CPRS Job Listing

The County of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Recreation Program Manager to provide leadership over a diverse portfolio of recreation programs and services. Under general direction, this position plans, organizes, manages, and evaluates programs to meet departmental service objectives and cost-recovery goals.

The Recreation Program Manager oversees core program areas that may include aquatics, community recreation, outdoor education, special events, and facility rentals. Responsibilities include staff supervision, budget and revenue management, marketing and community outreach, and coordination with internal and external partners. This position also serves as the department’s subject matter expert for recreation registration software, working directly with the vendor to improve efficiencies, resolve issues, and implement system enhancements.
This is a Limited Term (2-year appointment) position and the appointment end date for this position is still to be
determined. Employees in limited term positions receive benefits equivalent to permanent full-time employees and
are eligible to earn vacation, sick leave, health, and pension benefits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs and services, including aquatics, outdoor education, special events, and facility rentals.
• Develop program goals, operating plans, schedules, and performance measures aligned with departmental objectives.
• Prepare and manage program budgets; monitor revenues and expenditures; and ensure alignment with established cost-recovery targets.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate assigned full-time, part-time, seasonal staff, and contractors.
• Establish and enforce program policies, procedures, safety standards, and risk management practices.
• Oversee marketing, promotion, and community outreach efforts related to recreation programs and services.
• Collect, analyze, and report program data and trends to support data-driven decision-making and service improvements.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations and coordinate volunteer involvement.
• Serve as subject matter expert for the department’s registration software; coordinate with staff and vendors to improve functionality and efficiency.
• Prepare reports, fee analyses, and recommendations; research funding opportunities and prepare grant applications, as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Experience planning and managing public recreation programs and services.
• Knowledge of park, recreation, and aquatic operations, including cost-recovery principles.
• Experience managing program budgets and monitoring financial performance.
• Supervisory experience with diverse staff groups, including seasonal employees.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, vendors, community partners, and the public.
• Experience administering or supporting recreation registration systems or similar program software.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a public-service environment.

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An
example of qualifying education and experience includes: 
Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Organizational Management or closely related field.
In addition, three years of experience planning, evaluating and implementing promotional, interpretive, volunteer, and/or recreation programs with a public agency or similar private facility

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date of 1/1/2026. 

Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. 

Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.