Job Overview
The Position:
The City of El Cajon is seeking an experienced individual who has a strong work ethic and passion for Parks and Recreation. The ideal candidate will be a leader who demonstrates confidence, a positive attitude, initiative, and professionalism with the ability to undertake a full range of versatile Parks and Recreation duties.
The Opportunity
El Cajon is seen as a leader among cities and a wonderful location to live, work and play. Its workplace culture empowers employees to maintain a strong work-life balance and make a positive impact in the community. The City offers exceptional defined benefits and retirement plans, wellness programs, and opportunities for professional development.
The Parks and Recreation Department plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life for the community by providing inclusive, accessible, and engaging recreational opportunities. The department operates seven recreation and community centers that offer a wide range of amenities, programs, and activities designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities. Throughout the year, it hosts numerous special events, classes, and programs that reflect and celebrate El Cajon’s rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and demographics, fostering community connection, wellness, and lifelong recreation.
The Recruitment Process
The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process which includes an in-person Qualifications Appraisal Interview, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration for at least six months.
Typical Duties
Please visit our website to view the full job description: Parks and Recreation Manager
The Parks and Recreation Manager plans, directs, and supervises a recreational division which includes managing multiple community centers, athletic facilities, Citywide programs, and recreation staff; works in collaboration with community organizations, businesses and individuals in providing and coordinating recreation services in the community; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director of Parks and Recreation; and performs related work as required.
Qualification Guidelines
Education: Equivalent to at least a Bachelor's degree in recreation or a related field.
Experience: At least four years experience in a full-time professional capacity in the community recreation field or equivalent, including supervisory responsibilities.
Special Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a valid Class C California driver's license with a safe driving record. The employee may be required to use personal auto or arrange transportation between work sites.
The City of El Cajon offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and CalPERS retirement.
Please review City Council Policy A-29 for detailed information regarding compensation, benefits, retirement, and more: El Cajon Executive and Unrepresented Employees (A-29).
If you have any questions, please email hr@elcajon.gov.
01
In order to better evaluate your background, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required in addition to your online application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. All work experience that is described in your response must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of your online application. In addition, copies of certifications, coursework and/or degrees must be attached to this application. I acknowledge receipt of this information.
02
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or closely related field? If yes, you must attach a copy of your degree to receive credit.
03
Please indicate your years of experience, in a full-time professional capacity, in community recreation.
- Less than 2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3-4 years
- 4-5 years
- More than 5 years
04
Please indicate your years of supervisory experience, in a full-time professional capacity, in community recreation.
- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 2-3 years
- 3-4 years
- More than 4 years
05
Describe your full-time experience in planning, preparing and supervising recreation programs, services and facilities. You must include the program name, your job title, and roles assigned for EACH position held.
06
Please describe your experience supervising, training, and evaluating part-time and full-time recreation staff. If you have no supervisory experience, please write "N/A".
07
Describe your experience coordinating special events and/or inter-agency programs. Please include the agency name, event title, and scope of the event (size, audience, coordination, marketing, budget, etc.). If none, please write "N/A".
08
Describe your professional experience in preparing and administering an annual department budget. If none, please write "N/A".
