CPRS Job Listing
Parks and Recreation Division Manager
The City of Oceanside is seeking a dynamic and experienced parks and recreation professional to lead the Parks and Recreation Division. The new Parks and Recreation Division Manager will report directly to the Parks and Recreation Director. The incoming Manager will oversee daily operations in senior services, recreation programming, aquatics, sports, and will assist the Parks and Recreation Director in executing the following major priorities:
- Assist with revisions to Facility and Athletic Field Allocation Policy, and ensure that allocations are equitable.
- Work to implement AARP age friendly 5-year action plan.
- Assist to develop Department Instructions and formal internal policies.
- Assist with implementation of performance evaluation system for part-time staff.
- Assist with feasibility study to implement a Park Ranger program.
- Assist with capital improvement projects, including developing nine parks at El Corazon, refurbishment of the Junior Seau Beach Community Center and band shell, 17 playground replacement projects, park trails, and additional gymnasiums.
- Assist with transition from the existing permit and registration software provider.
- Assist with development of an RFP process for contract recreation classes.
- Enhance free and low-cost youth programming during critical hours, including teen programming.
Ideal Candidate:
The City is seeking a creative, collaborative, and hands-on leader to help redefine the new Parks and Recreation Department. The ideal candidate will embrace change and continuous improvement, and will have past experience analyzing operations and policies, performing industry research, and executing significant operational changes. They must exhibit strong political acumen and the ability to work collaboratively with the community, City Council and commissioners, City staff, and support the spirit of collaboration. They must be articulate and an effective communicator both verbally and in writing, with outstanding interpersonal skills and extraordinary customer service skills. They must be approachable, have experience working with diverse communities, and be sensitive to the needs of the City’s unique cultural groups.
The next Division Manager will be joining an experienced and dedicated department staff who have a strong commitment to high quality service delivery to the residents and visitors of Oceanside. They must have prior experience in leadership positions in a full-service private or public parks and recreation organization, and be an effective coach and mentor. They must be able to balance budget management and fiscal responsibility with the need to provide free and low-cost programming during critical hours for disadvantaged communities.
Ability to:
- Plan, organize, direct and supervise the activities and personnel of the Parks and Recreation Division.
- Analyze problems and effectively develop plans, procedures and policies.
- Direct division training programs and instructional procedures.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, plans, and estimates for Director and Council review.
- Oversee the development of the divisional budget and work program.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City officials, state and federal authorities, civic leaders, public groups and organizations, and the general public.
Experience: Five years of professional experience in recreation or parks management including supervisory experience.
Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in recreation, public administration or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.
License/Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a current, valid, California driver’s license.
Note: Bilingual in English/Spanish is desirable.
Application Deadline: 4:00pm, Friday, 10/17/2025
Submit an application, cover letter, and resume by the deadline at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oceansideca/jobs/5062978/parks-and-recreation-division-manager?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for a minimum of six months.
Oral Board Interview: Wednesday, October 29
Selection Interview: Wednesday, November 12