches, and water access points etc.) that support the full range of municipal services provided to the community. The Project Manager (Parks, and Facilities) will work as an effective member of the team to support the corporation's infrastructure development initiatives.

This position will be reporting to the Manager, Facilities Capital and is responsible for leading capital projects within municipal parks and facilities by providing effective and efficient project management and overseeing all aspects of the projects from scoping/planning, design and construction processes, working with internal customers (e.g. asset owners, tenants, Senior Management), and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive and successful projects. This position's primary focus will be to lead the planning and delivery of parks and recreation projects, focused on implementing recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Essential responsibilities

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent's core values and competencies.
• Develop clear and attainable project objectives, building project requirements, sourcing, acquiring solutions that meet the requirements, and executing the implementation of solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Manage the services of consultants including architects and engineers, and contractorsusing standardized procurement processes in accordance with the corporate purchasing policy.
• Determine and define the scope of projects and deliverables by working with internal customers and stakeholders. Ensure the customer perspective guides decisions and activities and uses appropriate communication techniques to ensure customers are up to date, and to resolve customer issues.
• Oversee the preparation of technical specifications, drawings, and design documents, and ensure quality control throughout design and construction phases.
• Plan and implement consultation processes for parks and recreation facility infrastructure projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed project management plans, including budgets, schedules, charters, risk registers, and lifecycle cost analyses, and manage project tasks from inception to completion, to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget.
• Apply sound project management practices and methods during the entire project lifecycle including project scoping and research, design, public engagement, implementation, measurement, and follow up as well as using effective documentation and technology to manage the projects and communicate progress.
• Utilize established project management best practices and methods and assist with development and updating of project management guidelines, and facility/park design criteria guidelines and standards.
• rovide technical management and guidance on assigned projects/tasks and deliverables, including assessing needs/determining requirements, and developing and informing solutions.
• Research and apply best practices, emerging technologies, and sustainability principles to achieve long-term operational efficiency and Net Zero Energy goals for parks and recreation facilities.
• Respond to general inquiries from the public, elected officials, committee members and staff.
• Explore various opportunities for funding (capital, operating, health and wellness etc.) that will assist with project implementation and/or capital infrastructure investments.
• Facilitate and prepare estimates and forecasts for projects to be included in the operation maintenance, lifecycle, and capital budgets.
• Manage and administer grants and funding opportunities.
• Organize the review, enhancement and updating of various infrastructure studies to keep lifecycle needs and costs current.
• Prepare the schedules for replacements, capital improvements, and expansions in relation to the Master Plans, infrastructures studies and lifecycle budgets.
• Collaborate and build connections with internal departments and external agencies and act as liaison, negotiator, and facilitator, working in tandem with other Municipal departments to ensure project delivery is in alignment with internal customer/Municipal needs as well as various plans and strategies.
• Maintain communication and good relationships with community and government agencies.
• Develop and foster successful business relationships and partnerships between the public, private and business sectors within our community.
• Incorporate and align with the Chatham-Kent Strategic Plan.

Essential qualifications

• College diploma or university degree in related field (preferably in Architecture, Engineering or Building/Landscape Architectural Sciences)
• Four (4) to six (6) years related experience in capital design and construction project management, preferably in parks and recreation facilities.
• Capital project management experience, including project cost control and administration, and on a broad scale of Facilities systems implementation and development projects, including ability to manage and track a project (or projects) through the life cycle steps of initiation, planning, execution, commissioning and project closure.
• Experience preparing request for proposals and tender documents for consultant and construction assignments.
• Knowledge of the latest developments and leading practices in the infrastructure project management industry and profession, including consultation processes, and familiarity with best practices is required.
• Related experience with managing park and recreation facility capital Infrastructure projects including new construction of parks, arenas, etc., is an asset.
• Sound knowledge of financial modelling and activity based costing systems related to capital projects for the purpose of tracking project budgets and costs.
• Supervisory experience, preferably in a municipal environment, is considered an asset.
• Experience managing operating, lifecycle, and capital budgets.
• Ability to interpret technical issues and explain to all levels of the organization in an understandable, clear, and concise manner.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate and consider large scale issues and develop credible short-term as well as long-term strategies and plans.
• Working knowledge of relevant municipal, provincial and federal government processes, acts and legislation such as the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and related standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project, (or similar software programs).
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and internet (or other similar software programs).

Other qualifications

• Experience in a municipal or other government setting is considered an asset.
• Project management experience with business analysis tools.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with the public, Municipal staff, Council, committees, and related organizations at the local, provincial and national levels.
• Ability to build trust and credibility in a politically sensitive role with competing demands and priorities.
• Strong knowledge of the Municipality's policies, procedures, by-laws and applicable legislation and regulations is considered an asset.

Certifications, memberships, licenses

• Licensure through Professional Engineers of Ontario (P.Eng.) or Ontario Association of Architects is considered an asset.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is considered an asset.
• Membership with ASHRAE is considered an asset.
• Membership with LEED is considered an asset.
• Certification through International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is considered an asset.

Work environment/hours of work

• This position works both indoors and outdoors.
• This position works weekday hours, with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Driver's licence/vehicle requirements

Because of the responsibilities, this position requires the successful candidate to have a valid class G (or higher) Ontario driver's licence; a driver's abstract will be conducted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. An acceptable driver's abstract will: be an original document and current (within the previous thirty (30) days); have no more than four (4) demerit points; have no more than two (2) convictions for the same offence; have no criminal code convictions; have no 'non-medical or administrative' license suspension in the preceding three (3) years; because this position may be required to drive their own vehicle, a reliable vehicle is also required.

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: Police Criminal Record Check, education/certification verification, and employment reference check.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Sitting: constant sitting in a chair (sitting at desk or table during meeting, in vehicle seat as required when attending meetings at other municipal locations)
• Hands: frequent fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing (keyboard and mousing majority of shift)
• Climbing: frequent climbing ladders, stairs (inspecting/reviewing building compliance issues and overseeing work to resolve issues/execute project scopes)
• Lifting: frequent carrying (2.03 to 9.09 kgs or 5 to 20 lbs) (lifting boxes, equipment, plans; roof hatch/door opening to access roofs of buildings; books, binders, files, laptop, tools, etc.

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $100,043 to $113,119 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.