<strong>Salary :</strong> $175,000.00 - $218,000.00 Annually<br><strong>Location :</strong> Vista City Hall - 200 Civic Center Drive Vista 92084, CA<br><strong>Job Type:</strong> Full-Time<br><strong>Job Number:</strong> 25-73-O<br><strong>Department:</strong> RCS Administration<br><strong>Opening Date:</strong> 09/19/2025<br><strong>Closing Date:</strong> 10/17/2025 5:30 PM Pacific<br><strong>Bargaining Unit:</strong> DH<br> <br><strong>Position</strong><br>The City of Vista invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of<br><strong>RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES </strong><strong>DIRECTOR</strong> <br><strong>THE COMMUNITY</strong>Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in North San Diego County, the City of Vista offers a perfect mild Mediterranean climate. Home to a population of over 98,000, residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of year-round outdoor activities in a setting of gentle rolling hills and pleasant rural surroundings.<br><br>The City's centralized location provides quick accessibility to the ocean, the mountains, and famous attractions such as LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World and Disneyland. Vista is home to the Wave Waterpark and the Moonlight Amphitheatre, an open air theater, which draws thousands of Southern Californians each year to experience award-winning productions. <br><br>Having invested substantially in its economic development efforts over the years, Vista's 1,200 acre business park is now home to over 900 growing companies that employ over 23,000 employees. Over the last five years, Vista has experienced the greatest economic boom ever in its history, outperforming most other municipalities in San Diego County in retail sales and employment growth, resulting in impressive sales tax revenues that not only give the City of Vista financial stability, but the means to invest in the community as well. Today, Vista is a crossroads of culture, education, technology and commerce with a vision to meet the diverse needs of all its residents - residential, corporate and retail.<br><br><strong>QUALITY OF LIFE</strong>Vista has been recognized three times in the book "50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family", being listed as one of the 50 best cities in the nation. Our award-winning community provides superior educational opportunities in over 25 public/private schools and colleges in the nearby area. With an average of 340 days of sunshine a year, outdoor fun and recreation tend to be a common theme in a Vista lifestyle. The city boasts 16 community parks which selectively feature theaters, museums, recreation centers, picnic grounds, athletic fields and specialty sports parks.<br><br><strong>CITY GOVERNMENT</strong><br>The City of Vista is a chartered law city operating under a Council/Manager form of government. Four City Council Members and the Mayor are elected at-large to 4-year staggered terms. The city was incorporated in January 1963.<br><br>The City Manager along with the City Attorney are appointed by the City Council. City departments/functions include: City Attorney, City Clerk, Community Development, Economic Development, Engineering, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Public Works, and Recreation & Community Services. The City contracts with the San Diego Sheriff's Department for law enforcement services.<br><br><strong>THE DEPARTMENT</strong> <br>The City of Vista is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee its Recreation and Community Services Department. The Department oversees many functions including: Moonlight Stage Productions Moonlight Stage Productions produces an award-winning summer season of musicals under the stars at the Moonlight Amphitheatre drawing over 90,000 ticket sales in the 24-25 fiscal year. VisTix Ticket Office The VisTix Ticket Office serves as the ticketing agent for all Moonlight Stage Productions shows, including events produced by other groups and held at the Moonlight Amphitheater or the Avo Playhouse in historic downtown Vista, as well as various other community events. Rancho Buena Vista Adobe This beautiful Rancho is a fully furnished historic adobe and is available for individual and group tours. The gorgeous courtyard is available for weddings and other special events. The Adobe Gallery showcases art from around the country and special momentos are available in the gift shop. The Rancho hosts over 8,500 Southern California schoolchildren participating in its Adobe Days program. Parks/Facilities Vista also has many beautiful parks and unique facilities to enjoy. Most of these are available for rental for birthday parties, weddings and other special events. In 2024, staff facilitated nearly 1,200 park and facility rentals. Public Art Vista has a variety of artwork on display in public areas for viewing. You can enjoy a walking tour of art in downtown Vista. Recreation Recreation oversees the Day Camp Program, Youth and Adult Sports, Facility and Wedding Rentals, and Park Directors. Annual enrollment in Summer Day camp includes 1,359 participants in the City's Early Childhood Development classes. Nearly 2,400 community members take advantage of Recreation's youth and adult sports programs and recreation classes. Senior Services Senior Services includes the Out & About Program, Culture Caravan, Senior Meals, and Senior Center Programming. On an annual basis, these programs provide transportation services to homebound seniors, meals onsite to seniors and meals delivered to homebound senior residents. Senior Services also mobilizes 17,000 donated volunteer hours for a variety of services and organizes Culture Caravan trips for seniors. The Wave Waterpark This one of kind, family aquatic center operates as a seasonal waterpark and provides aquatic programming such as swim lessons and camps. With a variety of attractions such as four water slides, a flow rider and lazy river, a splash structure and a competition pool, this program draws well over 50,000 users annually. <br><br><strong>COMMISSIONS</strong> <br>In addition, the Recreation & Community Services Department oversees the following four city commissions: Parks and Recreation Commission, Senior Citizens' Affairs Commission, Youth Advisory Commission, Public Arts Commission.