City of Long Beach
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION & MARINE
City of Long Beach, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Overview
The City of Long Beach, CA (City) is seeking an experienced, innovative, and community-focused leader to serve as its next
Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine . This high-profile position oversees one of the most unique departments in the nation, combining traditional parks and recreation services with animal care services and marine and coastal operations. With a proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget of nearly $88 million and more than 1,300 employees, the Department enriches the lives of residents and visitors through safe, inclusive, and high-quality programs, services, and facilities. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in park development, park maintenance, community engagement, and park construction. The Director should be a visible and approachable leader who can address challenges, inspire staff, and engage with Long Beach’s diverse community. This is a rare opportunity to guide a nationally recognized, award-winning department at a moment of stability, momentum, and transformational investment, including the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
THE COMMUNITY
Idyllically located on the Pacific Coast just south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Orange County, Long Beach is a vibrant city of approximately 450K residents. The City features a diverse and inclusive community, urban sophistication, cultural richness, and coastal charm. It encompasses about 51 square miles with parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy a mild climate year-round, ideal for outdoor activities. Long Beach is home to attractions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, and the IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The City will be the largest venue city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Long Beach has a robust economy and educational institutions, with strong transit options and a reputation as one of the nation’s most walkable and bike-friendly cities. THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members. The City Manager oversees daily operations of 15 departments and a FY26 annual budget of $3.7B. The City employs over 6,000 staff, with the majority represented by eleven employee associations. THE PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE DEPARTMENT
The Department oversees 166 parks, 26 community centers, two Rancho sites, two major tennis centers, one of the nation’s busiest municipal golf systems with five courses, the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau, the largest municipally operated marina system in the country, and six miles of beaches. The FY26 budget is nearly $88 million with more than 1,300 employees, including 476 full-time staff. The Department combines parks, recreation, animal care, and marine operations, managing everything from playgrounds and senior centers to marinas, beaches, and waterways. The Department is guided by a Strategic Plan focused on equity, health, sustainability, innovation, and financial resilience, organized into five Bureaus: (1) Animal Care Services, (2) Business Operations, (3) Community Recreation Services, (4) Marine, and (5) Maintenance Operations. The Department continues to invest in meaningful initiatives such as the Park Ambassador Program and supports Elevate ’28 projects, including several capital projects tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Examples include: Ell Dorado Park Universal Playground; Drake Chavez Connection Project; New Long Beach Senior Center; Gold Medal Park Refresh; Willow Springs Park Restoration; Hamilton Loop Greenbelt. To learn more about the Department, refer to the Department Organizational Chart, Department Website, and Department Proposed FY26 Budget. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES / THE POSITION & IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Director is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, reporting to the City Manager. This role oversees five direct reports and a portfolio that includes parks, recreation, animal care services, marine operations, and maintenance, guiding a department of more than 1,300 employees with a proposed FY26 budget of nearly $88 million. The Director will be a visible community presence, working with the City Council, residents, and regional partners to deliver safe, inclusive, and high-quality services and facilities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in park development, park maintenance, community engagement, and park construction; be a dynamic and approachable leader, comfortable in both the community and executive office; empower staff and foster collaboration and innovation; and bring strong communication skills and cultural competence to engage a diverse community.
Key Attributes Of The Ideal Candidate Include: Engaged & Accessible – visible in the community, approachable to residents, and committed to responsive communication with City leadership and staff. Decisive & Accountable – unafraid to address tough issues and provide clear, thoughtful responses to the City Council, staff, and the public. Strategic & Hands-On – able to delegate effectively while also willing to roll up their sleeves when necessary. Culturally Competent – skilled at engaging Long Beach’s diverse community through inclusive outreach methods. Experienced in Park Development & Capital Projects – with demonstrated success in park development, park maintenance, park construction, and community engagement. Financially Astute – experienced in navigating resource constraints, maximizing revenue opportunities, and preparing for large-scale initiatives such as Elevate ’28 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Humble & Collaborative – confident without ego, building trust with staff, City leadership, and the community. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a nationally recognized, award-winning department at a moment of stability and momentum. The next Director will inherit a strong foundation with a supportive City Council, engaged staff, and significant upcoming projects. REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s degree in recreation, public administration, physical education, or a related field. Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the development of the budget, development and administration of comprehensive parks, recreation and marine programs, community services and animal services or similar programs, with at least five years of experience at the senior management level. DESIRED
Education: Master’s degree SUBSTITUTIONS
Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis SALARY AND BENEFITS
An annual salary of $222,201 – 267,651 DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package. This position will receive a 1% general salary increase effective 9/20/25 HOW TO APPLY
For first consideration, apply by October 20th. Interviews have been firmly scheduled to take place in-person on November 13th and 14th. Candidates must be available for both interview dates. Please contact your recruiter with any questions: Sam Sackman. Email: sam@tristargovsolutions.com. Website: www.tristargovsolutions.com. Phone: 408-605-0790. The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. The City publishes updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender. The City will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If concerns arise about a conviction after a conditional offer and background check, you will have an opportunity to explain or provide evidence to mitigate concerns. For more on the Fair Chance Act, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Other Industries
Government Administration
