ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California — Department of Parks and Recreation seeks an Associate Park and Recreation Specialist in the Office of Grants and Local Services to support grant programs across the state. The role involves reviewing documents for accuracy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and networking with applicants to secure successful funding.

Hybrid work is available with some travel for site visits and workshops, and a valid California driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Statement of Qualifications discusses education, training, and experience relevant to the duty statement.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license required and must be provided on the application.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer grant programs funding local, state, and nonprofit projects.
• Review, evaluate and ensure compliance with grant requirements and recommend funded projects.
• Host in-person and virtual workshops and build relationships with grant applicants.
• Assist with development of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

Skills

Driver's license

Job description

Job Posting:ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST

Department of Parks & Recreation

JC-530122 -

JC-530122 - ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST
ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST

$6,623.00 - $8,290.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/18/2026

Job Description and Duties

ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION / OFFICE OF GRANTS AND LOCAL SERVICES/ SACRAMENTO

The reporting location for this position is the California Natural Resources Agency Building ( Headquarters) in Sacramento, California. This position will work under the direction of the Staff Park and Recreation Specialist.

Park and Recreation Specialist will also be considered for recruitment purposes.

Join the Office of Grants and Local Services in a rewarding career helping to develop and administer grant programs that provide funding for local, state, and nonprofit projects that address parks and recreation needs throughout California.

The successful candidate will use initiative and independent judgement to review, evaluate required documents, and ensure compliance with grant program(s) requirements and recommend projects for grant funding. Duties include research, planning, development and implementation of future grant programs, host in-person and virtual workshops, and establishing professional relationships with grant applicants to support and ensure grant application accuracy and completeness. The successful candidate will also assist with the development of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP is a 10-year plan establishing statewide recreation priorities.

This position is designated as telework eligible - office centered.

Travel is required to conduct site inspections, focus groups, and technical assistance workshops (approximately 10% per year). Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license is required. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.

State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Sam Cadeaux at [e-mail] or 916-902-8777 or Nicky Lambert at [e-mail] or 916-661-1527.

This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position’s assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST
• PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST

ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST

Classification:

ASSOCIATE PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST $6,623.00 - $8,290.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Shall Consider:

PARK AND RECREATION SPECIALIST

$3,861.00 - $4,606.00A

$4,788.00 - $5,998.00B

$5,756.00 - $7,207.00C

# of Positions:

Multiple

Work Location:

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a discussion of how an applicant's education, training, experience, and skills meet the criteria in the duty statement and qualify the applicant for the position.

Please include a 1-2 page(s), 12-point font, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that describes your experience as it relates to this position/Duty Statement. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ.

Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)

SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Successful candidates will possess excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. They will demonstrate strong analytical and organizational skills, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; providing technical assistance and guidance to internal and external partners; and developing clear, concise written materials is highly desirable. Candidates should also demonstrate strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Eligibility Information

To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:

• List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for Associate Park and Recreation Specialist. Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. Park and Recreation Specialist. Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
• Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
• Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off