City of Vista
Overview
The City of Vista invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of
Recreation & Community Services Director . The Department
The City of Vista is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee its Recreation and Community Services Department. The department oversees many functions including: Moonlight Stage Productions – produces an award-winning summer season of musicals and operates Moonlight Amphitheatre and VisTix Ticket Office Rancho Buena Vista Adobe – historic adobe tours, weddings, events, gallery, and Adobe Days program Parks/Facilities – rental facilities for parties, weddings, and events; staff facilitated nearly 1,200 park and facility rentals in 2024 Public Art – walking tours and public artwork displays Recreation – Day Camp, Youth/Adult Sports, Facility and Wedding Rentals, and Park Directors; Summer Day Camp enrollment and youth/adult programs Senior Services – Out & About, Culture Caravan, Senior Meals and Center Programming; volunteer mobilization and senior transportation The Wave Waterpark – family aquatic center offering swim lessons, camps, and attractions; serves 50,000+ users annually The Recreation & Community Services Department also oversees four city commissions: Parks and Recreation Commission, Senior Citizens' Affairs Commission, Youth Advisory Commission, and Public Arts Commission. Definition
Under general administrative direction, plan, organize, direct and administer programs of the Recreation and Community Services Department, including city recreation and community services programs; plan and direct operations of public parks, buildings and grounds; and perform related work as required. Class Characteristics
This one-position class reports to the City Manager for the administration of the department, operates with a high degree of independence, and develops methods and procedures. The incumbent exercises judgment and discretion and is not typically reviewed directly by the City Manager. Responsibilities
Plan, organize, direct and administer parks, recreation and community programs and the operation and protection of city grounds Plan, coordinate and approve program development, evaluation, accounting, auditing and monitoring activities; supervise surveys of community recreational needs Identify community needs and develop service delivery systems; evaluate needs and involve community participation Develop and direct a public relations program Recommend acquisition, development and improvement of public lands and facilities Develop and administer contracts with vendors/contractors; administer joint usage contracts with public school districts Attend meetings, conferences and seminars with other administrators, agencies and groups Provide technical assistance on community services, parks and recreational problems Investigate and address complaints about department services and facilities Prepare department budget and manage expenditures; hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff Ensure staff compliance with rules and regulations; assess training needs and provide development opportunities Explain policies and objectives to staff; conduct staff meetings Act as technical advisor to commissions Operate City vehicles as required Perform related work as required Successful candidates will demonstrate
Strong leadership and communication skills to build partnerships and collaborations; ability to facilitate teamwork; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; experience in budget, financial planning and resource development; monitoring programs for outcomes; knowledge of public administration, recreation program management, and personnel management; political sensitivity; customer service orientation; excellent interpersonal skills; proven track record in Recreation and Community Services. Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience demonstrating ability to perform the duties. A typical qualifying background includes a Bachelor's Degree in recreation administration, public administration, or related field, and at least five years of progressively responsible public sector management experience in recreation and community services programs. A Master’s degree is desirable. Administrative level experience planning, organizing and directing comprehensive public recreation, parks construction and maintenance and community services; management experience. Knowledge
Municipal, county, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations relevant to senior nutrition, transportation grants, public swimming pools, parks, and other programs Principles of park maintenance, landscaping and construction Capital project management, facility management, and project management Administration and management of a parks and recreation department at an advanced level Directing group activities and community organizations Management, budgeting, supervision, training and public relations Legal, financial, personnel and PR issues in administering a Recreation & Community Services Department Supervision and training methods; negotiation techniques; advanced record-keeping Skills
Operate a vehicle with safety and defensive driving practices Abilities
Manage department programs and community services Formulate and administer a departmental budget Prepare grant proposals and applications Market and advertise programs and services Assess workloads and schedule effectively Supervise department staff and programs Develop and direct public relations programs Communicate effectively in writing and orally Prepare and review comprehensive reports; follow written and oral instructions Read, understand and apply complex materials Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders Perform mathematical and statistical computations Public speaking and presentation skills Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Typical of senior administrative roles; reasonable accommodations available. May work indoors or outdoors; exposure to dust; may move up to 50 lbs and transport up to 10 lbs; flexible schedule and willingness to work outside normal hours; travel within and outside the City to attend meetings. Compensation
The salary range is $175,000 to $218,000 annually with a 3.5% increase on July 1, 2026; attractive benefits package. Salary depends on qualifications and experience. Application Procedure
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted and received by the closing date. Apply online at www.visat.gov. For inquiries, contact the City of Vista, Human Resources Office at (760) 643-5381. Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed to determine qualifications. Qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include written, performance, and oral exams. Selected candidates must successfully complete pre-employment clearances (physical, drug screen, fingerprinting). The provisions of this announcement do not constitute a contract and may be modified without notice. Equal Opportunity
The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are encouraged to apply. *Schedule of Events Recruitment Closes: Friday, October 17, 2025 Initial Interview Panel: Week of October 27 Stakeholder Panel Interview: Week of November 10 Please note, all dates and timeframes are subject to change.
