Job Details

Salary: $50.46 - $61.33 Hourly
Location : Rohnert Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CSMG-JAN 2026
Department: Community Services Department
Opening Date: 01/14/2026
Closing Date: 2/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt

The Position
The City of Rohnert Park is looking for a hands-on, people-centered Recreation Manager who knows parks and recreation are where community happens. This role leads programs, facilities, staff, and budgets with a focus on strong teams, smart resource use, and great service. The ideal candidate builds on high morale, collaborates easily, and delivers inclusive, high-quality recreation experiences that bring people together and make Rohnert Park a great place to live.

TO APPLY
To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" at www.rpcity.org for an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. Work history must include all employment for the last ten years. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to proceed in the recruitment process.

PLEASE NOTEYou may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, "See Resume" will NOT meet the requirements to submit a complete application, including employment history, or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions.

If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help/FAQ's link:
www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and administrative support related to the programs, facilities, community events, and activities of the Community Services Department ; administers current and long-term planning activities; manages the effective use of resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Community Services in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Community Services. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification that manages Community Services activities, including the operations and maintenance of the City's recreation programs, aquatics, community events, and facilities. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Director in a variety of 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 and public agencies. This class is distinguished from the Director of Community Services in that the latter assists in managing all functions of the department and serves as "second-in-command" to the department head.
Ideal Candidate

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of Community Services Department.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of department budgets.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Participates in the selection, motivation and evaluation of assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues in coordination with Human Resources; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Participates in initiating and coordinating policy and procedure development for the Community Services Department.
• Supervises all facility use elements for the department, oversees general operation and maintenance of facilities and related equipment, and works with community youth athletic groups on facilities and programming.
• Develops and reviews staff reports related to assigned recreation services programs and operations activities; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
• Develops, maintains, and reviews staff, financial, and statistical reports related to grants, program participation and cost recovery analysis, staff performance, expenditures, and revenues.
• Conducts a variety of operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances applicable to public facilities.
• Provides advisory support and acts as a liaison to City departments, commissions, citizen committees, community partners, and volunteers to facilitate the delivery of recreation, cultural, and natural resource programs and services; builds partnerships and coalitions.
• Works with community groups and residents in the development and coordination of programs, facilities, use agreements, and leases.
• Oversees the scheduling and operations of City facilities, which may include: Callinan Sports & Fitness Center, senior center, community pools, community centers and other Community Services' facilities.
• Administers a variety of service contracts, rental and use agreements.
• Directs and manages marketing strategies and promotional plans for City-wide recreation services programs and facility use; manages the development of public relations materials.
• Develops, monitors, and reviews fundraising activities and revenue generating programs of the department; develops strategies, programs, and methods for recognizing donors and monitoring funds.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Ensures positive public relations between staff and the community.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of recreation services; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Establishes and updates emergency operations manual and care and shelter logistics.
• Assists the Community Services Director with special projects, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation administration, public or business administration, or a related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in public recreation program management planning and development, including at least two (2) years at a supervisory level.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and satisfactory driving record.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of recreation and community service program development and administration, including program implementation, review, and evaluation, budgeting, purchasing, and personnel management.
• Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation and leisure activities and programs through community participation.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the execution of programs, events, and services for the Community Services Department , including accessibility requirements under the ADA.
• Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of the Rohnert Park community, including seniors, youths, adults, and teens.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs and operational needs of the Community Services Department.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
• 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.

ABILITY TO:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services to the Rohnert Park community.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of recreational programs and facilities suited to the needs of the Rohnert Park community.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent Community Services and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Negotiate and administer contracts.
• 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 effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City recreation sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City recreational facilities 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 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 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
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.
CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation.

Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Ameritas Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 12-1/2 paid holidays a year, plus 1 floating holiday

ANNUAL LEAVE: New employees accrue 12.67 hours/month of personal leave time according to a schedule which increases with years of service.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: 100 hours per year.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $100,000 life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, auto allowance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, and free use of the City's Sports Center and lap swim in City's swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in a deferred compensation program and join a credit union. In addition, the City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is Exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and receives fringe benefits of Management Unit employees.

For further details about the benefits offered, please
01

The Recreation Division currently has strong staff morale and a positive team culture. Describe how you would approach stepping into a division with high morale. What specific actions would you take in your first 6-12 months to maintain trust, support staff, and sustain a healthy, high-performing work environment?
02

Describe your experience managing a recreation budget. How have you balanced service quality, cost recovery, and financial sustainability when resources were limited?
03

Provide an example of a major special project you led (such as a new program, facility improvement, large event, or operational change). What was your role, what challenges did you encounter, and how did you ensure successful implementation?
04

Describe your experience working with or supporting a Parks and Recreation Commission, advisory board, or similar body. How do you prepare for public meetings, present recommendations, and manage differing perspectives or competing priorities?
Required Question