<br><strong>DEFINITION:</strong><br><br>Under general administrative direction, to plan, organize, direct and administer programs of the Recreation and Community Services Department, including the City recreation and community services program; to plan and direct the operations of public parks, buildings and grounds; and to perform related work as required.<br><strong>CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:</strong><br>This one-position class reports directly to the City Manager for the effective administration of the Recreation and Community Services Department in accordance with administrative directives, City Council actions, and applicable laws and regulations. This position acts with a high degree of independence of action in the assigned area of responsibility. Direction received consists of the assignment of the responsibility to attain objectives per policy guidelines. The incumbent is expected to develop methods and procedures, solve problems encountered, and exercies excellent judgment and discrection; work is not typically reviewed by the City Manager.<br> <strong>Examples of Essential Functions</strong><br><ul><li>Plans, organizes, directs and administers parks, recreation and community programs, including recreational and community service activities, and the operation and protection of City grounds to include public parks, playground areas, buildings and land adjacent to public buildings; </li><li>Plans, coordinates and approves program development, evaluation, accounting, auditing and monitoring activities; supervises and conducts surveys of community recreational requirements to include the construction of additional parks; </li><li>Identifies areas of community needs and develops service delivery systems; evaluates the need for parks, recreational activities and community services, and enlists community participation in programs; </li><li>Develops and directs a public relations program; </li><li>Recommends the acquisition, development and improvement of public land and recreational facilities; </li><li>Develops and administers contracts with vendors and contractors;</li><li>Develops and administers joint usage contracts with public school districts;</li><li>Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, and seminars with other departmental administrators, public agencies, private citizens and professional groups to Discuss various community, recreation and parks problems; </li><li>Provides technical assistance to the community, governmental agencies and organizations on community services, parks and recreational problems, facilities and programs; </li><li>Investigates and satisfies complaints concerning departmental services and facilities; </li><li>Supervises the preparation of the Departmental budget and the expenditure of funds; selects, directs, trains, evaluates and coaches personnel; </li><li>Observes the work of staff for compliance with rules and regulations, to ascertain status of staff's training and development needs, and to establish opportunities through in-service training and staff development programs; </li><li>Explains policies, procedures and objectives of the unit to staff by written directive and by oral communication; </li><li>Conducts staff meetings; </li><li>Acts as technical advisor to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Senior Citizens' Affairs Commission; </li><li>Operates City vehicles; and </li><li>Performs related work as required.</li></ul><br> <strong>Minimum Qualifications</strong><br><strong>Successful candidates will demonstrate:</strong> Strong leadership and communication skills to build partnerships and collaborations within the community. The ability to facilitate teamwork, and collaborative efforts with both staff and the community. The ability to prioritize, handle competing demands, and meet deadlines. Experience in budget, financial planning, and resource development. Effective skills in monitoring programs to measure effective outcomes. Knowledge and skills in the principles and practices of public administration, recreational program management, and personnel management. Political sensitivity and astuteness. A customer service mentality and excellent interpersonal skills, including being personable and approachable. A proven track record in Recreation and Community Services.<br><strong>QUALIFICATIONS:</strong><br><br>Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. <br><br>A typical qualifying background is a Bachelor's Degree in recreation administration, public administration, or a closely related field; and at least five years of progressively responsible public sector management experience related to recreation and community services programs. A Master's degree is desirable.<br>Administrative level experience planning, organizing and directing comprehensive public recreation, parks construction and maintenance and community sources;<br><br>Experience in a management classification, wherein the incumbent has acquired the knowledge and abilities listed above. <br><strong>KNOWLEDGE OF:</strong><br><ul><li>Municipal, county, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations, ordinances, and codes regarding senior nutrition, transportation grants, public swimming pools and parks, and other community programs and services;</li><li>Principles, practices, materials and equipment of park maintenance, landscaping and construction;</li><li>Principles and practices of capital project management, facility management, and project management;</li><li>Administration, operation, protection and management of a parks and recreation department at an advanced level;</li><li>Principles and techniques of directing group social and recreational activities, community organizations and resources;</li><li>Principles of management, administration, budgeting, supervision, training and public relations;</li><li>Technical, legal, financial, personnel and public relations issues involved in administering a Recreation and Community Services Department;</li><li>Principles of supervision and training;</li><li>Various methods and techniques to negotiate with individuals to reach mutually agreeable solutions and outcomes;</li><li>Advanced record keeping methods.</li></ul><br><strong>SKILL TO:</strong><br><ul><li>Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.