Chief OperatorThe Town of Tillsonburg is looking to a Chief Operator who will be responsible for the refrigeration plant located at the Tillsonburg Community Centre, all indoor and outdoor public ice facilities as well as acting as the designated Operator for the Town-owned indoor and outdoor public pool facilities. Responsibilities include ensuring the refrigeration plant complies with all applicable regulations and ensuring the plants’ safe operation; supervising FT & PT operations staff; maintaining ice quality and arena operations; ensuring safe pool operation including overseeing and managing pool chemistry within industry standards and the timely completion of other duties as directed by the Manager of Parks & Facilities.
This is a permanent full-time position with an excellent benefits package including immediate group benefits coverage, OMERS defined pension plan and free Employee Health Club Membership at the Tillsonburg Community Centre.
Department: Recreation, Culture & Parks
Division: Parks & Facilities
Reports to: Manager of Parks & Facilities
Hourly Rate: $42.72 - $49.97/hour
Weekly Hours - 40
Location: Tillsonburg Community Centre
Vacancy: 1 (existing)
Criminal Record Check is required for this position.
Interested candidates please apply prior to the end of business day on
Wednesday, November 25, 2026.Responsibilities- Undertake all duties as the Chief Operator as outlined within TSSA regulations;
- Ensure all measures necessary are taken to manage, operate and maintain the refrigeration plant and pools in a safe condition and in compliance with all relevant regulations and applicable industry standards and best practices;
- Ensure that accurate records of matters that may affect the safe management, operation and maintenance of the refrigeration plant and pools are maintained at all times;
- Ensure ice surfaces and rink facilities (boards, lines, logos, glass, dressing rooms) are maintained to a high standard;
- Assist with developing and implementing the corporate energy management plan;
- Maintain records, files and statistics as required;
- Controls inventory of supplies to support the operations of the refrigeration plant, pools and ice rinks;
- Care and control over refrigeration plant, pool & ice rink equipment to ensure it is in good working condition and proper preventive procedures are in place to ensure safe operations while maximizing longevity of life cycle;
- Become certified member of the Community Centre Joint Health & Safety Committee;
- Assist with Recreation, Culture & Parks and/or Town sanctioned special event planning as required to ensure the best possible service delivery;
- Assist with the review and updating of refrigeration plant/pool/ice maintenance operations standard operating procedures;
- Be available for after-hours emergency facility related issues as required;
- Assist the Manager of Parks & Facilities in performance management evaluations for all reporting staff;
- Staff scheduling, time off approvals and bi-weekly timesheet & vehicle inspection sheets’ reviews/approvals for full-time and part-time reporting staff;
- Completion of daily/weekly Job Hazard Analysis forms and review/sign-off with reporting staff;
- Assist with completing operational tasks as necessary based on staffing levels and needs of the division (i.e. ‘working supervisor’);
- Responsible for creating and maintaining positive working relationships within the division, the department and across other departments while always being aware of and preserving the divisional public image to facility users as well as the community as a whole;
- Adheres to all Town policies and procedures;
- Ensuring ACR case assignment & completion as they pertain to the ice rinks and/or the pool operations;
- Assist in the procurement of products and services as relevant to areas of responsibility;
- Conduct daily, weekly and as needed Job Hazard Analysis meetings with staff.
- Assists in operational budget planning;
- Assists in developing and implementing divisional capital projects;
- Assists in contract management;
- Performs other duties as assigned and/or directed by the Manager of Parks & Facilities and/or the Director of Recreation, Culture & Parks.
Qualifications- Possess and maintain a valid Refrigeration Operator Class ‘B’ license in good standing as issued by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) for a minimum of two (2) years;
- Minimum two (2) consecutive years direct experience as a Chief Operator in a guarded/attended TSSA regulated refrigeration plant or a minimum of five (5) consecutive years working as a valid Refrigeration Operator Class ‘B’ in a guarded/attended TSSA regulated refrigeration plant;
- Experience with pool operations and monitoring/adjusting pool chemistry as per relevant industry standards and regulations;
- Certified Pool Operator with recognized and reputable industry specific agency;
- Possess and maintain a valid Certified Ice Technician (CIT) designation through ORFA;
- Minimum college diploma in a related discipline. High-school graduation with equivalent work experience may be considered.
- Direct operational experience in contract management & staff scheduling;
- Education and experience in energy management is preferred;
- Ontario Class ‘G’ drivers’ license with an acceptable drivers abstract;
- Proven ability to organize and prioritize work plans/tasks to achieve divisional goals;
- Proven ability to effectively problem solve and approach issues operationally and strategically;
- Display effective interpersonal communication skills;
- Proficient in computer skills and programs including Microsoft Office, Outlook and Ice Rink Controller software (i.e. – CIMCO 6000E);
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, municipal and provincial codes and standards as related to the operations of a public facility such as, but not limited to: TSSA - Operating Engineers Regulation & B-52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Occupiers Liability Act, Health Protection & Promotion Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Green Energy Act, Ontario Building and Fire Code;
- Certified in Smart Serve or to become certified within 6 months of hiring;
- Certified in Crisis Intervention Training such as CPI’s Prepare Training, or to become certified within 6 months of hiring;
- Certified in working at heights with recognized and reputable industry specific agency;
- Municipal sector Joint Health & Safety Certification (Part I & II) is an asset.
About the recruitment process
The Town of Tillsonburg uses Jazz HR recruitment software to streamline the collection and communication of resumes and applications.
All new Town of Tillsonburg employees are required to complete a police record check.
The Town will accommodate any individual needs you have throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Please contact us if you require any accommodations.
The Town of Tillsonburg is an equal opportunity employer and all information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of job selection.
We thank all those who apply for positions, but only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.
