Parks Services Manager

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Are you a creative, strategic leader who’s passionate about shaping vibrant public spaces? Do you thrive in a role where no two days are the same, collaboration is key, and your work directly impacts the community? If so, we’d love to meet you.

We’re looking for an energetic, forward-thinking Parks Services Manager to guide the future of our parks, preserves, beach accesses, and public landscapes. As a vital member of the Parks & Recreation Leadership Team, you’ll help drive big ideas, champion exceptional service, and support a talented team dedicated to creating extraordinary outdoor experiences for our community.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll lead two significant sections within the Parks Division:

• Parks Planning/Development & Preserves Management
• Parks/Trees Maintenance & Operations

You’ll work closely with departments across the city, partnering agencies, and community stakeholders to bring projects to life, address complex challenges, and ensure our parks, preserves, beach accesses and public landscapes remain beautiful and well maintained for all. You’ll coach and support both management and represented staff, champion continuous improvement, and help create a workplace where people feel valued and inspired.

Your Impact Will Include

• Providing visionary leadership to Parks Division staff, projects, and programs
• Overseeing planning, development, policy implementation, and funding strategies
• Building strong partnerships inside and outside the city
• Elevating customer service and ensuring positive experiences for all stakeholders
• Managing complex administrative and technical projects with confidence

Who You Are

You’re a self-starter and a problem-solver. You’re a people-centered leader who sets high expectations and models professionalism every day. You combine strategic thinking with hands-on experience, and you’re energized by opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference.

This highly visible, single-incumbent position reports directly to the Parks & Recreation Director and plays a key role in steering the city’s vision for parks, preserves, beach accesses and public landscapes.

You Belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.