Assistant Parks Director (Finance)

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is seeking an Assistant Parks Director.

The Assistant Parks Director serves as a key member of the District's executive team, acting on behalf of the Parks Director as needed and providing leadership across one or more bureaus that may include parks and resources, business operations or planning and development. This role involves direct oversight of at least one division or unit within the District, guiding the planning, acquisition, and management of District-owned and managed properties. The Assistant Parks Director plays a critical role in strategic, master, and site planning efforts, recommending improvements to enhance efficiency and maximize public use. They participate in budget preparation, ensuring equitable distribution of resources for park, recreation, and educational site management. Additionally, this position fosters positive relationships with the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Office, and other stakeholders, representing the District in public meetings, advisory groups, and regional organizations. Responsibilities also include conducting studies, preparing reports, evaluating policies and ordinances for improvement, and overseeing staff performance to ensure operational effectiveness.
Competitive candidates will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, public engagement experience, and certifications such as Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in parks planning, parks construction management, and parks operational development with at least six years of supervisory experience within a government agency. A master's degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred. Additionally, experience in achieving Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) Accreditation is highly desirable.
This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (2) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of the Parks Director/General Manager - Parks.

This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.

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* Salary range listed is effective on 4/17/25.

Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District is a nationally accredited agency who strives to be the regional leader in improving lives through people, parks, places, and programs. Their mission is to acquire, protect, develop, manage, and interpret for the inspiration, use, and enjoyment of all people, a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, recreational, and historic importance.Oversee designated bureaus/divisions and ensure equitable resource distribution for parks, recreational, and educational site management.

Assist in budget preparation and ensure efficient financial oversight.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Office, and other stakeholders.

Represent the District on various committees, organizations and associations; act as liaison for the District in contact with other departments, governmental agencies, and community groups in matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of district services and programs.

Conduct studies, prepare reports, and present findings to the public and stakeholders.

Review staff performance, manage workflow, and report progress or issues to leadership.

Evaluate and recommend updates to ordinances, policies, and procedures to meet evolving District needs.

Facilitate the coordination of activities with other County departments and partners or affected agencies.

Participate in the preparation of the District's annual budget; ensure appropriate distribution of resources and manage expenditures within the approved budget; recommend changes in organizational structure and personnel staffing to meet business needs.

Direct the development of activities to promote park and facility usage; assist in planning and directing future development of existing and potential park areas and guide the preparation of specific plans and specifications for the development and use of additional park facilities.

Prepare or supervise the preparation of a variety of complex fiscal, operational and management correspondence and reports; conduct studies to identify, assess, evaluate existing and proposed services, and implement changes to meet identified needs and priorities.

Make broad policy decisions for the program/business work that is performed and develop or update District policies and procedures.

Recommend program improvements and develop specific plans for implementing these needs; assist in defining program goals and objectives and participate in the development of program plans and procedures to ensure effective program implementation.

Review the performance of subordinate bureau chiefs, managers and supervisors by inspection and review of work sites, records and reports; keep the Parks Director informed of any incidents or problems and status of work in progress.

Provide administrative services for commissions, committees, foundations, and cooperative groups as needed or assigned.

Establish and review training safety and enforcement programs to ensure safe operations and the protection of employees and patrons.

Administer parks reservation programs; monitor concession operations, resolve problems and ensure concessionaire compliance with terms of contract.

Make recommendations for hiring, promoting, disciplining, and terminating personnel.

Lead community engagement efforts for programs, services and projects, including making presentations to the public, commissions, committees, and the Board of Directors/Supervisors as needed; serve as the public information officer for the District as needed.Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in planning, landscape architecture, public or business administration, management, environmental studies, history, natural sciences, forestry, recreation, or a closely related field to the assignment. A master's degree in recreation, environmental science, organizational leadership, public or business administration is preferred. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for up to two years of the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Six years of administrative management or supervisory in a government agency in the area of recreation, community
services, community program planning, park management, planning, development, or facility operations which
must have included high-level independent action and decision skills.

Knowledge of: Principles of personnel administration, supervision and employee development; principles of budget preparation and fiscal management; principles of management; public service program planning and service delivery techniques; program planning and evaluation techniques; revenue sources and requirements; equipment, materials and methods used in park operations and maintenance.

Ability to: Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others; analyze administrative, fiscal and personnel problems, evaluate alternatives and devise workable solutions; identify and resolve departmental operational problems; coordinate the utilization of personnel, equipment and other resources within the division; interpret and apply federal, state and county laws, regulations and policies of park operations and maintenance; prepare budget requests and costs and materials estimates; develop and prepare concise and logical oral and written reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Other Requirements:
License: A CADL is required for this position.

Possession of a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certificate issued by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is preferred.

Physical Abilities:
Ability to walk long distances in varying terrain (park site/project walks) or accomplish with the assistance of a vehicle. Sitting/standing for prolonged periods. Physical Exposure: Primarily indoor/office environment, but some outdoor environment exposure including heat, cold, smells, insects and animals.This position is open to all applicants.

Schedule:
9/80 with every other Friday off 7:30 AM- 5:30 PM.

Recruiter Contact:
For questions regarding this posting please contact Angela Tavaglione at atavaglione@rivco.org or at (951) 955-3690.