Park Stewardship Program Lead (Recreation Officer 1)

Are you passionate about connecting communities with Edmonton’s vibrant green spaces? The Park Stewardship Program Lead plays a key role in developing and delivering specialized programs that encourage greater public use, care, and enjoyment of City parks and natural areas. In this role, you will lead initiative strategies, build strong partnerships, and coordinate community engagement across portfolios such as community gardens, urban beautification, environmental enhancement, and park asset stewardship. Operating within budget guidelines, you will oversee program delivery, mentor team members, and gather data to continuously improve operational impact. As a champion for local parks, you will help bring community-driven projects to life while modeling the City’s commitment to being Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated, and Excellent.

What will you do?

• Plan, deliver, evaluate, and enhance park stewardship programs (such as community gardens, citizen driven park care, and other related projects) aligned with City directives
• Track and monitor program expenditures to maintain adherence to allocated budgets
• Facilitate engagement with residents, community leagues, non-profits, and corporate collaborators to leverage resources for open spaces
• Develop physical and digital communications materials in collaboration with Communications and Public Engagement teams to build community awareness
• Write and administer grant application and oversee participant recruitment, scheduling, safety, and recognition
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to supporting team members (such as Recreation Technicians, Co-op students, and Sustainability Scholars), including participating in recruitment and performance evaluations
• Act as a key liaison across departments and external groups, offering professional guidance and responding to inquiries in a timely, respectful manner

Qualifications

• University degree in Recreation Administration or a related undergraduate field
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in community/parks recreation, park operations/management, or a related field
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License (or provincial equivalent)
• Current Standard First Aid certification with CPR-C

Assets

• Experience designing and delivering public engagement initiatives or community-led outreach campaigns
• Background in grant writing, contract monitoring, or social media content creation
• Knowledge of park operations, horticulture practices, or environmental stewardship principles

Skills required for success

• Exceptional relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with diverse community groups, interdepartmental teams, and external organizations
• Strong oral, written, and public presentation skills, including proficiency with Google Workspace applications
• Proven ability to handle delicate inquiries and navigate passionate community feedback with tact, diplomacy, and respectful conflict resolution
• Sound knowledge of leisure service principles, community needs assessments, and volunteer/participant management
• Demonstrated supervisory or mentoring skills to guide, train, and support junior staff and program participants
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment

• Obtain and maintain a clear Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check, prior to starting the position
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License (or provincial equivalent) with business auto insurance coverage for personal vehicle use on City business

Work Environment

• A dynamic mix of indoor office environments and seasonal outdoor work in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, precipitation)
• Fieldwork in active park environments, including areas where off-leash dogs may be present
• Occasional physical effort, such as walking, standing for extended periods, and light lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Requirement to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during field visits, such as safety footwear, sun protection, and work gloves

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Up to 1 permanent full time position, 2 temporary full time positions (11 mths & 18 mth)

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $39.160 - $49.221 (Hourly) $81,766.080 - $102,773.450 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: AG/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation

Classification Title: Recreation Officer I
Posting Date: Aug 06, 2026
Closing Date: Aug 20, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 3 - Permanent and Temporary Positions Full-time
Union: CSU 52
Department: City Operations
Work Location(s): Coronation Yard, 14323 - 115 Ave Edmonton T5M 3B8