Parks and Community Services Manager

Description and Essential Functions

Connected By Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Parks & Community Services Manager to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Community Services Department . The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

POSITION


After 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Murrieta, the Parks and Community Services Manager is retiring, leaving a legacy of exceptional public service and community impact. Building upon this strong foundation, the City seeks a forward-thinking leader with extensive parks and community services experience and a passion for advancing the Murrieta Community Services Department’s vision of creating community through people, parks, and programs. The Department has recently completed a Parks Master Plan and Trails Master Plan and operates under a comprehensive Strategic Plan. The selected candidate will lead a dynamic department supported by outstanding staff, well-established special events, and highly regarded youth and senior centers.



DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees and manages the staff and operations of the Parks and Community Services Division, including recreation facilities and programs, special events, facility rentals, parks, and open spaces; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Community Services Director in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Community Services Director. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the staff, operations and activities of the Parks and Community Services Division. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include division budget administration, program evaluation and recommendation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities and standards for the City's community services programs. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals to perform the position’s essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role’s overall responsibilities.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Parks and Community Services Division including recreation facilities and programs, special events, facility rentals, parks, open spaces, and contracted services
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures
• Participates in the development, implementation, and administration of the division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees on performance issues; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality
• Participates in the planning, design, development, negotiation and implementation of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for existing and proposed facilities; meets with consultants on project development and design; reviews conceptual designs and working drawings; oversees the work of contractor and negotiates change orders; accepts turnover documents from contractors
• Coordinates the formation of Landscaping and Lighting Districts (LLD's) for developers requesting the dedication of common area landscape and lighting for the City to perform ongoing maintenance; performs all administrative and fiscal coordination tasks and document preparation associated with the formation of the LLD's ensuring compliance with public hearings and voting processes
• Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces as necessary
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of recreation programming and natural resource management; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files
• Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications includes:

Required:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation administration, public or business administration, or a related field
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible management and/or administrative experience in parks and recreation program administration, of which two (2) years should be in a management capacity

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Ability to travel to meetings, trainings, site visits, and special events throughout the City may be required. Employee must have access to reliable transportation as needed

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a state and federal fingerprint-based background check (Live Scan), driving records screening, and a non-safety pre-employment physical and drug screening exam.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures
• Principles and practices of leadership
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management
• Community cultural and socio-economic demographics as it relates to recreation programming
• Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation and leisure activities and programs through community participation
• Principles and practices of park planning and design
• Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of the community
• Complex arithmetic and statistical techniques
• Principles and practices of project and program management
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff

ABILITY TO

• Plan, organize, oversee and manage the staff and operations of the Parks and Community Services Division
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the division
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of recreational programs and facilities suited to the needs of the community
• Negotiate and administer contracts
• Manage and monitor complex projects ensuring compliance with project specifications and budgets
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports
• Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background investigation. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the City of Murrieta is home to approximately 120,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 53 parks, and 1,300 acres of parks, trails, and open space, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in SW Riverside County. With a dynamic business environment, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, and a high median income. Murrieta offers its residents an exceptional quality of life in an engaged and connected community.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organization: Management Professional & Confidential
Adopted: 6/20/2018

MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

The following is a summary of the benefits provided to full-time employees in this un-represented group. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Agreement .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the MPC Compensation Plan for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed the following amounts.
  • $3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401a plan.
  • $3,000 per year for Managers towards the 457 plan.
  • $2,000 per year for Confidential towards the 457 plan.
• ANNUAL LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS : 192 hours of annual leave and 117 hours of holiday leave.
• ADMIN LEAVE ACCRUAL : Department Heads and Management staff.
  • Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.
  • Management - 80 hrs per year.
• AUTO ALLOWANCE : $300 per month Department Heads only (Exception Fire & Police Chief)
• FLEX SCHEDULE : Administrative staff currently works a 9/80 alternative work schedule. Other schedule options (5/8, 4/10) may be available based on the City’s operational needs.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the MPC Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 2/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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