Job Description

Employment Status: Regular Full-Time





? Pension ? Dental Insurance ? Disability Insurance ? Health Insurance ? Life Insurance


? Weekdays

Commissioner - Community Services

Competition Number:

17457

Primary Work Location:

Waterloo City Hall

Posting Status:

Internal / External Job Posting

Salary Range:

$190,496 - $238,139 (Band AA)

Number of Positions:

1

Employment Group:

Management

Job Status:

Regular, Full Time

Posting Release Date:

May 20, 2025

Hours of Work:

35 hours / week

Posting Closing Date:

June 27, 2025

Why work with us:

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.



Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. We are a community of builders with a vision to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.



For more information about the City of Waterloo's

Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles,

please click here:

City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

.

What we offer:

Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, health, safety and wellness; Dedication to the organization's commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey; Certification as a Living Wage Champion; Fulsome employer-paid benefits package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Maternity/Parental Leave Top-Up; Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees; Flexible work schedules, paid vacation, personal days and management lieu time; Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities; Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community; Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc. Complimentary FitPass for City of Waterloo employees and family members for leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs; and, So much more!

What you will do:

As a key executive leader, the Commissioner shapes the future of essential services that impact daily life in Waterloo -- from emergency response to recreation and community outreach. The Commissioner of Community Services currently leads and directs the strategic, general financial management and day to day administration of the Community Services Department. This includes oversight of six functional service areas including Fire Rescue Services, Municipal Enforcement Services, Recreation and Facility Services, Facility Design and Management Services, Community Programming and Outreach Services and Parks, Forestry & Cemetery Services. The City currently has three commissioners, with plans to expand to four, which may affect the department's structure in the future. In addition, the Commissioner contributes as a member of the Corporate Management Team (CMT) through the provision of advice and executive support.



Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:


Champion innovation and transformation initiatives within and between the departments Provide strategic leadership and oversight for service delivery of Community Services divisions Lead the Community Services team to achieve a compelling vision that aligns operational functions with the City's Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles Provide oversight and direction for long-term planning, staffing and budgets in overseeing 695 staff with a gross operating budget of $74.2 million and revenue target of $21.7 million Oversee the development and promotion of programs, facilities and spaces for recreation and community activities, oversight of emergency services and planning, the nurturing and celebration of heritage and proactive measures to provide a safe community for the citizens of Waterloo Assume a leadership role in corporate strategic planning, the master plan and department planning processes, including ensuring effective and efficient planning, design, evaluation and delivery of services Provide leadership on climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience planning within the department's service areas, aligning with municipal and regional environmental goals Foster an inclusive and equity-based employee culture based on sound management principles that value service to our citizens and public engagement, workplace safety, continuous improvement, learning and performance improvement Build strategic relationships with key community partners, liaise with business partners and maintain strong working relationships with members of Council Ensure long-term fiscal stability and financial sustainability to support the development and delivery of efficient, effective service delivery and administration Assist the CAO in general management of the Corporation and the strategic plan including policy and corporate projects Foster a safe and accessible work environment and look to provide the best services for residents, businesses and visitors of the City of Waterloo Attend and present at Council meetings and field inquiries from elected officials and the media Build and maintain collaborative relationships with the city's post-secondary institutions, contributing to initiatives that support student engagement, community safety, and shared programming opportunities Represent the Corporation and/or Department as an ambassador and at special events in the community with citizens, special interest groups, services clubs, Province, Region, Professional associations, and other municipalities as required Monitor, review and assess the effectiveness of internal resources and processes that are essential to support the front-line delivery of services provided to the community by other City Departments

What you will bring:

Bachelor's degree in a related discipline with a minimum ten (10) years of progressive management experience including five (5) years of senior management experience in a unionized municipal or related work environment. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Professional designation or master's degree in a related field of the assigned portfolio is considered an asset Completion of Municipal Administration Program and / or Emergency Management Systems Training would be considered an asset Lean Six Sigma Training or Project Planning Certification is considered an asset Strong political acumen and relationship building skills Experience with the preparation, implementation and monitoring of business plans with multi-million dollar operating and capital budgets Demonstrated understanding, application and commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion Superior leadership skills in building strategic partnerships and shaping positive team culture Strong verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to communicate and work collaboratively with staff, community groups, customers, and Council Excellent facilitation and presentation skills to reach a variety of audiences including the public, community groups, staff and City Council Excellent priority setting, analytical, problem solving and negotiating skills with strong emphasis on excellent customer service Strong organizational leadership and management skills including the ability to work effectively as a team member and to lead a team Proven success in delivering results through developing and implementing effective strategies, policies, programs and systems for municipal recreation and related services Experience in collective bargaining, labour relations strategy, and fostering productive employee-management partnerships Experience engaging with Indigenous communities, equity-deserving groups, and multicultural populations through co-creation, consultation, or collaborative service models Working knowledge of applicable legislation such as Municipal Act, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, TSSA Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment Strong computer skills and knowledge of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence ("AI")

What we will require:

A Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications, if applicable Ability and willingness to travel to various worksites, as necessary, utilizing reliable, safe and efficient methods of transportation is required to perform the job

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization's commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.



Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.