City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Recreation Program Coordinator
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, United States, 90275
Salary :
$74,182.00 - $96,435.00 Annually Location :
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Job Type:
Full-time Department:
Recreation and Parks Opening Date:
08/25/2025 FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Job Summary The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and customer-service oriented Recreation Program Coordinator to play a key role in creating memorable experiences for our community! This recruitment is open is open until filled. First review of applications will be week of September 22, 2025.
DEPARTMENT
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system, administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and coordinating numerous community activities and events. The Recreation and Parks Department oversees departmental administration, recreational facilities, programs and classes, special events, the REACH program serving the needs of the developmentally disabled community, support services, and open space management.
POSITION This is a non-exempt, full-time position covered by the Rancho Palos Verdes Employees Association. The Recreation Program Coordinator for special events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a wide range of City events that bring the Rancho Palos Verdes community together. From large-scale annual celebrations to smaller gatherings, this position leads all aspects of event planning, including logistics, permitting, vendor management, staffing, budgeting, marketing, and on-site supervision. Working closely with internal departments, local organizations, community partners, and volunteers, the Recreation Program Coordinator ensures that each event is safe, engaging, and reflective of the City's high standards and values. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, creative, and comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, public-facing role. Signature events include the City's Fourth of July Celebration, Whale of a Day, Egg Hunt, Movies and Concerts in the Park, Trunk or Treat, and Holiday Celebrations, along with a variety of other special events hosted by the City throughout the year. If you're a driven and organized event professional who thrives on bringing people together and creating memorable community experiences, we invite you to apply
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, energetic, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for creating engaging community experiences. They will have demonstrated experience coordinating events, from initial planning and permitting to on-site execution and post-event evaluation.
A successful incumbent will be a strong communicator, both written and verbal, who can effectively collaborate with staff, vendors, community partners, and the public. They should be comfortable managing multiple events simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities or unexpected challenges.
The ideal candidate will also bring leadership skills to guide staff and volunteers, delegate tasks effectively, and foster a positive and professional event environment. Strong interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and a customer service mindset are essential.
Essential Job Functions
Plans, coordinates, and implements a variety of special events and programs from concept through execution. Processes Special Event Permit Applications and obtains necessary permits related to programs and events. Ensures required insurance coverage is obtained and verified for events, vendors, and contractors in accordance with City policies and risk management guidelines. Prepares written materials including staff schedules, promotional content, correspondence, reports, and event-related documentation. Develops and maintains effective relationships with vendors, community organizations, and partner agencies. Coordinates booking and logistics for events, including meetings, equipment, staffing, services, and space reservations. Attracts, recruits, and manages vendors; reviews and approves vendor applications and ensures compliance with event requirements. Oversees on-site execution of programs and events; inspects facilities before, during, and after events to ensure safety and quality. Monitors events and activities to ensure smooth operations, addressing and resolving issues in real time. Provides high-quality customer service; responds to inquiries and resolves complaints from vendors, clients, and the public. Trains, oversees, and provides guidance to part-time staff and volunteers; delegates assignments and monitors performance. Coordinates and oversees services provided by contractors or outside organizations. Exercises sound judgment and ensures health and safety protocols are followed during programs and events. Assists in preparing and monitoring budgets; tracks expenditures, prepares requisitions, and processes invoices. Ensures events are delivered in a professional, organized, and community-focused manner. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualification Guidelines
Knowledge of:
Procedures and methods related to a variety of recreational, special events, older adult programs, cultural arts (which may include ceramics, visual arts, and/or performing arts), aquatics and recreational facilities maintenance and operations; safe operations of equipment and material for related divisions; basic principles and practices of recreation administration; recreational, cultural arts and social needs of the community; modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment. Ability to: Work effectively with a team of recreation professions in a professional setting; possess a community public service orientation and ability to provide outstanding programs and services in line with department and City mission and goals; understand community needs in a variety of recreation areas and evaluate activities according to those needs; keep organized files and maintain consistent records; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; follow directions from a supervisor; accept constructive criticism; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Bachelor's degree in recreation or related field with one year of experience planning, organizing or conducting recreation programs, physical education or related field is required. Supervisory and special event experience is highly desirable. Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment. Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult within three (3) months of hire.
