Parks Program Coordinator - Community Engagement

County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation seeks a Park Program Coordinator to design, coordinate, and implement park programs and events. You will engage diverse communities, build partnerships with organizations, and help shape community outreach through planning and evaluation.

The role involves organizing activities, coordinating with partners, volunteers, and staff, and contributing to budget planning and grant reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years coordinating or leading programs.
• Experience working with diverse, underserved communities in program settings.
• Ability to travel and maintain CA driver license.
• Strong communication and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, implement park programs and events.
• Supervise staff, volunteers, docents.
• Develop and monitor service agreements and contracts.
• Prepare reports and marketing materials; assist with grant reporting.
• Coordinate with partners and departments for programs and facility use.

Skills

Program coordination

Community engagement

Event planning

Staff supervision

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's Degree

2 years program coordination experience

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Under general direction, to research, coordinate, implement, and evaluate park programs, special events, outreach activities, and day-to-day operations.

This position in located in the Parks and Recreation Department. As part of the Parks and Recreation Department Interpretation and Outdoor Recreation Program this Park Program Coordinators is responsible for coordinating and implementing community engagement goals and the mission of the Park Interpretation and Outdoor Recreation Program. This position will focus on design, development, coordination, and implementation of park programs to serve diverse populations while engaging in and building relationships with community-based organizations, agencies, and the public.

In addition to meeting the employment standards of the Parks Program Coordinator, candidates must also meet the following criteria:

• Candidates must demonstrate experience in the design, development, planning, coordination, and implementation of recreational programs, activities, and events with diverse, underserved, and historically excluded communities.

• Assists in planning, organizing, and facilitating park operations and maintenance;
• Coordinates interactions with partners, volunteers, staff, contractors, licensees, and lease-holders;
• Plans, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and develops recommendations to improve a variety of park programs, special events, and community outreach activities;
• Schedules, assigns work, trains, and instructs assigned staff, volunteers, and docents;
• Recruits, orients, evaluates, and recognizes park volunteers, contractors, and docents;
• Assists in the development and implementation of service agreements and contracts;
• Evaluates and reports on the progression of service agreements and contracts;
• Collaborates with field operations staff, other County/public agencies, community organizations, and partners to secure and schedule programs, special events, and/or the special use of park facilities;
• Explains and interprets park policies and procedures to cooperative partners and others under agreements or contracts;
• Prepares correspondence and writes reports related to departmental programs; may present to various groups;
• Reviews, approves, and generates a variety of materials for marketing, informational, or educational purposes;
• Initiates supply and equipment orders for park programs and events, and manages related inventory;
• Gathers, develops, furnishes, and maintains accurate data, records, and files of departmental programs, activities, and operational expenses to assist in grant writing, reporting, and budget preparations;
• May perform minor custodial duties related to maintenance of park facilities, exhibits, and open space;
• Supervises and operates park visitor centers and gift shops;
• Maintains specialized equipment and materials;
• May supervise staff responsible for assisting in the facilitation of day-to-day operations or specialized programs;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Training and Experience Note

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's Degree, and Two (2) years of work experience coordinating or leading programs, projects, or planning large-scale events.

One (1) year of the required experience must have been in the field of the specialized program(s) when it can be demonstrated that: 1) it is an absolute necessity for the successful operation of the program(s); 2) that the Parks Program Coordinator will be held accountable for the specialized knowledge.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization;
• Possession of valid Advanced First Aid and CPR certificates issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period.

Knowledge of:

• A wide range of historical, cultural, natural history, and ecological concepts;
• Techniques and strategies for working with diverse ethnic populations and community groups;
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, policies, codes, and ordinances;
• Program development and evaluation;
• Techniques and strategies for recruiting, leading, training, supervising, and mentoring staff and volunteers;
• Techniques of organizing and motivating groups;
• Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Work independently and in a team environment;
• Investigate and respond to complaints, assemble information, and prepare detailed written reports;
• Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with those contacted in the course of work;
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate programs, special events, and activities;
• Recruit, train, motivate, direct, supervise, and monitor volunteers, contractors, docents, and park staff assigned to implement assigned park program;
• Maintain flexibility, adjusting to changes in financing, staffing, materials, or other conditions;
• Collect and organize data using current information systems and basic computer software;
• Prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports, including budget recommendations and justifications;
• Collaborate effectively with other department staff;
• Conduct and manage retail operations.

• Must wear prescribed uniform and use proper safety clothing and equipment;
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, or other irregular hours and adapt to changing work load requirements and customer demands;
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to sixty (60) pounds;
• Stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time;
• Stoop, bend, reach, grasp, and manipulate small objects with hands.