Description

PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER

Full-Time/At-Will

Open/Competitive

Open Until Filled

The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.

The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.

The Department

The Parks and Recreation Department oversees Parks and Programs, REACH, Senior Services, Contract Classes, Media and Communications, Special Events, Transportation, and the Pico Rivera Golf Course.

The amenities provided by the Parks and Recreation Department are enjoyed by thousands of people every year. The amenities include 100 acres of parks and open spaces, swimming pool, athletic fields, walking paths, Senior Center, and batting cages.

The Position

The City of Pico Rivera is seeking a dynamic, community-driven Recreation & Parks Manager to oversee major program areas including Citywide Special Events, Senior Center operations (including the City’s Veterans Affairs support), Citywide Farmers Market, Aquatics, and a portfolio of special programs and community recreational services.

This role provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for programming that supports residents of all ages and ensures safe, engaging, and equitable services for the community.

City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. This position could also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays based on the needs of the department.

Essential Duties

The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform the following essential tasks and functions:

Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of Citywide Special Events, ensuring compliance with procurement and contract routing requirements.
Manage Citywide Farmers Market operations and vendor participation, consistent with market oversight found in multiple City market-related agenda materials.
Assist the Director with Aquatics oversight, including program planning, staff scheduling, and safety compliance
Direct operations of the Senior Center, including enrichment, nutrition, wellness, and resource programs.
Oversee the City’s Office of Veterans Affairs services delivered within the Center.
Direct operations and programming at Pico Park and all programming associated with this facility.
Provide leadership and training on all citywide recreational programs, classes, afterschool programs, family programs, senior services, community events, and seasonal programs.

Staff Leadership & Administration

Supervise full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract staff.
Develop program goals, evaluate service delivery, analyze program needs, and implement improvements.
Prepare reports, procurement requests, and agenda documents.
Administer budgets and monitor expenditures aligned with departmental fiscal practices.

Community Engagement

Serve as departmental liaison to community partners, nonprofit service providers, neighborhood groups, and vendors.
Support City Council initiatives and represent the department at meetings, public events, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Ideal Candidate Will

Bring creativity and innovation to special events, senior services, aquatics, veterans programming, and citywide markets.
Excel in fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills, communication, and inclusive leadership.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Leadership & Supervision

Coaches and develops staff; models professionalism and accountability.
Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making.

Program & Project Management

Coordinates complex projects and overlapping timelines.
Ensures procurement and contract compliance, including vendor routing and documentation.

Community & Customer Service

Builds positive relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders.
Responds effectively to resident needs.

Communication

Prepares clear written materials (reports, agenda items).
Communicates professionally with staff, leadership, and the public.

Fiscal & Resource Management

Oversees program budgets and monitors expenditures.
Follows City fiscal protocols.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Human Services, Public Administration or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation, community services, or event management, including supervision is required.
Two (2) years of supervisory experience is required.
Two (2) years of public contact experience is required.
One (1) year of budget/policy experience/leadership experience is required.
Aquatics experience is highly desirable.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Three years or more of comparable managerial experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Proof of education such as but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.

Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.

Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a calculator, copier, personal computer and applicable software programs; coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements, such as data entry; exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, sitting, and/or walking; maneuver and steer equipment and machinery requiring simple, but continuous adjustments, such as the operation of an automobile.

Supervisorial Responsibilities

Ability to assign, review, plan, and coordinate the work of other employees; provide instruction and guidance to staff; approve the transfer, promotion, salary increase, discipline or discharge of staff; assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals; promote staff development and motivation; oversee a program for orientation and training of all department employees; analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions. Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to interpret descriptive economic, financial and statistical reports.

Judgment And Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to develop, implement and maintain sound accounting and financial reporting systems and procedures; ability to assess and evaluate data processing needs and evaluate computer hardware and software; ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs; ability to develop new policies and modify existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unusual conditions within the context of existing management principles; ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives; ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within a system or organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution.