Special Notes
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 544-5332 no later than five (5) business days before the test date. Full-time Employee Benefits Effective - July 1, 2025
INSURANCE PLANS Medical: The City offers five (5) medical plans, three HMO's, one traditional PPO, and one high deductible PPO + Health Saving Account (HSA). The HMO and PPO medical plans are provided by Blue Shield and Kaiser. The City covers the entire premium for employee only and 50% of the premium for employee plus dependent(s). If enrolled in the high deductible Blue Shield Silver plan PPO+HSA, the City's annual contribution to the HSA is $4,300 for employee only or $8,550 for employee plus dependent(s). Employees can make additional contributions, on a pre-tax basis, to their HSA account through payroll deductions, up to the IRS limits, based on their age and coverage level.
Medical opt-out payment: Employees who show proof of insurance elsewhere and do not enroll in the City's medical plan can receive up to 75% of the premium cost of the least expensive medical plan. The 2025 medical opt-out monthly payment is $510.78.
Dental & Vision Plans: The City covers the entire premium for employee only and 50% of the premium for employee plus dependent(s). The City offers two dental plans provided by Delta Dental and one vision plan provided by VSP.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): City paid confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all employees and immediate family members.
Life Insurance: City paid term life insurance (with AD&D) policy with a value of twice the annual salary (up to $350,000). The City also provides group term life and AD&D benefits for spouses ($5,000) and their children ($2,000). Option for additional insurance coverage for employee and dependents.
Short-term & long-term disability: Employees participate in the State Short-Term Disability Insurance program. The annual premium is determined by the state and based on gross annual pay. The premium is deducted from the employee's paycheck. City paid long-term disability insurance with a benefit set at 66.7% of monthly earnings to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month, after a 90-day waiting period (due to injury or illness).
OPTIONAL BENEFITS AFLAC plans, Legal Access Plan, 529 College Savings Plan, Pet Insurance, Credit Union membership, and Flexible Spending Accounts (Section 125).
Education Reimbursement The City offers a reimbursement of up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition, fees and books for job-related coursework.
MONETARY AWARD Employees are eligible to receive monetary awards of up to 5% of their gross annual pay in recognition of exemplary performance, subject to the approval of the Department Head and City Manager.
#LiveWellRPV The City is proud to offer a Wellness Program designed to support both physical and mental well-being, offering a variety of resources, activities, monthly workshops focusing on nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, and mindfulness.
HOLIDAYS Eight (8) fixed holidays, two (2) floating holidays, plus the winter holiday break (see below).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday of January) President's Day (Third Monday of February) Memorial Day (last Monday in May) Independence Day (July 4th) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Veteran's Day (November 11th) Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) Friday after Thanksgiving Winter Holiday Break (work days between and including December 24th and January 1st) Two Floating Holidays (one is designated by City Manager) LEAVES Sick: Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 8 hours for each full calendar month of service (96 hours per year); max accrual of 720 hours. Administrative Leave: Administrative leave up to 62 hours per fiscal year for exempt employees only. Initial allotment will be pro-rated, based on start date within fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Vacation: An employee's vacation accrual rate is determined by the years of full-time service to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes in the manner specified below, with options to cash out up to 80 hours of future annual vacation accruals with the approval of the City Manager. The vacation leave schedule is as follows:
80 hours per year, 1st month through 2 years 96 hours beginning 3rd year 120 hours beginning 6th year of service Additional hours are accumulated beginning in years 16-20 (up to maximum of 160 hours/year.
RETIREMENT CalPERS: The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS): 2% @ 60 for employees with continuing CalPERS employment with a 7% employee contribution OR 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members (PEPRA) with a 7.75% employee contribution. Employee contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. Final compensation for both plans is determined by the three-year average option.
