Parks and Recreation

Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation


Salary
$106,932.00 - $143,916.00 Annually
Job Region
California Pacific
Department/Division
Recreation
Organization
City of Palm Springs
City
Palm Springs
State
California
Job Requirements

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. “Full-time work” means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as “desirable” or “preferred” are not included as part of the minimum requirements.
Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public administration, parks, recreation, public policy, urban planning, business, land use management, public art, or a closely related field, including two (2) years of progressively responsible management-level experience is required; preferably with a public agency.
Training:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, planning, land use, parks or other related field, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.
  • A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
License or Certificates:
Possession of, or ability to obtain at the time of appointment, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.
Special Requirements:
  • Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
  • Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, physical, and drug screen.

Job Description

This position is a member of the Parks & Recreation Department and under the general direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation; directs, supervises, and manages the activities and operations of the Parks & Recreation Department including, multi-year comprehensive park and public space planning; community recreational programs; park permitting; special event sponsorships in support of the regional tourism economy; project management for the incorporation of capital improvement projects in parks and recreational facilities; annual department budgeting and financial reporting; contract management; management of government advisory boards and commissions; and provides highly-specialized professional assistance to the Director in the development of short- and long-term strategic goals; analyzes return on involvement/investment; and prepares reports and presentations detailing placemaking strategies and objectives to build strong communities through people, parks, and programs.
The Assistant Director, Parks & Recreation will work closely and strategically with the Director supporting diverse public facing projects and programs to advance the mission of the Department of Parks & Recreation for the City of Palm Springs; and perform other duties as assigned. The Assistant Director shall have the professional poise to act as the Director in their absence and exercise a high level of political acumen.
As a member of the City’s unclassified service, this is an “at-will” position, and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager.

Examples of Essential and General Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Plan and assist in the direction of a diverse portfolio of municipal services, programs, and activities for the Parks & Recreation Department including, athletics, aquatics, youth programs, special events, special programs, park permits, venue rentals, arts and cultural programs, golf courses, parades, and assisting with park and facility maintenance.
  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and processes related to the department’s areas of responsibility.
  • Assist in the development of comprehensive multi-year work plans and strategies for parks and recreation.
  • Assist in the development of comprehensive reports documenting parks and recreational programs, budgets, goals, and return on investment/involvement with data-driven methodologies.
  • Serve as liaison to various community groups, stakeholders, and organizations to coordinate programs of interest to the City.
  • Oversee and manage capital improvement projects, and infrastructure projects, to enhance public parks, facilities, and community spaces.
  • Assist in the development of the annual department budget, grant requests, and monitor expenditures and revenue received.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; review recommendations and actions of staff and resolve department issues and concerns.
  • Develop, recommend, and establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
  • Plan, direct, and manage the department’s work plan and staff; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve highly sensitive and/or complex problems.
  • Train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
  • Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to financial programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepare and present staff reports, memos, documents, and other necessary correspondence.
  • Represent the department, as assigned, to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments, vendors, and outside agencies and organizations.
  • Participate in citywide programs and initiatives as assigned; meet with City staff and provide guidance on department programs; serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
  • Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; respond to and resolve sensitive and controversial internal and external concerns, questions, and problems; contact departments involved; provide direction and assistance as necessary to correct issues.
  • Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works, services, management, and administration.
  • Provide responsible technical administrative assistance to the Director of Parks & Recreation and other City staff as assigned.
  • Act on the Director’s behalf by assignment or delegation in the Director’s absence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job type
Full-Time
Degree Desired
Bachelor's
Apply By Date
Apply By Time
Continuous