Parks & Recreation Manager

City of Palm Springs; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palm Springs is seeking a dedicated professional to lead the Parks & Recreation Department's programs, community services, and events. This role oversees operations, activities, special events, and program development across assigned areas to meet city goals.

Responsibilities include staff management, program planning, budget oversight, grant administration, and collaboration with community partners to deliver high quality recreational services for residents and visitors.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of recreation and community service experience, including one year in supervision.
• Experience with recreation management software like ActiveNet or Rec Tech.
• Experience managing community center or park facilities.
• Experience developing programs for all ages and abilities.
• Experience working on planning and coordinating special events.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate parks and recreation programs and community service activities.
• Manage, train, schedule, motivate, and evaluate staff.
• Plan and administer various special events and celebrations.
• Monitor program performance and implement improvements.
• Promote activities and prepare marketing materials.
• Schedule meetings with staff and community representatives.
• Develop survey instruments and analyze results.
• Assist in budget preparation and monitor expenditures.
• Coordinate with outside groups and vendors.
• Maintain records and prepare program reports.

Skills

Three (3) years of recreation and}, 10

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field

Tools

ActiveNet

Rec Tech

Job description

Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum

THE CITY:

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign of 100%, visit the Municipal Equity Index website.

THE POSITION:

This position is a member of the Parks & Recreation Department and oversees and coordinates parks and recreation programs, community service activities, and special events related to the goals of the Parks & Recreation Department including operations, activities, special events, and programs of assigned areas; implements program goals and objectives; assists with parks and recreation programming and initiatives, and performs a variety of administrative, professional and technical tasks in support of assigned areas of responsibility.

Examples of Essential and General Responsibilities:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee and coordinate parks and recreation programs and community service activities at a City recreational center facility or in City parks including cultural, education, vocational, and recreational programs as they related to the City of Palm Springs, and encourage neighborhood and community involvement in programs and activities.
• Manage, select, train, schedule, motivate, and evaluate staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for providing community service; implement policies and procedures.
• Monitor program performance; recommend and implement modifications to systems and procedures.
• Plan, coordinate and administer various special events and celebrations; identify social, educational, and vocational needs of the community and utilize proper resources.
• Schedule, attend, and participate in meetings for staff, community representatives and committees. Attend workshops and seminars as needed.
• Promote and coordinate specific activities within a community service program; prepare program event and facility marketing material including news releases, flyers, schedules of events, pamphlets and brochures.
• Organize, schedule, and implement community service activities and other related programs.
• Schedule usage of community service facilities for activities including recreational, educational and social programs; provide information and assistance to users of facilities.
• Maintain records and develop reports concerning new or on-going programs and program effectiveness; maintain records for staff members and patrons; maintain and file proposed projects and program reports; prepare statistical reports as required.
• Monitor and inspect parks and recreational facilities; schedule maintenance and secure facilities.
• Serve as liaison to various outside groups and organizations to coordinate programs of interest to the City.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures.
• Participate in grant writing and grant administration practices.
• Participate on planning teams to incorporate recreation-focused infrastructure improvements into City recreation centers and parks.
• Develop, manage, plan, coordinate, and administer the City's special programs, events, and recreational programs.
• Assist in oversight, development, and coordination of recreation program activities including upkeep of recreational facilities and equipment, event set‑up, grounds maintenance, custodial services, security, and staff supervision.
• Meet with vendors, stakeholders, and customers to arrange program and event set‑up, security, custodial work, rental facilities, as well as other needed services.
• Coordinate, manage, chair, and attend meetings with staff, community, commissions/boards, and committees; take and transcribe meeting minutes.
• Develop survey instruments; conduct surveys of program participants to determine participant needs; interpret and record survey results; implement program changes in response to results.
• Maintain awareness of new developments in the field of parks and recreation, special events, and community programs; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
• Assist in the general operations of recreation programs and staff as assigned or in absence of the Director and Assistant Director.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible recreation and community service experience, event planning, or event management experience which includes one (1) year of administrative supervisory responsibility is required.
• Recreation management software experience such as ActiveNet, Rec Tech or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience managing community center/park facilities is preferred.
• Experience developing programs for all ages and abilities is preferred.
• Experience working special events is preferred.

Training:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field is preferred.

License or Certificates:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid CPR certificate within six (6) months of hire date is required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid First Aid Certificate within six (6) months of hire dateis required.

Special Requirements:

• Must be willing and able to work various shifts and rotating schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Incumbents are enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.

Working Conditions

The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

This position works in an Office and outdoor environment; exposure to computer screens, noise, heat, and cold; work closely with others and may require maintaining physical conditions necessary for driving, walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate, or light lifting and carrying; operating motorized equipment.

Selection Process Information - The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview.

Applications must be received by 4:00pm, September 17, 2026 in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.