Manager, Parks and Forestry

Municipality of North Cowichan — Manager, Parks and Forestry

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,900) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island between Nanaimo and Victoria. Its communities—Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and the South End—offer a rich blend of art, culture, and outdoor recreation. The Municipality offers a stable, varied work environment, competitive pay, and benefits.

We are seeking a dynamic, people‑focused manager with proven experience in parks operations, community engagement, and forestry oversight. The successful candidate will foster strong relationships with community partners, including First Nations and other municipalities, and guide the department in implementing the Municipal Strategic Plan and the Parks and Trails Master Plan. The role reports to the Director of Parks and Recreation and requires oversight of municipal forest reserve activities.

• Parks and trails
• Waterfronts
• Natural park areas
• Sports fields
• Boulevards and roadway horticulture and arboriculture
• Community services (roadside brushing, mowing, street sweeping)
• Cemeteries

• Completion of a diploma or university degree in Horticulture, Recreation, Sport and Tourism, Urban Forestry, Parks and Recreation Management, Parks Maintenance Management, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, or another parks‑related field.
• Minimum six years of progressive experience in parks operations and management, including at least three years in a leadership role with supervision and project management responsibilities.
• Technical and practical knowledge of regional/municipal parks services—complex operations, visitor services, interpretation, cemetery operations, sports field operations, resource management, planning, and public consultation.
• Knowledge of trail planning, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance practices aligned with the International Mountain Bicycling Association Guidelines and Whistler Trail Standards.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and public presentation.
• Experience with budget preparation, reporting and resource allocations; capable of year‑end forecasts and long‑term capital and operating requirements.
• Leadership of Occupational Health and Safety initiatives and culture of health and safety.
• Ability to manage a diverse portfolio while setting ambitious goals and solving complex problems.
• Experience in public and stakeholder engagement, consultation, facilitation and negotiation.
• Proficiency in leading both exempt and unionized staff, motivating, mentoring and developing a high‑performing team.
• Skill in building and maintaining effective internal and external relationships, dealing openly, tactfully and sensitively.
• Proven ability to use good judgment, tact and diplomacy to resolve complex problems.
• Valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License; current driver’s abstract required.
• Physical demand may be required.

• Experience in forestry‑related practices such as silviculture, wildfire risk mitigation, road maintenance and forest education.
• Knowledge of legislation and regulations impacting land‑use practices on the Municipal Forest Reserve.
• Registration as a Registered Professional Technologist or Registered Professional Forester with Forest Professionals BC.

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package are offered. This position is excluded from union membership.

Until Filled

Visit the Municipality of North Cowichan Career Portal to apply for this position. All candidates must apply via the Career Portal; resumes via email or hard copy are not accepted.

Municipality of North Cowichan is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Benefits include: competitive wages, full‑time benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to a thriving community.