Language Ability And Interpersonal Communication

Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as financial statements, technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, ordinances, and accounting methods; advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing; effectively make public presentations; management and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation; ability to persuade, convince and train others.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess a valid Class C California Driver's License, and a safe driving record throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement based on the IRS issued rates).
Candidates must possess a current American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA) Infant/Child/Adult CPR, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and Community First Aid and Safety certification. Online certifications not acceptable.
Aquatics certification highly desirable.

Veteran's credit will amount to 10 points to be added to the interview score. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application materials in order to be eligible for veteran's credit. Veterans who wish to utilize this credit must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxiliary) in the armed forces for a minimum of six months (180 days).

Testing

Candidates who pass all qualifying phases of the recruitment process (e.g., minimum qualification review, written and/or oral examinations) will be placed in an eligibility pool for the hiring department to initiate the selection process. Please note: recruitment timelines may vary. Updates will be provided to candidates throughout the process.

Final Filing Date

Recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, we reserve the right to close the recruitment at any time without prior notice. Selection of applicants will be on a first come, first served basis. As employment applications are received, they will be immediately reviewed.

Selection Process

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all information provided on the application and/or supplemental questionnaire is accurate and complete. Incomplete applications and/or supplemental responses will not be accepted. Resumes may be included, but will not be accepted in place of required application materials (e.g., high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, and/or typing certificate, if applicable). This is a competitive process; applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give regarding your experience and education will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligibility List, or discharge from employment. List each job title and employer separately. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you have supervised staff, indicate how many. Based on a review of application materials, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your online application.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please email Human Resources, at spena@pico-rivera.org

Physical/Background Check

Upon conditional offer the selected candidate will be subject to background and reference checks and will be required to satisfactorily complete a post offer physical examination including a drug screen at the City's expense. Not applicable for Promotion.

At-will Classification

Members in this job classification are considered at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Emergency Disaster Worker

City employees are registered as an Emergency Disaster Worker and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), legally protected medical condition (genetic characteristics), marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal law (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990) state or local law. The City of Pico Rivera does not discriminate or any other basis protected by law, in its employment policies or practices.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The City of Pico Rivera provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals under ADA, considering each situation on an individual basis. Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodation needed, in writing, for the application and/or interview phase. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department staff: nkatabyan@pico-rivera.org.

City of Pico Rivera Human Resources, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera CA 90660

Mid Management and Professional & Confidential Representation – This classification is represented by City Employees Associates (CEA) under the Pico Rivera Mid-Managers and Professional, and Confidential Employees Association (PRPCEA). Membership optional.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)- Effective the first full pay period occurring on or after July 1st.

2024: 4%

2025: 3%

2026: 3%

Paid Vacation - 88 hours after one year, 128 hours after 5 years, 168 hours after 10 years, and 208 hours after 20 or more years of service.

Management/Administrative Leave - This classification may be eligible for 60 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year.

Sick Leave - 105 hours per year with the employee having the option to accumulate a maximum of 800 hours or receive pay each July for unused portion accumulated in the preceding fiscal year.

Retirement – Employees are covered under the State of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) at the 2% at 60 formula for current CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for new CalPERS Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members. Effective July 1, 2023, PEPRA members pay 7.5% of the employee's portion to CalPERS. Current CalPERS members (Tier II) pay 7% of employee's portion to CalPERS. PERS determines whether an employee is a Classic or New PERS member.

The City does not contribute to Social Security.

Holidays - The City observes twelve (12) holidays.

4/10 Schedule- Monday through Thursday.

Insurance - The City offers CalPERS health benefits to all full time employees. The City will pay 100% of the health insurance premiums for full-time employees and their qualified dependents, but not to exceed the Kaiser HMO premium. Employees may choose a different CalPERS health care provider offered by the City, however, any cost greater than the Kaiser HMO premium rate shall be paid by the employee through payroll deductions.

