Variety – the Children’s Charity Ontario & Variety Village
Job Posting
Position Title: Recreation Lead – Programs and Facility
Reports to: Coordinator, Community Based Programs
Facility Coordinator
Job Type: Full-Time, 1 Year-Contract
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Variety Village- Scarborough, ON
Rate: $23.00 – $27.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
Who we are:
Located in southwestern Scarborough, Ontario, Variety Village is an inclusive, adaptive, and family friendly facility serving more than 30,000 individuals each year. Variety Village has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through adaptive sport and recreation programming, outreach and education, Variety promotes inclusion and healthy living through adapted physical activity.
Job Summary
The Recreation Lead – Programs and Facility is a leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, inclusive, and effective delivery of programs at Variety Village. This position works with the Facility Coordinator to oversee day-to-day facility operations and provides on-the-ground support and coaching to part-time staff. Recreation Lead – Programs and Facility work with Program Coordinators in the development and facilitation of integrated aquatic, fieldhouse, and life skills programs, while supporting participant care and engagement strategies for individuals with disabilities. Additional responsibilities include equipment maintenance, administrative tasks, and staff development through evaluation and training. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as current aquatic certifications and experience in recreation programming.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Ensure that all facility operations follow Variety Village’s policies, expectations, and guidelines, including:
o Facilitating inclusive and active programming that promotes well-being.
o Maintaining a safe, stimulating environments for all participants.
o Promoting active living and engagement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
o Understanding and executing emergency protocols, procedures, and safety policies.
o Responding to and providing appropriate treatment during emergencies.
o Actively working in and/or supervising various areas of the facility.
· Provide oversight and support to part-time staff by:
o Assisting with finding coverage when needed.
o Offering on-the-job coaching and support.
o Ensuring administrative duties are completed accurately and on time.
- Develop and deliver integrated aquatic, fieldhouse and life skill programs:
o Work with Program Coordinators to develop curriculum and resources for programs.
o Act as lead or support staff when delivering programs.
o Conduct program evaluations, identify areas for improvement and work with Program Coordinators to implement improvement plans.
o Support participant care needs including but not limited to feeding, changing, transferring and toileting.
o Utilizing communication and inclusive participation strategies to support participant involvement in programming.
o Use preventative and intervention strategies to support participant behaviours throughout programs.
- Assist with equipment maintenance and inventory, including:
o Conducting regular equipment checks to ensure proper function.
o Completing monthly pool and equipment inspections.
o Ensuring emergency equipment is stocked, operational and replaced when needed.
- Perform administrative tasks such as:
o Maintaining accurate records for programs and facility operations.
o Completing additional administrative duties as assigned.
- Support staff development by:
o Coaching and evaluating staff performance.
o Reporting any concerns or issues to the Coordinators.
o Assist in training and orientation with new hires and seasonal trainings.
- Participate in team development and training:
o Attending staff meetings and training sessions, including seasonal in-services for the positions they hold in the company.
o Demonstrating required National Lifeguard physicals and related skills when necessary.
- Performing other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the facility and its programs.
Key Competencies:
- Post-secondary education in Recreation/Leisure, Sports Administration, or Physical Education is a strong asset.
- Current and valid certifications required:
o National Lifeguard – Pool
o Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor (or equivalent)
o Standard First Aid with CPR-C & AED
- Airway management, Lifesaving and First Aid Instructors qualifications, and/or Crisis Prevention & Intervention training a strong asset.
- Minimum of 2 years working in aquatic programming as a swim instructor and lifeguard.
- Minimum of 1 year working in community and recreation programming.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Strong customer service and public engagement skills.
- Dependable, reliable, and punctual.
- Ability to adapt programming to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and follow direction effectively.
Interested applicants should submit their covering letter including salary expectations resume to the email below by August 11, 2025. Please note thatselected applicants will be required to participate in a multi-step interview process. A criminal check will also be required.
humanresources@varietyontario.ca
Variety is committed to building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity, values differences, and supports the full participation of all employees. We welcome applications from those who are passionate about contributing to a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included. We welcome applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, 2S & LGBTQIA+ persons, and anyone who can add to the diversity of our team. We offer accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process, upon request.
We thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information visit www.varietyvillage.ca
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.00-$27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-08-11