Deferred Compensation: Employees have the option to contribute to a deferred compensation 457b retirement plan (on a pre-tax basis), up to IRS limits. The City's contribution is based on CalPERS Tier.
Retirement Health Savings Account: Employees will be enrolled in the City's Retirement Health Savings (RHS) account the first of the month following completion of their initial probationary period. The City contributes $77.93 per pay period into the account and employees contribute 1% of their base salary.
Social Security: The City does NOT participate in the Social Security program for full time employees; however, participation in MEDICARE is mandatory. The 1.45% mandatory contribution is paid by the employee.
WORK SCHEDULE Full-time employees work 80 hours in 9 days (9/80) and receive every other Friday off. City Hall hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. 01
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on both the application and the responses to the following supplemental questions. Failure to fully detail all experience or stating experience in response to the supplemental question but not listing the experience in the application, copy/pasting information, or responses referring to your resume may eliminate you from consideration. Do you understand this requirement?
Yes No
02
Indicate the highest level of formal education you have achieved.
Some high school High School diploma or equivalent Some college Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree
03
For your college degree, indicate the field of study (major coursework) below. 04
How many years of experience do you have with planning and coordination of special events?
None Less than 1 year More than 1 year, but less than 3 years 3 years or more
05
How many years of full-time or full-time equivalent paid experience do you have coordinating recreational activities and programs?
None Less than 1 year More than I year, but less than 3 years 3 years or more
06
Select your years of lead or supervisory experience.
None Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 years or more
07
I understand, if I am selected for this position, I will have to work weekends, evenings and holidays when required.
Yes No
08
Do you have experience with any of the following software programs: Tyler Munis and/or Active Net? If so, please list how many years of experience with each? If none, please type N/A. 09
In understand, if I am selected for this position, I will have to work weekends, evenings and holidays when required.
Yes No
10
Please describe an event you planned or helped coordinate from start to finish. Walk us through the steps you took, including how you handled logistics, permits, vendor coordination, community outreach, and any unexpected challenges that arose. If you do not have experience in this area, write N/A. Required Question
$74,182.00 - $96,435.00 Annually Location :
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Job Type:
Full-time Department:
Recreation and Parks Opening Date:
08/25/2025 FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Job Summary The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and customer-service oriented Recreation Program Coordinator to play a key role in creating memorable experiences for our community! This recruitment is open is open until filled. First review of applications will be week of September 22, 2025.
DEPARTMENT
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system, administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and coordinating numerous community activities and events. The Recreation and Parks Department oversees departmental administration, recreational facilities, programs and classes, special events, the REACH program serving the needs of the developmentally disabled community, support services, and open space management.
POSITION This is a non-exempt, full-time position covered by the Rancho Palos Verdes Employees Association. The Recreation Program Coordinator for special events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a wide range of City events that bring the Rancho Palos Verdes community together. From large-scale annual celebrations to smaller gatherings, this position leads all aspects of event planning, including logistics, permitting, vendor management, staffing, budgeting, marketing, and on-site supervision. Working closely with internal departments, local organizations, community partners, and volunteers, the Recreation Program Coordinator ensures that each event is safe, engaging, and reflective of the City's high standards and values. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, creative, and comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, public-facing role. Signature events include the City's Fourth of July Celebration, Whale of a Day, Egg Hunt, Movies and Concerts in the Park, Trunk or Treat, and Holiday Celebrations, along with a variety of other special events hosted by the City throughout the year. If you're a driven and organized event professional who thrives on bringing people together and creating memorable community experiences, we invite you to apply
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, energetic, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for creating engaging community experiences. They will have demonstrated experience coordinating events, from initial planning and permitting to on-site execution and post-event evaluation.
A successful incumbent will be a strong communicator, both written and verbal, who can effectively collaborate with staff, vendors, community partners, and the public. They should be comfortable managing multiple events simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities or unexpected challenges.
The ideal candidate will also bring leadership skills to guide staff and volunteers, delegate tasks effectively, and foster a positive and professional event environment. Strong interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and a customer service mindset are essential.
