What are the responsibilities and job description for the PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER position at Tuolumne County?
Description
INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED 8/13/2026
Under general direction from the County Administrative Officer or designee, plans, organizes, manages and provides direction and oversight for the operations and activities of the County Parks and Recreation Department; assists in the preparation of the department budget and monitors expenditures; provides direction and supervision to supervisory, professional and clerical staff; provides highly responsible and complex professional support to the County Administration Office; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the County Administrator or designee. Exercises direct and general supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for the operational oversight and management of the day to day administrative and business functions and activities of the County Parks and Recreation Department. This class is responsible for the provision of oversight, management, and leadership of assigned staff, maintenance of the budget and oversight of fund expenditures, and the implementation of the goals, objectives, and policies in the performance of department activities. This class is distinguished from the department head in that the latter has the responsibility and liability associated with the development and strategic planning for the department functions, including long and short-term goals, its programs and activities, staffing levels, preparation of the budget, as well as the regular assessment of the department’s performance.
Examples of Duties
(Illustrative Only)
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.
- Directs and coordinates the implementation and evaluation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards for the Parks and Recreation Department staff.
- Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the operations of programs and activities of the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure the provision of effective and efficient services to meet the needs of the community and its diverse population.
- Participates in the development and monitoring of the Parks and Recreation Department budget; provides data and analysis on the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; oversees and approves expenditures; coordinates the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments.
- Oversees the maintenance, repair, and improvement of all County parks, landscaped areas, open spaces, and grounds to ensure safe, clean, and attractive public facilities. Coordinates parks and grounds projects, including capital improvements, contract services, and long-term maintenance planning.
- Selects, trains, develops and directs Parks and Recreation personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards; including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides and coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
- Ensures department compliance with all County policies and procedures, standards of quality and safety, and all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
- Performs or oversees through subordinate staff, the research of funding sources for new programs; may apply for and submit grants; coordinates the implementation of grant programs; participates in the acquisition, billing and administration of grant monies, and participates in the development of fee structures.
- Represents the department in meetings with representatives of other County departments, elected officials, outside agencies, professional and community organizations, the public and news media; explains and interprets department programs, policies and activities; makes presentations to increase awareness and support of programs and services.
- Maintains and directs the maintenance of required records and statistics, and the preparation of reports, records and other documents; reviews reports prepared by subordinates for accuracy, completeness and compliance with requirements.
- Oversees through subordinate staff the Recreation department’s online registration system.
- Acts as a representative to educational institutions, community groups, private businesses, and others regarding questions, problems, concerns, and activities in the provision of parks and recreation program operations, activities, and services.
- Evaluates community parks and recreation needs and interests; prepares community surveys; analyzes data and recommends new programs or improvements to meet community needs.
- Develops, maintains, and reviews staff, financial, and statistical reports related to grants, program participation and analysis, expenditures, and revenues.
- Participates in ensuring compliance with relevant health, safety, and licensing laws and guidelines; maintains and updates all records required by Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies.
- Supervises the preparation of and executes program publicity brochures, press releases, flyers, and forms.
- Takes appropriate steps to ensure the safety of all citizens that use County parks and recreational facilities and properties, enroll in classes, attend special events and take part in any activity offered by the department.
- Receives, investigates and responds to problems and complaints from citizens, other department representatives and outside agencies in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
- Oversees through subordinate staff the fingerprinting of all Parks and Recreation employees and volunteers ensuring adherence to County policies and procedures.
- Conducts or directs a variety of departmental, organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
- Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect the Parks and Recreation Department and its operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
- Prepares, reviews and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Administrator or designee.
- Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns, and complaints from staff and the public regarding the County Parks and Recreation Department; assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
- Attends trainings, conferences, seminars, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge and skills.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
- Public agency budgetary, contract administration, county-wide administrative practices; and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
- Principles and practices of recreation and community service program development and administration, including program implementation, review, and evaluation, budgeting, and purchasing.
- Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to facility rentals, classes, and community events.
- Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation and leisure activities and programs through community participation.
- Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of the community.
- Principles and practices of parks and grounds maintenance, including landscaping, irrigation systems, turf management, and facility upkeep.
- Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and operation of public parks, grounds, and related facilities. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Principles, methods, and techniques used in designing, troubleshooting, maintaining and operation of computer systems.
- Principles and practices of public relations techniques.
- Principles and procedures of record-keeping, research and technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
- English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
- Techniques for effectively dealing with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and ethnic groups, and effectively representing the County in contacts with the public.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
- Develop, implement and evaluate goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
- Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the County Parks and Recreation Department.
- Monitor large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
- Analyze complex problems; evaluate alternatives and develop sound courses of action.
- Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
- Select, train, motivate and evaluate the work of staff and training staff in work procedures.
- Identify program funding sources; prepare grant applications and proposals; administer grant contracts.
- Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
- Effectively represent the Parks and Recreation Department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
- Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of division programs and administrative activities.
- Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical staff reports.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of parks and recreational programs and facilities suited to the needs of the community.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
- Perform required mathematical statistical computations and analysis with accuracy.
- Coordinate activities with those of other divisions, departments, agencies and organizations.
- Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
- 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.
- React calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
- Exercise sound, independent judgment within broad policy guidelines.
- 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.