Multiple CalPERS Medical plans to choose from or Cash In-Lieu of Benefits (amount paid shall be equal to the Public Employees' Medical & Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) minimum).
Dental Insurance (3 plans to choose from), at no cost to the employee selecting HMO dental plan.
Vision Insurance- (2 plans to choose from) at no cost to the employee.
Group Life Insurance ($100,000 life insurance policy), at no cost to the employee.
Short Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.
Long Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.

Pre-Tax Dependent Care and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account: Employees may specify a dollar amount annually to be deducted from their earnings to pay for qualifying dependent care and/or eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Credit Union – Credit Union membership is available.

Deferred Compensation- Empower Retirement (deferred compensation plan (i.e., Internal Revenue Code Section 457 program) which employees may choose to participate in at their own expense. The City will match Association members' contributions up to a maximum of one percent (1.0%) of base compensation. Participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan is voluntary.

Tuition Reimbursement - The IRS maximum of $5,250 annually (calendar year) or the effective amount should it be adjusted by the IRS in a given year.

The City of Pico Rivera is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

01

By answering yes, you understand that all applicants must complete the following Supplemental Questions. Responses will be used to determine the most qualified candidates. Please provide complete, thorough answers. “See résumé” is not an acceptable response.

02

This position is a permanent regular position. Are you a retired annuitant (CalPERS retiree)?

03

If you answered "Yes", to the retired annuitant question above, are you willing to reinstate?

04

Describe your experience overseeing large scale community events. Include vendor coordination, budgeting, contract management, and event logistics.

05

Describe your experience supervising staff. Include the number of staff supervised, job classifications, and key supervisory duties.

06

What experience do you have in managing programs for seniors, veterans, or special populations?

07

Describe a time you improved or expanded a recreation program. What was the need, and what outcome did you achieve?

08

This position oversees multiple sites (Senior Center, Pico Park, aquatics facility, citywide events/markets). Describe your experience managing operations across multiple facilities or program areas.

09

Describe your understanding of procurement, contract routing, or vendor compliance requirements as referenced in City processes.

10

Why do you believe you are a strong fit for the Parks & Recreation Manager role with the City of Pico Rivera?

11

Aquatics Program Oversight: Explain your experience overseeing aquatics operations, including staff scheduling, maintaining safe pool operations, responding to incidents, and supporting swim lesson programs.

12

Vendor Coordination Experience: Provide an example of coordinating multiple vendors for an event or program. Describe your role in vendor selection, communication, compliance, logistics, and problem solving.

13

Farmers Market Vendor Management: Describe your experience working with market vendors, food/product vendors, or community activation partners. Include your understanding of scheduling, permitting, compliance, and on site vendor support.

14

Contract & Procurement Coordination: Explain your experience ensuring vendors meet their contractual obligations—from routing and documentation to scopes of work, invoicing, and event compliance requirements.

15

Disclosure Authorization and Release I hereby authorize any former employer, its employees and representatives, or any person listed as a reference, to provide any and all information they deem appropriate regarding my employment and job performance to the City of Pico Rivera, its employees, representatives, and/or agents. This information may be provided either verbally or in writing. In addition to authorizing the release of any information regarding my employment, I hereby fully waive any rights or claims I have or may have against any former employer, its employees and representatives, educational institutions, or any person listed as a reference from any and all liability, claims, or damages that may directly or indirectly result from the use, disclosure, or release of such information by any person or party, whether such information is favorable or unfavorable to me. I certify that all statements made in this application are true and complete and I authorize investigation of all matters herein contained. I agree and understand that any misrepresentation or omission of a material fact may be justification for rejection of my application, refusal of employment, removal of my name from the eligibility list, and/or dismissal from employment with the City of Pico Rivera. I agree to undergo a physical examination and drug screen by a City-appointed physician and fully understand that employment is contingent upon meeting the City's physical requirements. (Print your name and date)

Required Question

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