Park Ambassador

City of Paso Robles; Paso Robles (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Paso Robles is seeking a park ambassador to act as a welcoming City presence in parks, recreation facilities, and community spaces where people of all ages come together to play, participate, and connect.

No two days will be exactly alike; the ideal candidate will enjoy being active, engage with the community, and remain calm and resourceful when unexpected situations arise. This role supports Recreation Services and requires flexibility for weeknights, weekends, and events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of experience in recreation programs, community services, customer service, facility operations, park operations, event support, or a related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide courteous, professional customer service in parks and recreation facilities.
• Open, close, and secure facilities per schedule.
• Monitor park and facility usage to ensure safety and policy compliance.
• Assist with recreation programs and events, including setup and breakdown.
• Maintain records and documentation related to facilities and programs.
• Communicate with partners regarding facility use and events.

Skills

Customer service

Public interaction

Communication

Independent work

Spanish (desirable)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Driver license (California Class C)

Job description

The City of Paso Robles is seeking a friendly, dependable, and community-minded individual to join our team as a park ambassador. In this highly visible role, you’ll serve as a welcoming City presence in the parks, recreation facilities, and community spaces where people of all ages come together to play, participate, and connect.

No two days will be exactly alike. The ideal candidate will enjoy being active and engaged with the community, feel comfortable working independently, and remain calm and resourceful when unexpected situations arise. If you take pride in helping others and creating positive experiences in the places our community enjoys, we invite you to apply!

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California's scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles - short for El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks" - offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles' central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Department

The Community Services Department brings people together through programs, places, and experiences that enrich life in Paso Robles. The department includes Library Services, Recreation Services, Parks and Trails Maintenance, and Homeless Services, working together to support a vibrant, welcoming community for residents and visitors.

Recreation Services creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect, stay active, learn, and have fun. From camps, classes, leagues, and special events to free community programs and activities in neighborhood parks, Recreation Services helps create positive experiences and a stronger sense of community throughout Paso Robles.

• Provides customer service at City parks, recreation facilities, sports fields, picnic areas, special events, concerts in the park, afterschool programs, and other assigned locations; provides information and assistance to patrons, facility users, sports leagues, picnic area hosts, and community members.
• Opens, closes, and secures assigned facilities in accordance with scheduled programs, reservations, rentals, events, and user group needs.
• Monitors parks, facilities, reservations, rentals, classes, athletic activities, and other permitted uses to ensure appropriate use, participant safety, facility cleanliness, and compliance with established City policies, procedures, rules, ordinances, and permit requirements; identifies and addresses issues as they arise.
• Works independently across multiple parks and facilities to support youth and adult sports leagues, picnic area hosts, community groups, and other facility users.
• Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints regarding programs, services, facility use, policies, procedures, rules, and ordinances; interprets and explains requirements and assists with resolving issues.
• Addresses conflicts, inappropriate behavior, and other concerns involving patrons and facility users; uses sound judgment and conflict resolution techniques to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Reviews the condition of parks and facilities and identifies safety, cleanliness, maintenance, repair, and custodial needs; reports concerns, unsafe conditions, and incidents and recommends appropriate follow-up.
• Assists with recreation programs, special events, and community activities, including setup and breakdown, equipment and supply support, participant and crowd monitoring, and other event support.
• Assists with special projects and departmental activities, including gathering information, preparing and maintaining documentation, and reviewing agreements and permits.
• Maintains records, logs, reports, schedules, and other documentation related to facility use, incidents, maintenance concerns, programs, and departmental activities.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents using standard office software and designated City systems.
• Communicates with other City departments, divisions, agencies, sponsors, sports organizations, community groups, and other partners regarding facility use, events, maintenance needs, and related activities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of customer service and effective public interaction.
• Park and recreation facility operations and use.
• Policies, procedures, rules, and permit requirements applicable to assigned parks, facilities, programs, and activities.
• Techniques for monitoring facility use and ensuring compliance with established requirements.
• Conflict resolution techniques and methods for addressing difficult or stressful situations.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• Basic custodial and maintenance practices.
• Modern office practices, including use of computers and standard software applications.
• Basic recordkeeping and report preparation practices.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned programs and facility operations.

Ability to:

• Provide courteous, professional, and responsive customer service in a variety of public settings.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret and explain established City policies, procedures, rules, and permit requirements.
• Exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action within established guidelines.
• Address conflict diplomatically and diffuse difficult and stressful situations.
• Work independently and effectively manage multiple assignments and locations.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to safety concerns, incidents, maintenance needs, and unusual situations.
• Perform detailed support work accurately, independently, and within established timeframes.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, forms, and other documents.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, facility users, community organizations, sports leagues, and the public.
• Work effectively with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Support recreation programs, events, facility activities, and special projects.

Human Relations and Communications Skills

Regular contact within the department and periodic contact with other departments, outside agencies, or the general public to exchange specialized information.

Analytical Skills and Complexity

Performs standardized tasks and procedures that require basic analytical ability, such as comparing data, numbers, or facts to determine appropriate actions. Decisions are typically guided by detailed instructions and established guidelines.

Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Possession of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
• Two years of experience in recreation programs, community services, customer service, facility operations, park operations, event support, or a related field.

Bilingual and biliterate proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

• A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record

Other Requirements

Incumbents will be required to work weeknights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to support recreation programs, facility operations, special events, and public use of City parks and facilities.

The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the Job Descriptions page of the City’s website.

This is a confidential recruitment. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. All information provided in application materials is subject to verification. False statements may result in disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical and successfully completing a background investigation and criminal history check. Before beginning employment, applicants must provide documentation of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as well as a current DMV driving record.

Following appointment, employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address provided on the City application will be the primary means of communication regarding this recruitment. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify. More information is available at www.PRCity.com/HR. For questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.