What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Parks & Recreation - San Luis Obispo County, California position at Peckham & McKenney Executive Search?
Located on the coast halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, approximately 260,000 people call San Luis Obispo County home. Its natural beauty includes beaches, lakes, mountains, wetlands, elfin forests, and state/county parks. A perfect Mediterranean marine climate keeps San Luis Obispo sunny and warm year-round. Established in 1850, SLO County is approximately 3,300 square miles and has 100 miles of coastline.
Parks and Recreation Department’s goal is to provide the most enjoyable and rewarding recreational experience possible on California’s Central Coast. Its Mission is to ensure diverse opportunities for recreation and the personal enrichment of the County’s residents and visitors while protecting its natural, cultural, and historical resources. County Parks & Recreation manages more than 14,000 acres of parkland, open space, beaches, trails, lakes, and natural areas. Information regarding the vast services provided by the County is available at www.slocountyparks.com.
The County of San Luis Obispo is seeking a strong and creative leader to serve as the Parks and Recreation Director and oversee the operation and management of the County’s parks, golf courses and recreational facilities and lead and inspire a diverse and experienced team. The new Director will be responsible for the completion and implementation of the County’s Parks Master Plan and associated projects. The successful candidate should be a visionary and strategic thinker with outstanding leadership skills, politically savvy, and have a proven track record in engaging with community.
Qualified candidates should have a combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, such as five years of increasingly responsible professional-level experience working with public parks, recreation programs or a similar function; two years of such experience being in a supervisory or management position.
The annual salary range for this opportunity is $159,556 to $213,844 (an increase of this range is under consideration). Appointment will be made depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. A 5% approved increase will take effect on July 1, 2027.
Filing Deadline: October 9, 2026
Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days.
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Salary : $159,556 - $213,844