Parks and Recreation Director

ABOUT THE POSITION:

This leadership position presents an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Parks and Recreation professional to shape the future of parks and recreation services in the City of Monterey. The Parks and Recreation Director will oversee a range of services that includes community recreation programs for all ages, parks, beaches and urban forestry, special events, facility operations, and the Monterey Sports Center - one of the City’s flagship facilities.

The City is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader to take the department forward. The new Director will focus on strengthening the alignment between the Sports Center and broader recreation programs, fostering a more integrated and cohesive team and enhancing services that reflect the evolving needs of the Monterey community.

This is a key executive role for a leader who brings strategic insight, operational strength, and a deep commitment to community wellness and engagement. The position offers the opportunity to lead in a well-managed, full-service city that values innovation, professionalism, and the natural beauty that defines the Monterey Peninsula.

Please see the brochure linked below for more details about this position and the City of Monterey.
Parks and Recreation Director Recruitment Brochure
TALENT ACQUISITION SCHEDULE

• Application Deadline - September 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM
• Panel Interviews - The first round of interviews will be in-person on September 22, 2025.
• Final Interviews - The top candidates will be invited to participate in an in-personal final interview on September 23, 2025.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:
Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.
WHY WORK FOR US? The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check.Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and afederal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.

Candidates who successfully progress through all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.
A detailed resume and cover letter are required with your application. Please include in your cover letter the size of staff and budget you currently manage. To be considered, please attach your resume and cover letter to your online application by September 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Monterey provides outstanding servicesto the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

SUMMARY: Under executive direction of the City Manager, to plan, develop, coordinate and oversee the provisions of a comprehensive recreation program and the maintenance of all parks, recreation areas and related facilities and buildings; Facilities and programs include multiple community centers, the Monterey Sports Center; a full-service, year-round recreational program including sports, instructional programs, and summer programs; and special events such as the City's 4th of July Celebration; to provide highly responsible and technical staff assistance; and to do related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the Executive level classification in the Parks and Recreation professional series. The incumbent is expected to assume overall responsibility for all facets of a municipal park and recreation program including providing leadership in establishing general direction, goals, Division priorities and in promoting good customer service. The incumbent works under the direction and exercises independent judgment in the performance of a variety of professional, complex and difficult duties. This position exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and support staff. Positions designated as Non-Classified are exempt from the classified service. The incumbent shall be appointed at-will and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Direct and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Parks and Recreation Department and the City.
• Plan and direct for design, development, and maintenance of parks, recreation areas, landscaped areas, street and park trees and related facilities and buildings in alignment with City strategic plans and goals.
• Develop and provide policy and procedure guidance for the Department.
• Prepare and administer the departmental budget, including operational expenditures and revenue projections.
• Develop funding strategies for Department projects and programs.
• Plan, direct, supervise and coordinate the work and programs of a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Department and staff.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and establishes program priorities.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with other agencies and community based organizations.
• Interpret the programs of the department to the community through press releases, speeches and contact with community agencies and groups, both public and private.
• Implement corrective action, discipline and termination procedures.
• Monitor staff development and provides development to insure appropriate succession planning within the Department.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City Staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Park Management, Recreation/Leisure Services, or a related field. A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in Park and Recreation management with three (3) years experience managing at the level equivalent to the level of a major Division Chief or higher.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.Knowledge of:

• Modern methods, techniques, principles, and procedures used in the development, maintenance and administration of Park and Recreation programs and facilities.
• Recreational and social needs of various age groups.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Turf, grounds, and landscape design and maintenance.
• Principles and procedures for implementing and directing a wide variety of recreation activities and the development of programs through community participation.
• Principles and practices of administration, budget and personnel management.
• Operation of City government and citizen advisory boards.

Skill in:

• Planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the development and implementation of Recreation programs suited to the needs of the community.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, other community agencies and the general public.
• Resolving conflicts involving staff, program participants, and the general public.
• Analyzing, interpreting, and explaining departmental policies and procedures; reviewing, developing and implementing division policies.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Making effective presentations before city staff and the public.
• Supervising, training and evaluating subordinates.
• Operating personal computer and applicable software applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking – Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
• Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines; writing.
• Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
• Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• Mobility – Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements

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.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section ). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

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