Essential Job Functions
Plans, coordinates, and implements a variety of special events and programs from concept through execution. Processes Special Event Permit Applications and obtains necessary permits related to programs and events. Ensures required insurance coverage is obtained and verified for events, vendors, and contractors in accordance with City policies and risk management guidelines. Prepares written materials including staff schedules, promotional content, correspondence, reports, and event-related documentation. Develops and maintains effective relationships with vendors, community organizations, and partner agencies. Coordinates booking and logistics for events, including meetings, equipment, staffing, services, and space reservations. Attracts, recruits, and manages vendors; reviews and approves vendor applications and ensures compliance with event requirements. Oversees on-site execution of programs and events; inspects facilities before, during, and after events to ensure safety and quality. Monitors events and activities to ensure smooth operations, addressing and resolving issues in real time. Provides high-quality customer service; responds to inquiries and resolves complaints from vendors, clients, and the public. Trains, oversees, and provides guidance to part-time staff and volunteers; delegates assignments and monitors performance. Coordinates and oversees services provided by contractors or outside organizations. Exercises sound judgment and ensures health and safety protocols are followed during programs and events. Assists in preparing and monitoring budgets; tracks expenditures, prepares requisitions, and processes invoices. Ensures events are delivered in a professional, organized, and community-focused manner. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualification Guidelines
Knowledge of:
Procedures and methods related to a variety of recreational, special events, older adult programs, cultural arts (which may include ceramics, visual arts, and/or performing arts), aquatics and recreational facilities maintenance and operations; safe operations of equipment and material for related divisions; basic principles and practices of recreation administration; recreational, cultural arts and social needs of the community; modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment. Ability to: Work effectively with a team of recreation professions in a professional setting; possess a community public service orientation and ability to provide outstanding programs and services in line with department and City mission and goals; understand community needs in a variety of recreation areas and evaluate activities according to those needs; keep organized files and maintain consistent records; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; follow directions from a supervisor; accept constructive criticism; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Bachelor's degree in recreation or related field with one year of experience planning, organizing or conducting recreation programs, physical education or related field is required. Supervisory and special event experience is highly desirable. Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment. Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult within three (3) months of hire.
Special Notes
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 544-5332 no later than five (5) business days before the test date. Full-time Employee Benefits Effective - July 1, 2025
INSURANCE PLANS Medical: The City offers five (5) medical plans, three HMO's, one traditional PPO, and one high deductible PPO + Health Saving Account (HSA). The HMO and PPO medical plans are provided by Blue Shield and Kaiser. The City covers the entire premium for employee only and 50% of the premium for employee plus dependent(s). If enrolled in the high deductible Blue Shield Silver plan PPO+HSA, the City's annual contribution to the HSA is $4,300 for employee only or $8,550 for employee plus dependent(s). Employees can make additional contributions, on a pre-tax basis, to their HSA account through payroll deductions, up to the IRS limits, based on their age and coverage level.
Medical opt-out payment: Employees who show proof of insurance elsewhere and do not enroll in the City's medical plan can receive up to 75% of the premium cost of the least expensive medical plan. The 2025 medical opt-out monthly payment is $510.78.
Dental & Vision Plans: The City covers the entire premium for employee only and 50% of the premium for employee plus dependent(s). The City offers two dental plans provided by Delta Dental and one vision plan provided by VSP.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): City paid confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all employees and immediate family members.
Life Insurance: City paid term life insurance (with AD&D) policy with a value of twice the annual salary (up to $350,000). The City also provides group term life and AD&D benefits for spouses ($5,000) and their children ($2,000). Option for additional insurance coverage for employee and dependents.
Short-term & long-term disability: Employees participate in the State Short-Term Disability Insurance program. The annual premium is determined by the state and based on gross annual pay. The premium is deducted from the employee's paycheck. City paid long-term disability insurance with a benefit set at 66.7% of monthly earnings to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month, after a 90-day waiting period (due to injury or illness).