- Demonstrate emotional intelligence and ability to interact professionally and cordially in interactions with staff, colleagues, and others in stressful and/or unusual situations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Candidates may demonstrate possession of the skills and competencies required to qualify for the position by meeting all components of at least one of the following options; the Personnel Officer or designee may approve substitutions as appropriate:
OPTION 1
Experience: Six (6) years of parks and/or recreation experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
OPTION II
Education:A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation or hospitality administration, business administration, or related field AND
Experience: two (2) years increasingly responsible parks and recreation experience, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
OPTION III
Education:An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with relevant coursework completed AND
Experience: four (4) years of parks and/or recreation experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of a California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
RELIEF POSITIONS ARE NOT QUALIFIED FOR BENEFITS
Employee Benefits Webpage Union Memorandums of Understanding
PERSONAL PAID LEAVES
- 12 paid holidays
- 200 – 300 hours of Personal Time Off
- 12 paid Personal Flex Days (prorated based on start date)
- 80 hours of Management Time Off
The County contributes monthly:
- $1,146.54 towards single benefits
- $1,894 towards single employee one dependent
- $2,484 towards family benefits
- $600 if you opt out of health insurance due to being covered under another qualifying plan.
- Available Medical Plans: Anthem Blue Cross CARE PPO, Anthem Blue Cross CHOICE PPO, and Kaiser for those within their service area. Law Enforcement Anthem Blue Cross plan available for specific positions. Tuolumne County is not within the Kaiser service area.
- Dental Plan: Delta Dental
- Vision: VSP Vision Care
- Life Insurance: $100,000 optional life insurance plan for purchase
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000
- Short-Term Disability
- Retirement: CalPERS and Social Security
- Retirement: Voluntary Deferred Compensation (457b)
- Longevity/Retention Pay:
- 5 years = 2.5%
- 10 years = 5%
- 15 years = 10%
- 20 years = 15%
- 25 years = 20%
- Education Incentive Pay: 2.5% for bachelors, 5% for master’s degree. Pay is awarded if degree is not a minimum qualification of the position.
- Law Enforcement Education Incentive Pay: 5% for bachelors, 5% masters
- POST Certificate Pay: Intermediate = 3%, Advanced = 7%, Supervisory = 2.5%, Management = 2.5%
- POST Dispatch Pay: Intermediate = 3%, Advanced =7%, Supervisory = 2.5%
- CPC Certificate Pay: Intermediate = 3%, Advanced = 7%, Supervisory = 2.5%, Management = 2.5%
- Probation Period: 26 completed pay periods
- Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Gym Membership for approved gyms
- Credit Unions
- California 529 College Savings Program
- Propane Discounts
- Verizon & AT&T Wireless Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee 3.5% down payment and 2% closing cost assistance
- Student loan forgiveness
- Educational assistance program
The County has a “Learning Forward” commitment to staff. We are dedicated to our employee’s growth and provide access to a career coach/employee development professional and provides an educational assistance program.
PAY AND/OR SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
- A Road Worker shall receive a twenty-five ($0.25) cent per hour pay differential for each hour assigned to perform as a heavy equipment operator, when that assignment exceeds five (5) hours in any given standard tour of duty.* Employees who work four (4) hours or more in a shift beginning between 8:00 pm and 4:00 am receive a shift differential of $8.00 per shift. *Upon successful completion of 160-hour training program.
- Social Workers, Social Service Supervisor I/II, Program Managers, and Deputy Directors receive a five (5%) percent salary differential.
- HCU employees who work between 6:00 pm and 7:00 am receive a shift differential of $3.00 per hour. The shift must start at 2:00 pm or later and applies to hours actually worked between 6:00 pm and 7:00 am.
- An IT Technician required to return to work or return to work on a day not regularly scheduled and work four (4) hours or more in a shift receive shift differential at the following rates:
- 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm shift - $6.50 per shift
- 11:00 pm to 7:00 am shift - $9.00 per shift
- OE3 employees who work four (4) hours or more in a shift receive shift differential at the following rates:3:00 pm to 11:00 pm shift - $6.50 per shift
- 11:00 pm to 7:00 am shift - $9.00 per shift
Assigned personnel shall receive on-call pay of six dollars and fifteen cents ($6.15) per hour for each hour served on on-call duty. Assigned personnel become ineligible for on-call pay once activated to call back status.
Assigned Animal Control Officers receive on-call pay of two dollars and seventy-five cents ($2.75) per hour from the time they are released from active duty but not before the regular conclusion of shift, until they are back on active duty or the Animal Control workday starts. For each call back, the Animal Control Officers receive overtime pay from the time they leave their home until the time they return to their home or commence their workday.
CALL BACK PAY
Call-back compensation shall be paid for one and one-half (1½) hours at straight-time rates for each call-back occurrence and is in lieu of any travel time and expense to and from home and the first or last work contact point.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
Animal Control Officers receive an annual uniform allowance of five hundred dollars ($500.00). Fifty percent (50%) of the allowance is payable during the period of July through December and fifty percent (50%) is payable January through June of each fiscal year.
Fire Prevention Inspectors receive an annual uniform allowance of seven hundred dollars ($700.00). Fifty percent (50%) of the allowance is payable during the period of July through December and fifty percent (50%) is payable January through June of each fiscal year.
An annual uniform allowance of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) each fiscal year paid twice a year in January and July will be provided for the purchase of boots, coats, shirts, hats, uniforms, gloves, gators (snake proof), overalls or coveralls. Items of clothing will reflect the County logo or wording identifying the employee as a County employee. This section applies only to the following classifications: Appraiser, Building Inspector, Environmental Health Specialist, Planner, Solid Waste Technician, Solid Waste Specialist, Junior/Assistant/Associate Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Land Surveyors, Code Compliance Investigators and Agriculture & Air Pollution Inspector.
A uniform allowance of four hundred dollars ($400) per fiscal year paid twice a year July and January each fiscal year will be provided for the purchase of prescription safety glasses, safety boots, a safety coat, shirts with a County seal replica, trousers, hats and gloves.
Employees in the Road Operations Division, Skilled Trades and Maintenance Division who require corrective lenses for the normal execution of their job duties receive reimbursement towards safety glasses every two years.
Salary : $65,562 - $102,794