The City of Signal Hill invites applications for the position of
Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation & Library
First Review of Applications: March 9, 2026
Our City
The City of Signal Hill is a desirable place to live and work because of its safe neighborhoods, abundant business opportunities, inclusive culture, and beautiful green spaces. With its central location, the community takes great pride in its recreational amenities which include 11 City parks and open space area covering over 29 acres, an extensive walking trail system, abundant recreation and library programs, and an array of annual events.
The City of Signal Hill, with a population of 11,800 and covering 2.2 square miles, is located in Los Angeles County within four miles of the Pacific Ocean. Signal Hill was incorporated on April 14, 1924, roughly three years after the discovery of a vast oil field. Known for its beautiful setting, Signal Hill claims the only accessible high ground for miles around with an impressive hilltop park which provides spectacular panoramic views.
The Position
This is an exciting time to join the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department, as the City plans for the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art amphitheater in the center of the Signal Hill Park. The new amphitheater is slated to open Fall 2026, and the Deputy Director will lead all efforts associated with the opening of this new City amenity.
Under general direction from the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Director, assists, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations, programs, and services of the assigned divisions or programs in the Parks, Recreation, and Library Services Department, including parks and recreation programming, special events, facility rentals, youth and family programs, senior programs, social services, transportation, animal services, contract classes, library services, and customer service; oversees and manages contracts and ensures compliance with all funding initiatives; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public; manages professional technical and clerical staff, and provides responsible and complex staff support to the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Library Services.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a management level classification responsible for providing professional support to the Parks, Recreation & Library Services Director in several administrative and operations functional areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other city departments, public agencies, community groups, and other organizations. It is distinguished from the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Director in that the latter is the department head with overall responsibility for all programs, functions, and activities, and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.
A current resume, not to exceed 2 (8 ½” x 11”) pages in length, and three professional references are required to be attached to the completed City application and supplemental questionnaire.
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Assumes management responsibility for major recreation and parks programs, facilities, community events, and activities.
- Oversees and directs the daily operations of divisions: recreation services, youth sports, special events, library services, senior programs, transportation, social services, arts and cultural program, and animal services, and park patrol; coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies on special projects.
- Manages and coordinates Citywide special events, including receptions, ground breakings, dedications, etc. with other City departments and external agencies; directs staff assigned to events and projects.
- Develops, implements and coordinates divisional goals and objectives, policies and procedures; evaluates the operations and activities of the Department; assists with the formulation of goals, objectives and priorities.
- Participates in the implementation and coordination of the parks, recreation and library services programs and operations.
- Assists in the preparation of the annual operating budget for the entire Department and prepares and monitors Division budgets.
- Supervises and participates in a variety of personnel actions, including selections, promotions, performance evaluations, disciplinary measures, and dismissals.
- Responds to public inquiries and requests relative to parks, recreation and library services.
- Oversees the preparation of short and long-range planning and establishment for new park project developments and maintenance of existing parks.
- Responsible for the preparation and agenda management for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
- Regularly attends City Council and Parks and Recreation Committee meetings and serves as a liaison as directed by the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Director.
- Assists the Director with the City's non-profit boards; develops and implements fund raising efforts to support City-sponsored events.
- Coordinates public art projects including preparation of RFPs, receiving, reviewing, evaluating and awarding bids.
- Prepares RFPs and RFQs for professional services relating to master plans, grants, and other consultant work.
- Promotes and publicizes community services programs, events and activities; prepares, proofs and approves press releases, brochures, digital content, and other marketing and promotional materials.
- Prepares written reports regarding operations, personnel, budget and a variety of other subjects.
- Coordinates with other City management staff to meet the overall goals and objectives of the City.
- Develops/conducts training programs for staff.
- Serves as acting Director in their absence.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
- Responds to emergency calls from staff during after-hours operations, activities, and/or special events.
- Will be required to work outside of normal business hours to attend evening meetings.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: Bachelor's degree in public administration, recreation administration, or related field is required.
Experience: Six (6) years of full-time increasingly responsible professional administrative experience in recreation, parks, and library services, programs planning experience including supervisory, administrative, and program planning work; preferably with a governmental agency, including at least three (3) years increasingly responsible managerial experience is required.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.
Knowledge of:
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff.
- Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
- Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
- Modern principles, practices and philosophies for overseeing parks, recreation, and library services programs and staff.
- Grant writing and administration.
- Budget preparation and administration; principles and practices of office management.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations and management, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Record keeping principles and procedures.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
- Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Skills in:
- Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Preparing clear, concise and accurate written materials;
- Making public presentations;
- Record keeping and management practices;
- Research methods and analysis techniques; and
- Effective customer service techniques.
Ability to:
- Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient parks, recreation and library services.
- Plan, organize, and direct effective parks, recreation and library services and programs.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and public works maintenance and operations policies and procedures.
- Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
- Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of public works maintenance and operations programs and administrative activities.
- Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
- Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
- Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
- Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Physical Requirements:
This position will be exposed to inclement weather conditions at special events and will be required to work weekend and/or evening hours. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:
Ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving directions, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs; ability to decide time, place and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution; ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.
Environmental Adaptability:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Selection Procedure:
All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification. Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire. Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workplace diversity.
Americans with Disabilities:
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources atHR@cityofsignalhill.orgor (562) 989-7304/10 no later than 5 business days before the test date.
Fingerprinting:
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre- placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
Physical Examination:
Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employers until they are determined to be medically qualified.
Oath and Disaster Service Worker:
All City employees are required to sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Employees upon the beginning of employment. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all City employees are required to perform assigned emergency service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to sign a Disaster Service Worker Statement upon hire.