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The City of Long Beach, CA (City) is seeking an experienced, innovative, and community-focused leader to serve as its next
Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine . This high-profile position oversees one of the most unique departments in the nation, combining traditional parks and recreation services with animal care services and marine and coastal operations. With a proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget of nearly $88 million and more than 1,300 employees, the Department enriches the lives of residents and visitors through safe, inclusive, and high-quality programs, services, and facilities. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in park development, park maintenance, community engagement, and park construction. The Director should be a visible and approachable leader who can address challenges, inspire staff, and engage with Long Beach’s diverse community. This is a rare opportunity to guide a nationally recognized, award-winning department at a moment of stability, momentum, and transformational investment, including the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
THE COMMUNITY
Idyllically located on the Pacific Coast just south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Orange County, Long Beach is a vibrant city of approximately 450K residents. The City features a diverse and inclusive community, urban sophistication, cultural richness, and coastal charm. It encompasses about 51 square miles with parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy a mild climate year-round, ideal for outdoor activities. Long Beach is home to attractions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, and the IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The City will be the largest venue city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Long Beach has a robust economy and educational institutions, with strong transit options and a reputation as one of the nation’s most walkable and bike-friendly cities. THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members. The City Manager oversees daily operations of 15 departments and a FY26 annual budget of $3.7B. The City employs over 6,000 staff, with the majority represented by eleven employee associations. THE PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE DEPARTMENT
The Department oversees 166 parks, 26 community centers, two Rancho sites, two major tennis centers, one of the nation’s busiest municipal golf systems with five courses, the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau, the largest municipally operated marina system in the country, and six miles of beaches. The FY26 budget is nearly $88 million with more than 1,300 employees, including 476 full-time staff. The Department combines parks, recreation, animal care, and marine operations, managing everything from playgrounds and senior centers to marinas, beaches, and waterways. The Department is guided by a Strategic Plan focused on equity, health, sustainability, innovation, and financial resilience, organized into five Bureaus: (1) Animal Care Services, (2) Business Operations, (3) Community Recreation Services, (4) Marine, and (5) Maintenance Operations. The Department continues to invest in meaningful initiatives such as the Park Ambassador Program and supports Elevate ’28 projects, including several capital projects tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Examples include: Ell Dorado Park Universal Playground; Drake Chavez Connection Project; New Long Beach Senior Center; Gold Medal Park Refresh; Willow Springs Park Restoration; Hamilton Loop Greenbelt. To learn more about the Department, refer to the Department Organizational Chart, Department Website, and Department Proposed FY26 Budget. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES / THE POSITION & IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Director is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, reporting to the City Manager. This role oversees five direct reports and a portfolio that includes parks, recreation, animal care services, marine operations, and maintenance, guiding a department of more than 1,300 employees with a proposed FY26 budget of nearly $88 million. The Director will be a visible community presence, working with the City Council, residents, and regional partners to deliver safe, inclusive, and high-quality services and facilities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in park development, park maintenance, community engagement, and park construction; be a dynamic and approachable leader, comfortable in both the community and executive office; empower staff and foster collaboration and innovation; and bring strong communication skills and cultural competence to engage a diverse community.
Key Attributes Of The Ideal Candidate Include: Engaged & Accessible – visible in the community, approachable to residents, and committed to responsive communication with City leadership and staff. Decisive & Accountable – unafraid to address tough issues and provide clear, thoughtful responses to the City Council, staff, and the public. Strategic & Hands-On – able to delegate effectively while also willing to roll up their sleeves when necessary. Culturally Competent – skilled at engaging Long Beach’s diverse community through inclusive outreach methods. Experienced in Park Development & Capital Projects – with demonstrated success in park development, park maintenance, park construction, and community engagement. Financially Astute – experienced in navigating resource constraints, maximizing revenue opportunities, and preparing for large-scale initiatives such as Elevate ’28 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Humble & Collaborative – confident without ego, building trust with staff, City leadership, and the community. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a nationally recognized, award-winning department at a moment of stability and momentum. The next Director will inherit a strong foundation with a supportive City Council, engaged staff, and significant upcoming projects. REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s degree in recreation, public administration, physical education, or a related field. Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible experience in the development of the budget, development and administration of comprehensive parks, recreation and marine programs, community services and animal services or similar programs, with at least five years of experience at the senior management level. DESIRED
Education: Master’s degree SUBSTITUTIONS
Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis SALARY AND BENEFITS
An annual salary of $222,201 – 267,651 DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package. This position will receive a 1% general salary increase effective 9/20/25 HOW TO APPLY
For first consideration, apply by October 20th. Interviews have been firmly scheduled to take place in-person on November 13th and 14th. Candidates must be available for both interview dates. Please contact your recruiter with any questions: Sam Sackman. Email: sam@tristargovsolutions.com. Website: www.tristargovsolutions.com. Phone: 408-605-0790. The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. The City publishes updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender. The City will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If concerns arise about a conviction after a conditional offer and background check, you will have an opportunity to explain or provide evidence to mitigate concerns. For more on the Fair Chance Act, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act. Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full-time Job function
Other Industries
Government Administration
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