Located on Vancouver Island just 50 km north of Victoria and 30 km south of Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is in the ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations including the Quw'utsun, Malahat, Ts'uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz'uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht Nations. Local First Nations Peoples have stewarded the lands, waters, plants, and animals of this region since beyond time immemorial. The CVRD provides a wide range of local government services to a population of 95,000. The picturesque Cowichan Valley offers a warm climate and numerous parks, recreational, cultural, and social opportunities such as majestic mountains, the rugged West Coast Trail, serene lakes, and one of the world’s tallest free-standing timber rail trestles.

The Opportunity:

Are you a dynamic and progressive leader with a passion for stewarding and enhancing parks and trail systems? Do you bring a strategic mindset to the planning, development, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of community, sub regional and regional parks and trails in a collaborative, coordinated, and cost-effective way? Consider joining the CVRD in this critical role.

Reporting to the General Manager, Operations, the Senior Manager, Parks & Trails Division is part of the CVRD’s management team and has independent managerial authority for the Parks & Trails Division, including leading and managing a group of dedicated professionals in formulating, implementing, and evaluating parks and trails programs, services, and operations of the Division. This position directs a cross functional team in: the operations and maintenance of community, sub regional and regional parks, trails, natural areas, recreation amenities, urban forest assets, waterfront infrastructure, and stewardship programs; park land acquisition and development; the development, amendment and implementation of community and regional parks and trails master plans; asset management; budgeting; grant applications; and targeted communication campaigns. The position leads the development and implementation of short- and long-term strategies, which are aligned to the Division, Departmental, and Corporate goals, including overseeing specific initiatives and projects as directed by the Board. The position represents management interests in dealings with unionized staff and is excluded from collective bargaining.

• Degree in Parks/Recreation, Landscape Architecture, Resource Management or related field
• A minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience in a parks and trails management environment, preferably in a regional district setting
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a supervisory or management role of staff and consultants
• Extensive experience in design and construction of parks and trails amenities, including park and trail development, land use, and park systems
• Extensive experience in policy and planning, labour/management relations, operations, project management, budget development and reconciliation, report generation, environmental initiatives, and targeted communications campaigns
• A valid Class 5 BC Drivers License

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

View the full job description listing all the job requirements. 

35-hour full-time work week with the opportunity to participate in the CVRD’s Flex Time Program. Some weekend and evening work may be required. 

This position works from the CVRD's office in downtown Duncan, BC.

Salary range of $119,926.94 to $140,298.26 per year, commensurate with education, training and experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including extended health, dental, and insurance benefits, pension, and paid vacation.

Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence by the date indicated. Please include a copy of your drivers abstract. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

If you require an accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process please contact Human Resources at hr@cvrd.bc.ca to communicate your accommodation needs. Please include the position title and competition number.