Regional Operations Manager, Parks and Recreation (Chief of Development)

Option I: Four years of experience at the level of Regional Park Superintendent II or higher, supervising the overall operation of a regional park or division within the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. Option II: Five years of experience as a Regional Grounds Maintenance Supervisor within the County of Los Angeles Department. Option III: Four years of supervisory experience at the level of Administrative Services Manager II or higher, overseeing a unit responsible for one of the following areas: recreation program development, capital projects, environmental or facility planning, procurement, grant administration, contract development, non-profit operation, human resources operation, budget or finance management, or a closely related area. For all three options, graduation with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited four college or university will be accepted for two years of the required experience.

Assists in directing recreation administration, programming, safety, crafts, and maintenance activities in an operational region or departmental division of the Department of Parks and Recreation.  This class is responsible for performing a wide range of specialized and complex tasks that require significant accountability and decision-making, including managing the departmental budget, evaluating programs, setting goals and objectives, supporting strategic plan priorities, and developing policies and standards.

Classification Standards

Positions allocable to this class typically report to an Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation, (UC), and are responsible for assisting in the overall direction of operations within a defined region or major functional area of the Department of Parks and Recreation or the Regional Park and Open Space District.  Responsibilities may include managing park operations, recreation administration, grounds maintenance, crafts coordination, capital project oversight, strategic grantmaking, or policy implementation.

Incumbents are in charge of ensuring the effective operation of specific programs or functional areas, and overseeing teams with expertise in direct services, technical operations, or administrative support. This class receives assignments based on broad objectives and is responsible for presenting reports and recommendations based on policy. Work is evaluated based on the results achieved and the extent to which objectives are met. The incumbent directly supervises staff at all levels, including supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support personnel. This class requires a strong background in management and organizational leadership, with the ability to navigate changes in a fast-paced environment while serving a diverse community, as well as strong oral and written communication skills and highly developed interpersonal skills.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

Oversees major departmental programs, which may include recreation services, aquatics, capital projects, procurement, contract development and administration, crafts and grounds maintenance, safety, regional security operation, or specialized areas such as grant administration, funding program oversight, and strategic planning.

Assists the Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation in the development and implementation of public service, financial and administrative objectives and policies.

Assists in preparing and managing a regional or program-specific budget, allocates staff and resources based on operational priorities; monitors the performance of contractors, consultants, grantees, and partners;  and prepares reports to support decision-making, track performance, and ensure compliance with departmental or funding requirements.

Develops and standardizes operational procedures to improve and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs; evaluates workloads, administrative systems, and reporting structures; and recommends improvements based on identified opportunities.

Coordinates regional activities with other organizational units of the department, other County departments, and public and governmental agencies to ensure that program requirements are fulfilled.

Maintains effective relationships with public agencies, staff within the Board of Supervisors, community organizations, and the public to promote interest and participation in parks and recreation programs.

Represents the department at meetings with community groups and individuals to discuss matters related to park and facility maintenance, and the improvement of parks and recreation services and programs.

Assumes full responsibility for the operations of the region or division in the absence of the Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation.