CALIFORNIA PARK & REC SOCIETY
Public Works and Community Services Director
CALIFORNIA PARK & REC SOCIETY, San Juan Capistrano, California, United States, 92675
Public Works and Community Services Director
Salary:
$180,492 - $219,396 with 3.0% salary range increase July 2026 Closing Date:
October 5, 2025 Description: THE COMMUNITY San Juan Capistrano is a vibrant city rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The 14.4 square mile city is located in the heart of Southern California’s south Orange County, approximately 62 miles south of Los Angeles and 65 miles north of San Diego. The community traces its roots to the earliest inhabitants of California and today offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Best known for its iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark from the late 18th century, the city is a tourist destination that is committed to retaining its historic and cultural identity while also embracing thoughtful and unique commercial development that serves both residents and visitors. The city has a population of 35,000 and is home to approximately 2,000 businesses, including award-winning restaurants, vibrant commercial centers, retail trade companies such as Costco Wholesale, various auto dealerships, food manufacturers, and entities engaged in financial, construction and agricultural businesses. Three high-performing hotels also contributesignificantly to the stable economy and to San Juan Capistrano’s appeal as a popular tourist destination. San Juan Capistrano boasts an excellent quality of life, with a mild Mediterranean climate, stunning natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community. Additionally, the city is home to the top-rated schools of the Capistrano Unified School District and some of the premier private schools in Orange County. With convenient access to beaches, hiking trails, and major freeways, San Juan Capistrano is a highly desirable destination to work and play. THE ORGANIZATION The City of San Juan Capistrano is a general law City incorporated in 1961 and operates as a Council-Manager form of government. The five City Council members represent districts and serve alternating four-year terms. The Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem positions are filled annually by a majority vote of the City Council. San Juan Capistrano has benefited from consistent and stable Council and City Manager leadership as well as a positive financial position.The City’s FY 2025-26 operating budget totals $60 million in revenues and $50 million in expenditures, with a fund balance exceeding targeted reserve levels. The organization includes eight City departments: City Manager, City Attorney, Public Safety, Development Services, Engineering and Environmental Services, Finance, City Clerk, and Public Worksand Community Services. The Public Works and Community Services Director will join an engaged, experienced, and highly collaborative Executive Team. THE DEPARTMENT The Public Works and Community Services Department is responsible for maintaining San Juan Capistrano’s public spaces, parks, and recreational facilities to the highest standards, while also delivering community enrichment programs and supporting a wide range of special events. The City relies primarily on contracted vendors and technicians to perform the day-to-day maintenance and operational work throughout the community, making strong contract management and oversight a core responsibility of the department. The department administers several key programs, including the City’s weed abatement efforts, seasonal and special event trolley service, and the management of Landscape Maintenance Districts. It is also responsible for the care and operation of 28 City parks, as well as numerous trails, open spaces, and recreational amenities such as the Community Center, gymnasium, Sports Parks, Reata Park and Event Center, and the recently constructed Skatepark. San Juan Capistrano’s residents are known for their enthusiasm and active participation in community life, with some of the most popular events including the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas Swallows Day Parade, holiday celebrations, and the summer concert series. The City also takes great pride in its strong equestrian heritage, and the department plays an important role in building relationships with the equestrian community while addressing the unique trail maintenance needs that support their continued enjoyment of our trail system. The Public Works and Community Services Department is supported by an experienced and dedicated team of 16 full-time staff, including two division managers, as well as 10 part-time staff. The Department’s FY 2025-26 Operating Budget is $14.1 million. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE San Juan Capistrano is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated local government professional with proven success in planning, directing, and overseeing municipal activities and operations. The ideal candidate will be a strong and strategic leader with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively direct, motivate, and mentor a high-performing team. The director will welcome and encourage interaction with an engaged community and have successful experience working with numerous stakeholders to achieve the community’s priorities. The incoming director will be skilled in the development, implementation, and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective services to the community; will apply organizational and management practices necessary for the successful analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; and possess effective and proactive personnel management skills. The director will prepare comprehensive and complex staff reports, and is expected to provide effective and professional presentations to the City Council and the public. The candidate will be skilled in the ability to prioritize and effectively deliver high quality and cost-effective projects, and address operational challenges while maintaining high standards of performance and service continuity. The position requires the ability to effectively collaborate with other City departments and outside agencies; competently prepare and administer large and complex budgets; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative consultation and support to the City Manager. EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be five years of professional municipal experience in public works, recreation, or a service-oriented department including three years of managerial and supervisory experience. Additionally, a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in public administration, public works, recreation administration, or a related field is sought. A Master’s degree is desirable. The City will consider highly qualified candidates whose public administration experience may be more generalist in nature, but that is significantly relevant to provide the skills and experience necessary for successful leadership of the Public Works and Community Services Department. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license is required. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The salary range is $180,492 - $219,396, and placement within the range is dependent upon applicable qualifications and experience. Effective July 2026, the salary range will increase 3.0% to $185,904 - $225,972. This is an excellent opportunity for any qualified applicant, including a CalPERS retiree who desires to continue working in municipal government. CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. Additionally, the City provides a robust and generous benefits package, including: Retirement
– Enrollment in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is required. Employees entering a public retirement system on or after January 1, 2013, fall under OCERS’ PEPRA plans and choose between the defined benefit formula of 2.5% at 67 or a hybrid plan of 1.62% at 65 combined with a 401(a) defined retirement contribution plan. Public employees with OCERS or reciprocal service prior to January 1, 2013, fall under the 2.0% at 57 benefit formula. The City does not participate in Social Security. CalPERS Reciprocity – OCERS and CalPERS are reciprocal retirement systems. Reciprocity is established for members who terminate employment with one public retirement system, leave their funds on deposit, and enter another reciprocal retirement system within 180 days. Reciprocal benefits are designed to allow employees who transfer between public retirement systems to preserve and enhance their total retirement benefits. CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. Deferred Compensation —The City contributes $500 per month to the employee’s 457 deferred compensation account, and employees may also elect to contribute a portion of their salary, tax-free, up to the IRS-established limit. Health Insurance – Employees may choose from eleven CalPERS medical plan options, with the City paying 100% of the monthly premium for employee and dependent coverage for nine of the eleven plans available. Employees with proof of other group medical insurance may opt out of the City’s medical plans and receive $400/month in additional compensation. The City pays the full cost of coverage for Aetna dental and VSP vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents. Retirement Health Savings (RHS)
– Employee pre-taxed contribution of $225 per month to the employee’s RHS account is required. Life Insurance
– City-paid in the amount of 2x annual salary, plus $20,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 Short and Long-Term Disability — City-paid disability coverage or income projection up to 2/3 of salary due to non-work-related disability, injury, or illness, up to a maximum percentage of salary. Auto and Cell Phone Allowance – $225 monthly automobile allowance and $80 monthly cell phone allowance Holidays – 12 paid holidays per year, plus 20 floating holiday hours per year City Hall Holiday Closure
– City Hall is closed Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day Vacation Leave – 184 hours annually, pro-rated each pay period, with no cap Sick Leave – 96 hours annually, pro-rated each pay period, with no cap Administrative Leave – 80 hours annually, pro-rated each pay period Tuition Reimbursement
– Up to $5,000 annually, based upon Citywide pool of $30,000 9/80 work schedule Other Benefits
- Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and an Employee Assistance Program. How To Apply: APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS To apply for this exceptional opportunity, submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and a list of four professional references via email to the City’s Human Resources Office athr@sanjuancapistrano.org .
Apply by October 5, 2025 - Applications reviewed as submitted. Open until filled
. The City Manager anticipates making a timely appointment following the completion of thorough background and reference checks. References will not becontacted until late in the process, and candidates will be notified in advance. Please direct any questions about the process or the position tohr@sanjuancapistrano.org .
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Salary:
$180,492 - $219,396 with 3.0% salary range increase July 2026 Closing Date:
October 5, 2025 Description: THE COMMUNITY San Juan Capistrano is a vibrant city rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The 14.4 square mile city is located in the heart of Southern California’s south Orange County, approximately 62 miles south of Los Angeles and 65 miles north of San Diego. The community traces its roots to the earliest inhabitants of California and today offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Best known for its iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark from the late 18th century, the city is a tourist destination that is committed to retaining its historic and cultural identity while also embracing thoughtful and unique commercial development that serves both residents and visitors. The city has a population of 35,000 and is home to approximately 2,000 businesses, including award-winning restaurants, vibrant commercial centers, retail trade companies such as Costco Wholesale, various auto dealerships, food manufacturers, and entities engaged in financial, construction and agricultural businesses. Three high-performing hotels also contributesignificantly to the stable economy and to San Juan Capistrano’s appeal as a popular tourist destination. San Juan Capistrano boasts an excellent quality of life, with a mild Mediterranean climate, stunning natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community. Additionally, the city is home to the top-rated schools of the Capistrano Unified School District and some of the premier private schools in Orange County. With convenient access to beaches, hiking trails, and major freeways, San Juan Capistrano is a highly desirable destination to work and play. THE ORGANIZATION The City of San Juan Capistrano is a general law City incorporated in 1961 and operates as a Council-Manager form of government. The five City Council members represent districts and serve alternating four-year terms. The Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem positions are filled annually by a majority vote of the City Council. San Juan Capistrano has benefited from consistent and stable Council and City Manager leadership as well as a positive financial position.The City’s FY 2025-26 operating budget totals $60 million in revenues and $50 million in expenditures, with a fund balance exceeding targeted reserve levels. The organization includes eight City departments: City Manager, City Attorney, Public Safety, Development Services, Engineering and Environmental Services, Finance, City Clerk, and Public Worksand Community Services. The Public Works and Community Services Director will join an engaged, experienced, and highly collaborative Executive Team. THE DEPARTMENT The Public Works and Community Services Department is responsible for maintaining San Juan Capistrano’s public spaces, parks, and recreational facilities to the highest standards, while also delivering community enrichment programs and supporting a wide range of special events. The City relies primarily on contracted vendors and technicians to perform the day-to-day maintenance and operational work throughout the community, making strong contract management and oversight a core responsibility of the department. The department administers several key programs, including the City’s weed abatement efforts, seasonal and special event trolley service, and the management of Landscape Maintenance Districts. It is also responsible for the care and operation of 28 City parks, as well as numerous trails, open spaces, and recreational amenities such as the Community Center, gymnasium, Sports Parks, Reata Park and Event Center, and the recently constructed Skatepark. San Juan Capistrano’s residents are known for their enthusiasm and active participation in community life, with some of the most popular events including the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas Swallows Day Parade, holiday celebrations, and the summer concert series. The City also takes great pride in its strong equestrian heritage, and the department plays an important role in building relationships with the equestrian community while addressing the unique trail maintenance needs that support their continued enjoyment of our trail system. The Public Works and Community Services Department is supported by an experienced and dedicated team of 16 full-time staff, including two division managers, as well as 10 part-time staff. The Department’s FY 2025-26 Operating Budget is $14.1 million. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE San Juan Capistrano is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated local government professional with proven success in planning, directing, and overseeing municipal activities and operations. The ideal candidate will be a strong and strategic leader with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively direct, motivate, and mentor a high-performing team. The director will welcome and encourage interaction with an engaged community and have successful experience working with numerous stakeholders to achieve the community’s priorities. The incoming director will be skilled in the development, implementation, and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective services to the community; will apply organizational and management practices necessary for the successful analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; and possess effective and proactive personnel management skills. The director will prepare comprehensive and complex staff reports, and is expected to provide effective and professional presentations to the City Council and the public. The candidate will be skilled in the ability to prioritize and effectively deliver high quality and cost-effective projects, and address operational challenges while maintaining high standards of performance and service continuity. The position requires the ability to effectively collaborate with other City departments and outside agencies; competently prepare and administer large and complex budgets; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative consultation and support to the City Manager. EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be five years of professional municipal experience in public works, recreation, or a service-oriented department including three years of managerial and supervisory experience. Additionally, a Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in public administration, public works, recreation administration, or a related field is sought. A Master’s degree is desirable. The City will consider highly qualified candidates whose public administration experience may be more generalist in nature, but that is significantly relevant to provide the skills and experience necessary for successful leadership of the Public Works and Community Services Department. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license is required. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS The salary range is $180,492 - $219,396, and placement within the range is dependent upon applicable qualifications and experience. Effective July 2026, the salary range will increase 3.0% to $185,904 - $225,972. This is an excellent opportunity for any qualified applicant, including a CalPERS retiree who desires to continue working in municipal government. CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. Additionally, the City provides a robust and generous benefits package, including: Retirement
– Enrollment in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is required. Employees entering a public retirement system on or after January 1, 2013, fall under OCERS’ PEPRA plans and choose between the defined benefit formula of 2.5% at 67 or a hybrid plan of 1.62% at 65 combined with a 401(a) defined retirement contribution plan. Public employees with OCERS or reciprocal service prior to January 1, 2013, fall under the 2.0% at 57 benefit formula. The City does not participate in Social Security. CalPERS Reciprocity – OCERS and CalPERS are reciprocal retirement systems. Reciprocity is established for members who terminate employment with one public retirement system, leave their funds on deposit, and enter another reciprocal retirement system within 180 days. Reciprocal benefits are designed to allow employees who transfer between public retirement systems to preserve and enhance their total retirement benefits. CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. Deferred Compensation —The City contributes $500 per month to the employee’s 457 deferred compensation account, and employees may also elect to contribute a portion of their salary, tax-free, up to the IRS-established limit. Health Insurance – Employees may choose from eleven CalPERS medical plan options, with the City paying 100% of the monthly premium for employee and dependent coverage for nine of the eleven plans available. Employees with proof of other group medical insurance may opt out of the City’s medical plans and receive $400/month in additional compensation. The City pays the full cost of coverage for Aetna dental and VSP vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents. Retirement Health Savings (RHS)
– Employee pre-taxed contribution of $225 per month to the employee’s RHS account is required. Life Insurance
– City-paid in the amount of 2x annual salary, plus $20,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 Short and Long-Term Disability — City-paid disability coverage or income projection up to 2/3 of salary due to non-work-related disability, injury, or illness, up to a maximum percentage of salary. Auto and Cell Phone Allowance – $225 monthly automobile allowance and $80 monthly cell phone allowance Holidays – 12 paid holidays per year, plus 20 floating holiday hours per year City Hall Holiday Closure
– City Hall is closed Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day Vacation Leave – 184 hours annually, pro-rated each pay period, with no cap Sick Leave – 96 hours annually, pro-rated each pay period, with no cap Administrative Leave – 80 hours annually, pro-rated each pay period Tuition Reimbursement
– Up to $5,000 annually, based upon Citywide pool of $30,000 9/80 work schedule Other Benefits
- Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and an Employee Assistance Program. How To Apply: APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS To apply for this exceptional opportunity, submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and a list of four professional references via email to the City’s Human Resources Office athr@sanjuancapistrano.org .
Apply by October 5, 2025 - Applications reviewed as submitted. Open until filled
. The City Manager anticipates making a timely appointment following the completion of thorough background and reference checks. References will not becontacted until late in the process, and candidates will be notified in advance. Please direct any questions about the process or the position tohr@sanjuancapistrano.org .
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