OPTIONAL BENEFITS AFLAC plans, Legal Access Plan, 529 College Savings Plan, Pet Insurance, Credit Union membership, and Flexible Spending Accounts (Section 125).
Education Reimbursement The City offers a reimbursement of up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition, fees and books for job-related coursework.
MONETARY AWARD Employees are eligible to receive monetary awards of up to 5% of their gross annual pay in recognition of exemplary performance, subject to the approval of the Department Head and City Manager.
#LiveWellRPV The City is proud to offer a Wellness Program designed to support both physical and mental well-being, offering a variety of resources, activities, monthly workshops focusing on nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, and mindfulness.
HOLIDAYS Eight (8) fixed holidays, two (2) floating holidays, plus the winter holiday break (see below).
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday of January) President's Day (Third Monday of February) Memorial Day (last Monday in May) Independence Day (July 4th) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Veteran's Day (November 11th) Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) Friday after Thanksgiving Winter Holiday Break (work days between and including December 24th and January 1st) Two Floating Holidays (one is designated by City Manager) LEAVES Sick: Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 8 hours for each full calendar month of service (96 hours per year); max accrual of 720 hours. Administrative Leave: Administrative leave up to 62 hours per fiscal year for exempt employees only. Initial allotment will be pro-rated, based on start date within fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Vacation: An employee's vacation accrual rate is determined by the years of full-time service to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes in the manner specified below, with options to cash out up to 80 hours of future annual vacation accruals with the approval of the City Manager. The vacation leave schedule is as follows:
80 hours per year, 1st month through 2 years 96 hours beginning 3rd year 120 hours beginning 6th year of service Additional hours are accumulated beginning in years 16-20 (up to maximum of 160 hours/year.
RETIREMENT CalPERS: The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS): 2% @ 60 for employees with continuing CalPERS employment with a 7% employee contribution OR 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members (PEPRA) with a 7.75% employee contribution. Employee contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. Final compensation for both plans is determined by the three-year average option.
Deferred Compensation: Employees have the option to contribute to a deferred compensation 457b retirement plan (on a pre-tax basis), up to IRS limits. The City's contribution is based on CalPERS Tier.
Retirement Health Savings Account: Employees will be enrolled in the City's Retirement Health Savings (RHS) account the first of the month following completion of their initial probationary period. The City contributes $77.93 per pay period into the account and employees contribute 1% of their base salary.
Social Security: The City does NOT participate in the Social Security program for full time employees; however, participation in MEDICARE is mandatory. The 1.45% mandatory contribution is paid by the employee.
WORK SCHEDULE Full-time employees work 80 hours in 9 days (9/80) and receive every other Friday off. City Hall hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. 01
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on both the application and the responses to the following supplemental questions. Failure to fully detail all experience or stating experience in response to the supplemental question but not listing the experience in the application, copy/pasting information, or responses referring to your resume may eliminate you from consideration. Do you understand this requirement?
Yes No
02
Indicate the highest level of formal education you have achieved.
Some high school High School diploma or equivalent Some college Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree
03
For your college degree, indicate the field of study (major coursework) below. 04
How many years of experience do you have with planning and coordination of special events?
None Less than 1 year More than 1 year, but less than 3 years 3 years or more
05
How many years of full-time or full-time equivalent paid experience do you have coordinating recreational activities and programs?
None Less than 1 year More than I year, but less than 3 years 3 years or more
06
Select your years of lead or supervisory experience.
None Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 2 years or more
07
I understand, if I am selected for this position, I will have to work weekends, evenings and holidays when required.
Yes No
08
Do you have experience with any of the following software programs: Tyler Munis and/or Active Net? If so, please list how many years of experience with each? If none, please type N/A. 09
In understand, if I am selected for this position, I will have to work weekends, evenings and holidays when required.
Yes No
10
Please describe an event you planned or helped coordinate from start to finish. Walk us through the steps you took, including how you handled logistics, permits, vendor coordination, community outreach, and any unexpected challenges that arose. If you do not have experience in this area, write N/A. Required Question