CPRS Job Listing
Senior Recreation Supervisor
The City of Costa Mesa's Parks and Community Services Department is committed to enhancing the community through the delivery of innovative recreational programs; quality parks and facilities; and services that promote social, physical and emotional well-being. We are seeking a Senior Recreation Supervisor with prior, hands-on experience in supervising and managing diverse recreation programs.
THE POSITION:
Under limited direction, the Senior Recreation Supervisor plans, promotes, implements, supervises, evaluates and recommends recreational and community services programs. The Senior Recreation Supervisor acts as a City liaison and makes presentations to council, commissions, committees and community organizations. Some of the critical areas this role oversees includes, but is not limited to:
- Preschool Youth programs
- Elementary After-school program
- Day/Summer Camps
- Mobile Recreation
- Youth Sports
- Community Gardens
- Sports Fields
- Large Scale Special Events
For more information on the Parks & Community Services Department, please click here.
The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience in recreation management, a strong track record of delivering high-quality programs and activities, collaboration experience with community partners, and a genuine passion for community engagement. To view the Class Characteristics for this position, please click here.
There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy.
SALARY:
Current: $100,404 - $134,532 annually
Effective April 2026: $102,384 - $137,220 annually
WHY WORK FOR COSTA MESA:
The City of Costa Mesa, with the motto "City of the Arts", is one of California's most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a great place to live, work and play. The City offers exceptional employee benefits, opportunities for training and development, and prides itself on its Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, Compassion, Innovation, Inclusion and Collaboration.
Essential Functions
These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Plans, directs, implements, supervises and evaluates program areas, operations, and facility maintenance.
Develops, recommends and monitors sectional and division budget revenues and expenditures.
Chairs and serves as an advisor to committees and commissions. Attends and makes presentations at commission, council and community meetings.
Prepares agendas, staff reports and correspondence.
Selects, trains, supervises and evaluates full-time, part-time, contract and volunteer personnel. Prepares work schedules, provides instructions, conducts staff meetings and verifies payroll time sheets.
Monitors program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to provisions of recreation and community services.
Plans, develops and implements marketing and advertising materials, including news releases, brochures and flyers.
Maintains close contact with school officials and community groups regarding program offerings and coordination of services.
Maintains records and develop reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; maintain records for registrations and fees collected.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualification Guidelines
A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in recreation, physical education, public administration or related field.
Considerable experience in supervising, developing, administering and coordinating recreation and community services programs and facility operations, including budget preparation and employee supervision.
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform essential functions may also be considered.
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:
Possession or the ability to obtain a valid Class C California Driver's License. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.
REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:
Knowledge of the development, organization, implementation and evaluation of recreation and community services programs and administration.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of budgeting.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing and advertising.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective supervision, training, work organization, and personnel management.
Skill in utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel programs.
REQUISITE ABILITIES:
Ability to select, train, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates and contract staff.
Ability to maintain discipline and to solve disciplinary problems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff and governmental representatives.
Ability to speak and write effectively including preparation of clear and concise records, reports and publications.
Ability to develop, present and administer budgets for specific program areas.
Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications must be completed and submitted online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/costamesa/jobs/5233863/senior-recreation-supervisor
First application review date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.
Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Do not include "see attached resume" in your responses, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Additional documents will not be reviewed during the application evaluation process. If selected to proceed further in the recruitment process, an opportunity to provide work samples, letters of recommendation, etc. will be appropriate during the interview process.
Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future part-time or full-time vacancies in the current assignment as well as other program assignments, or in lower level vacancies.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprint check), and post-offer medical evaluation. Based upon current and/or future assignments, an employee may be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable and post-accident drug and alcohol testing pursuant to the Department of Transportation Regulations.
Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.