Assistant Parks Director

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Company: Riverside County, CA

Location: Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

Description:

Salary : $144,338.00 - $214,382.00 Annually
Location : Jurupa
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 25-85073-01
Department: Parks Department
Division: Reg Parks & Open-Space Dist
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 5/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is seeking an Assistant Parks Director.

The Assistant Parks Director serves as a key member of the District's executive team, acting on behalf of the Parks Director as needed and providing leadership across one or more bureaus that may include parks and resources, business operations or planning and development. This role involves direct oversight of at least one division or unit within the District, guiding the planning, acquisition, and management of District-owned and managed properties. The Assistant Parks Director plays a critical role in strategic, master, and site planning efforts, recommending improvements to enhance efficiency and maximize public use. They participate in budget preparation, ensuring equitable distribution of resources for park, recreation, and educational site management. Additionally, this position fosters positive relationships with the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Office, and other stakeholders, representing the District in public meetings, advisory groups, and regional organizations. Responsibilities also include conducting studies, preparing reports, evaluating policies and ordinances for improvement, and overseeing staff performance to ensure operational effectiveness.
Competitive candidates will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, public engagement experience, and certifications such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in parks planning, parks construction management, and parks operational development with at least six years of supervisory experience within a government agency. A master's degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred. Additionally, experience in achieving Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Accreditation is highly desirable.
This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (2) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of the Parks Director/General Manager - Parks.

This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.

Click to view the brochure

* Salary range listed is effective on 4/17/25.

Meet the Team!
The is a nationally accredited agency who strives to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places, and programs. Their mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use, and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Oversee designated bureaus/divisions and ensure equitable resource distribution for parks, recreational, and educational site management.
Assist in budget preparation and ensure efficient financial oversight.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Office, and other stakeholders.
Represent the District on various committees, organizations and associations; act as liaison for the District in contact with other departments, governmental agencies, and community groups in matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of district services and programs.
Conduct studies, prepare reports, and present findings to the public and stakeholders.
Review staff performance, manage workflow, and report progress or issues to leadership.
Evaluate and recommend updates to ordinances, policies, and procedures to meet evolving District needs.
Facilitate the coordination of activities with other County departments and partners or affected agencies.
Participate in the preparation of the District's annual budget; ensure appropriate distribution of resources and manage expenditures within the approved budget; recommend changes in organizational structure and personnel staffing to meet business needs.

Direct the development of activities to promote park and facility usage; assist in planning and directing future development of existing and potential park areas and guide the preparation of specific plans and specifications for the development and use of additional park facilities.

Prepare or supervise the preparation of a variety of complex fiscal, operational and management correspondence and reports; conduct studies to identify, assess, evaluate existing and proposed services, and implement changes to meet identified needs and priorities.

Make broad policy decisions for the program/business work that is performed and develop or update District policies and procedures.

Recommend program improvements and develop specific plans for implementing these needs; assist in defining program goals and objectives and participate in the development of program plans and procedures to ensure effective program implementation.

Review the performance of subordinate bureau chiefs, managers and supervisors by inspection and review of work sites, records and reports; keep the Parks Director informed of any incidents or problems and status of work in progress.

Provide administrative services for commissions, committees, foundations, and cooperative groups as needed or assigned.

Establish and review training safety and enforcement programs to ensure safe operations and the protection of employees and patrons.

Administer parks reservation programs; monitor concession operations, resolve problems and ensure concessionaire compliance with terms of contract.

Make recommendations for hiring, promoting, disciplining, and terminating personnel.
Lead community engagement efforts for programs, services and projects, including making presentations to the public, commissions, committees, and the Board of Directors/Supervisors as needed; serve as the public information officer for the District as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in planning, landscape architecture, public or business administration, management, environmental studies, history, natural sciences, forestry, recreation, or a closely related field to the assignment. A master's degree in recreation, environmental science, organizational leadership, public or business administration is preferred. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for up to two years of the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Six years of administrative management or supervisory in a government agency in the area of recreation, community
services, community program planning, park management, planning, development, or facility operations which
must have included high-level independent action and decision skills.

