Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.
A Rare Opportunity to Shape the Future and Cochrane is looking for a trailblazer!
As our first-ever Manager, Parks & Recreation Services, you’ll have the unique opportunity to build, lead, and innovate from the ground up. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy in a community that values connection, environment, wellness, and vibrant public spaces.
If you’re a strategic thinker, a relationship-builder, and a hands-on leader ready to make your mark, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do

This role blends visionary leadership with direct execution of high-impact initiatives. You’ll guide the Town’s parks and recreation services—everything from strategic planning and community investment, revenue generation to stakeholder relations and service agreements.

• Develop and implement long- and short-term business plans aligned with the Master Plans and Strategic Plan
• Oversee parks and recreation booking and permit functions with a focus on service excellence
• Collaborate with developers and internal teams to integrate recreation into new community designs
• Lead partnership development, sponsorships, and agreements to enhance service delivery and financial sustainability
• Coordinate long-term and lifecycle planning for parks, playgrounds, amenities, and cemetery services
• Provide strategic support to resident focus groups, Council committees and working groups
• Support large-scale community events and special projects that bring people together
• Lead policy and bylaw development that reflects community needs and reduces municipal risk

What You Bring

You’re not just filling a role—you’re defining it. We’re looking for someone who thrives in new territory and brings a mix of strategic insight, operational expertise, and passion for building healthy, complete communities. .

• Degree or diploma in Recreation Administration, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in recreation or community services, ideally in a municipal setting
• Experience with partnerships, agreements, sponsorships, event management, and recreation planning
• Familiarity with municipal planning processes and subdivision review
• Knowledge of cemetery operations and relevant provincial legislation
• Strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead diverse teams and inspire a customer-focused culture
• Knowledge of municipal policy and planning frameworks
• Comfort working in sensitive public service contexts, including cemeteries
• Ability to balance competing priorities and support informed decision-making

Why This Role Matters
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to shape a new chapter in community development and help define the future of one of Alberta’s most dynamic municipalities. You’ll join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation, inclusion, and impact. Cochrane is growing, and we’re investing in the kind of leadership that helps our residents thrive.

Located in the heart of Alberta’s rolling foothills, Cochrane offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city access. We are a vibrant, fast-growing community where collaboration, creativity, and service excellence drive everything we do. At the Town of Cochrane, you’ll find:

• A supportive and collaborative work environment with dedicated professionals
• A strong commitment to safety, professional development, and employee wellness
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact every single day

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and help shape the future of parks and recreation in Cochrane, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to Lead the Way?
If you’re driven to make a meaningful impact, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to contribute to something bigger, we invite you to bring your talents to Cochrane. This is an exciting time to join us—and your leadership could help define what comes next.
Apply today at www.cochrane.ca/jobs and be part of a team that’s shaping a vibrant, connected, and forward-thinking community. We encourage you to include a cover letter that highlights your passion for community-building and explains how your experience aligns with this unique opportunity.
This position pays between $127,207 and $135,897 per year.
Applications are open until suitable candidate is selected at www.cochrane.ca/jobs
Let’s create something remarkable—together.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta

This role blends visionary leadership with direct execution of high-impact initiatives. You’ll guide the Town’s parks and recreation services—everything from strategic planning and community investment, revenue generation to stakeholder relations and service agreements.

• Develop and implement long- and short-term business plans aligned with the Master Plans and Strategic Plan
• Oversee parks and recreation booking and permit functions with a focus on service excellence
• Collaborate with developers and internal teams to integrate recreation into new community designs
• Lead partnership development, sponsorships, and agreements to enhance service delivery and financial sustainability
• Coordinate long-term and lifecycle planning for parks, playgrounds, amenities, and cemetery services
• Provide strategic support to resident focus groups, Council committees and working groups
• Support large-scale community events and special projects that bring people together
• Lead policy and bylaw development that reflects community needs and reduces municipal ris

You’re not just filling a role—you’re defining it. We’re looking for someone who thrives in new territory and brings a mix of strategic insight, operational expertise, and passion for building healthy, complete communities. .

• Degree or diploma in Recreation Administration, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in recreation or community services, ideally in a municipal setting
• Experience with partnerships, agreements, sponsorships, event management, and recreation planning
• Familiarity with municipal planning processes and subdivision review
• Knowledge of cemetery operations and relevant provincial legislation
• Strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead diverse teams and inspire a customer-focused culture
• Knowledge of municipal policy and planning frameworks
• Comfort working in sensitive public service contexts, including cemeteries
• Ability to balance competing priorities and support informed decision-makin