San Joaquin County is in search of an experienced leader to oversee the Parks and Recreation Division.  The Parks Administrator is responsible for directing, organizing and staffing the full spectrum of County park services and activities, including community/visitor services, park maintenance, and park development. The Parks Administrator also has broad administrative responsibility for short and long-range strategic planning, policy and procedure development, implementation, and budgetary control.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Plans, organizes and directs the administrative and operational activities and programs of the Parks and Recreation Division
• Directs a multi-disciplinary staff engaged in a wide variety of park activities. Attracts, develops, and retains a diverse and highly competent workforce who support the Division’s mission and service expectations.
• Manages and directs the provision of visitor services and ensures visitor safety; directs and oversees the development and implementation of quality interpretive programs, special events, and recreation activities.
• Manages and administers parks-related County Service Area agreements and  ensures the appropriate allocation of resources.
• Directs and manages park maintenance and development projects, and oversees the Division’s capital improvement program
• Develops operational, service and fiscal plans, goals and objectives to assure effectiveness and efficiency of Parks activities
• Implements and administers County, Department and Division policies and procedures as directed
• Manages special projects; researches and analyzes information and data; conducts research and surveys; prepares complex correspondence, reports and other documents.
• Represent the Division to the public, elected officials, other agencies, committees, community groups, and organizations.

• Presents information at public meetings and committees; conducts community outreach; maintains constructive media relations; responds to sensitive citizen and media questions, feedback, and requests for information.
• Oversees contractual agreements for the Division and evaluates renewals and changes; inspects and evaluates the work of contractors
• Develops new and expanded programs that create new revenue streams. Seeks non-County funding for park and recreation services through grant proposals, scholarships, and donations
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation.

Desirable Qualifications

Candidates invited to participate in the screening and selection process will possess a combination of education and experience comparable to:

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year university with a degree in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.  A Master’s Degree is highly desirable. 

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible managerial experience, preferably in a public agency setting, including two years of park management that included responsibility for directing and overseeing visitor services, facilities management, and operational activities.

Required Qualifications

License:  Possession of a valid California driver’s license