Knowledge of: Principles of personnel administration, supervision and employee development; principles of budget preparation and fiscal management; principles of management; public service program planning and service delivery techniques; program planning and evaluation techniques; revenue sources and requirements; equipment, materials and methods used in park operations and maintenance.

Ability to: Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others; analyze administrative, fiscal and personnel problems, evaluate alternatives and devise workable solutions; identify and resolve departmental operational problems; coordinate the utilization of personnel, equipment and other resources within the division; interpret and apply federal, state and county laws, regulations and policies of park operations and maintenance; prepare budget requests and costs and materials estimates; develop and prepare concise and logical oral and written reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Other Requirements:
License: A CADL is required for this position.

Possession of a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certificate issued by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is preferred.

Physical Abilities:
Ability to walk long distances in varying terrain (park site/project walks) or accomplish with the assistance of a vehicle. Sitting/standing for prolonged periods.Physical Exposure:Primarily indoor/office environment, but some outdoor environment exposure including heat, cold, smells, insects and animals.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This position is open to all applicants.

Schedule:
9/80 with every other Friday off 7:30 AM- 5:30 PM.

Recruiter Contact:
For questions regarding this posting please contact Angela Tavaglione at or at (951) 955-3690.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE: A Flexible Benefit Credit is provided on a monthly basis as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit. Vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP) at no cost to employee or eligible dependents.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
  • Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
  • Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023, the employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:
  • A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
  • A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
  • A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

  • CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

    Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

    Note:

    This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
    Option 2.

    If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
    DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

    401(a) MONEY PURCHASE PLAN: County contribution of $50 per pay period towards choice between two 401(a) plan providers.

    ANNUAL LEAVE (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

    0 < 36 months = 8.92 Hours
    36 to 108 or more months = 12.00 Hours

    Maximum Annual Leave accumulation is 1,800 hours. Employee may receive pay in lieu of up to 80 hours per calendar year. Agency/Department Head may approve an additional 80 hours.

    -Annual Leave for Unrepresented Management Attorneys:
    Maximum Annual Leave accumulation is 2,000 hours. Refer to Article 22 of the Management Resolution for a list of job classifications included.

    HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

    BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 days can be taken through use of accrued leave balances).

    BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

    LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD): Benefit pays 66.67% of earnings to a maximum of $10,000 per month; 30-day waiting period; pays to age 65. Benefit can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of pay.

    POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the Management Resolution or applicable bargaining unit.

    OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, Management Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information..
    01

    What is the highest level of education you have from an accredited college or university in planning, landscape architecture, public or business administration, management, environmental studies, history, natural sciences, forestry, recreation or a closely related field? (Proof of education must be attached to your application or emailed directly to atavaglione@rivco.org to be considered for this position)
    • None of these
    • Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units
    • At least 30 semester or 45 quarter units
    • At least 60 semester or 90 quarter units
    • At least 90 semester or 135 quarter units
    • At least 120 semester or 180 units
    • I have my Associates degree
    • I have my Bachelors degree
    • I have my Masters degree
    • I have my Doctorate degree

    02

    How many years of supervisory experience do you possess in parks management, parks planning, or parks operations?
    • None
    • Less than 1 year
    • 1 year or more, but less than 2 years
    • 2 years or more, but less than 3 years
    • 3 years or more, but less than 4 years
    • 4 years or more, but less than 5 years
    • 5 years or more, but less than 6 years
    • 6 years or more, but less than 7 years
    • 7 years or more but, less than 8 years
    • 8 years or more

    03

    Please select all current certifications that apply to you:
    • Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)
    • Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
    • Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
    • None of these apply to me

    04

    Do you have experience in parks management, parks planning, or parks operations, which included making a significant decision without requiring direct oversight? (Add detail to resume/application)
    • Yes
    • No

    Required Question

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