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The City of Vista invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of
Recreation & Community Services Director . The Department
The City of Vista is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee its Recreation and Community Services Department. The department oversees many functions including: Moonlight Stage Productions – produces an award-winning summer season of musicals and operates Moonlight Amphitheatre and VisTix Ticket Office Rancho Buena Vista Adobe – historic adobe tours, weddings, events, gallery, and Adobe Days program Parks/Facilities – rental facilities for parties, weddings, and events; staff facilitated nearly 1,200 park and facility rentals in 2024 Public Art – walking tours and public artwork displays Recreation – Day Camp, Youth/Adult Sports, Facility and Wedding Rentals, and Park Directors; Summer Day Camp enrollment and youth/adult programs Senior Services – Out & About, Culture Caravan, Senior Meals and Center Programming; volunteer mobilization and senior transportation The Wave Waterpark – family aquatic center offering swim lessons, camps, and attractions; serves 50,000+ users annually The Recreation & Community Services Department also oversees four city commissions: Parks and Recreation Commission, Senior Citizens' Affairs Commission, Youth Advisory Commission, and Public Arts Commission. Definition
Under general administrative direction, plan, organize, direct and administer programs of the Recreation and Community Services Department, including city recreation and community services programs; plan and direct operations of public parks, buildings and grounds; and perform related work as required. Class Characteristics
This one-position class reports to the City Manager for the administration of the department, operates with a high degree of independence, and develops methods and procedures. The incumbent exercises judgment and discretion and is not typically reviewed directly by the City Manager. Responsibilities
Plan, organize, direct and administer parks, recreation and community programs and the operation and protection of city grounds Plan, coordinate and approve program development, evaluation, accounting, auditing and monitoring activities; supervise surveys of community recreational needs Identify community needs and develop service delivery systems; evaluate needs and involve community participation Develop and direct a public relations program Recommend acquisition, development and improvement of public lands and facilities Develop and administer contracts with vendors/contractors; administer joint usage contracts with public school districts Attend meetings, conferences and seminars with other administrators, agencies and groups Provide technical assistance on community services, parks and recreational problems Investigate and address complaints about department services and facilities Prepare department budget and manage expenditures; hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff Ensure staff compliance with rules and regulations; assess training needs and provide development opportunities Explain policies and objectives to staff; conduct staff meetings Act as technical advisor to commissions Operate City vehicles as required Perform related work as required Successful candidates will demonstrate
Strong leadership and communication skills to build partnerships and collaborations; ability to facilitate teamwork; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; experience in budget, financial planning and resource development; monitoring programs for outcomes; knowledge of public administration, recreation program management, and personnel management; political sensitivity; customer service orientation; excellent interpersonal skills; proven track record in Recreation and Community Services. Qualifications
Any combination of training, education and experience demonstrating ability to perform the duties. A typical qualifying background includes a Bachelor's Degree in recreation administration, public administration, or related field, and at least five years of progressively responsible public sector management experience in recreation and community services programs. A Master’s degree is desirable. Administrative level experience planning, organizing and directing comprehensive public recreation, parks construction and maintenance and community services; management experience. Knowledge
Municipal, county, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations relevant to senior nutrition, transportation grants, public swimming pools, parks, and other programs Principles of park maintenance, landscaping and construction Capital project management, facility management, and project management Administration and management of a parks and recreation department at an advanced level Directing group activities and community organizations Management, budgeting, supervision, training and public relations Legal, financial, personnel and PR issues in administering a Recreation & Community Services Department Supervision and training methods; negotiation techniques; advanced record-keeping Skills
Operate a vehicle with safety and defensive driving practices Abilities
Manage department programs and community services Formulate and administer a departmental budget Prepare grant proposals and applications Market and advertise programs and services Assess workloads and schedule effectively Supervise department staff and programs Develop and direct public relations programs Communicate effectively in writing and orally Prepare and review comprehensive reports; follow written and oral instructions Read, understand and apply complex materials Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders Perform mathematical and statistical computations Public speaking and presentation skills Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Typical of senior administrative roles; reasonable accommodations available. May work indoors or outdoors; exposure to dust; may move up to 50 lbs and transport up to 10 lbs; flexible schedule and willingness to work outside normal hours; travel within and outside the City to attend meetings. Compensation
The salary range is $175,000 to $218,000 annually with a 3.5% increase on July 1, 2026; attractive benefits package. Salary depends on qualifications and experience. Application Procedure
A City application form and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted and received by the closing date. Apply online at www.visat.gov. For inquiries, contact the City of Vista, Human Resources Office at (760) 643-5381. Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed to determine qualifications. Qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include written, performance, and oral exams. Selected candidates must successfully complete pre-employment clearances (physical, drug screen, fingerprinting). The provisions of this announcement do not constitute a contract and may be modified without notice. Equal Opportunity
The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are encouraged to apply. *Schedule of Events Recruitment Closes: Friday, October 17, 2025 Initial Interview Panel: Week of October 27 Stakeholder Panel Interview: Week of November 10 Please note, all dates and timeframes are subject to change.
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