</li></ul><br><strong>ABILITY TO:</strong><br><ul><li>Manage the operation of Recreation and Community Services Department programs, including community services;</li><li>Formulate and administer a departmental budget;</li><li>Prepare grant proposals and applications;</li><li>Effectively market and advertise the Department's programs and services;</li><li>Appraise workloads and plan work schedules;</li><li>Supervise a department of recreational, parks, community service and clerical personnel;</li><li>Develop and direct a departmental public relations program;</li><li>Communicate effectively to groups, organizations and the public in writing and orally;</li><li>Prepare, review and approve comprehensive reports, plans and estimates;</li><li>Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;</li><li>Read, understand and apply complex materials;</li><li>Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course work.</li><li>Perform mathematical and statistical computations;</li><li>Effectively speak in public and developing/delivering presentations.</li></ul><br> <strong>Other Information</strong><br><strong>PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:</strong><br><br>The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. <br>While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively verbally and in a written manner; observe and interpret data, and analyze and solve problems. The employee must be able to work indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments. May be exposed to dust at job sites. The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently. Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work related objects and/or work products based on position specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work outside normal working hours to complete assignments. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Use of personal vehicle during employment may also be required.<br>Travel required within and out of City to attend meetings.<br><br><strong>COMPENSATION</strong><br>The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $218,000 annually with an increase of 3.5% on July 1, 2026, and a very attractive benefits package. Salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the candidate.<br><strong><strong>APPLICATION PROCEDURE:</strong></strong><br>A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at All other employment inquiries can be directed to the City of Vista, Human Resources Office, Telephone: (760) 643-5381.<strong><strong>SELECTION PROCESS : </strong></strong>Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. <br>The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.<br><br>The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.<strong><strong>The City of Vista is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply! </strong><br><strong>*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS </strong></strong><br>Recruitment Closes: Friday, October 17th, 2025<br><br>Initial Interview Panel: Week of October 27th<br>Stakeholder Panel Interview: Week of November 10th<br>*Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.<br><b>VACATION</b><br><br>141 Hrs. - 1-5 years of continuous service<br><br>165 Hrs. - 6-20 years<br><br>178 Hrs. - 21+<br><b>ADMIN. LEAVE</b><br><br>Department Directors are provided with 76 hours of Administrative Leave annually, which is to be used within the fiscal year.<br><b>SICK LEAVE</b><br><br>Employees earn 96 hours per year with no cap on accumulation.<br><b>HOLIDAYS</b><br><br>Employees working the 9/80 flex schedule are entitled to 99 hours of holiday leave per fiscal year.<br><b>INSURANCE</b><br><br>The City offers an excellent benefits package, including Blue Shield and Kaiser medical plan options, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. A portion of the employee's and dependent's premiums are paid by the City.<br><b>WELLNESS PROGRAMMING</b><br><br>The City offers comprehensive wellness programming to its employees including onsite wellness facilities and onsite wellness sessions.<br><b>TUITION REIMBURSEMENT</b><br><br>The City's Tuition Reimbursement Plan may assist employees in paying the cost of approved books and tuition for classes which relate to their job.<br><b>RETIREMENT</b><br><br>The City contracts with CalPERS to provide the 3% @ 60 Plan for Classic Member employees or the 2% @ 62 plan for New Members. Employees currently contribute the entire employee contribution.<br>The City does not participate in Social Security, but employees must be enrolled in the Medicare portion.<br><b>AUTO ALLOWANCE</b><br><br>Department Directors receive $400 per month for the use of their personal vehicle during the course of employment.<br><br>NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.<br>01 <br> <br> ATTENTION APPLICANTS: Copying and pasting duplicate answers and stating "See resume" and/or "see previous answer" are not acceptable to the questions below. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate and understand that the statements made in this supplemental questionnaire will be considered part of and subject to the terms of my employment application for this position. Please acknowledge your understanding by selecting "Yes". <ul> <li>Yes</li> <li>No</li> </ul> <br>02 <br> <br> Which best describes your level of education? <ul> <li>High School</li> <li>Some College</li> <li>Associate's Degree</li> <li>Bachelor's Degree</li> <li>Master's Degree</li> </ul> <br>03 <br> <br> Describe your experience in Recreation & Community Services; include types of programs, your specific duties and responsibilities. <br>04 <br> <br> How many years of experience do you have in Recreation or Community Service? <ul> <li>1 year or less</li> <li>2 years</li> <li>3- 4 years</li> <li>5 or more years</li> <li>None</li> </ul> <br>05 <br> <br> Please indicate which type of public agency you have gained any experience through (check all that apply): <ul> <li>City</li> <li>County</li> <li>State</li> <li>Federal</li> <li>Public Education</li> <li>Tribal</li> <li>Special District</li> <li>N/A; I have never worked for a public agency</li> </ul> <br>06 <br> <br> Describe your experience as a supervisor. Please include a description of your leadership philosophy. <br>Required Question