Director of Recreation and Community Services

Salary : $170,700.00 - $207,492.00 Annually
Location : 7100 Garfield Ave. Bell Gardens, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2627-07
Department: Recreation & Community Services
Opening Date: 11/12/2026
Closing Date: 12/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Details
The Position:

The City is looking for an innovative and collaborative individual to lead the City's Recreation and Community Services Department. The Director of Recreation and Community Services reports to the City Manager and is responsible for the development and administration of recreational and athletic programs, community social service programs and senior citizen activities. This position requires a strong management background, experience in organizational leadership with the ability to identify cultural strengths and weaknesses in an organization and implement change as needed.
The City is only accepting online applications for this recruitment. As such, you must complete and submit an online application and completely answer all supplemental questions to be considered for this position.

Examples of Essential Functions
In addition to having a strong management background and the specified training and experience, the successful candidate will possess very strong oral and written communication skills and a professional history that demonstrates ability to:
• Plan, organize, supervise and direct the Recreation and Community Services programs.
• Develop and implement departmental policies and regulations.
• Select, train, motivate, coach/mentor and evaluate departmental personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to address/correct deficiencies; coordinate and implement discipline and termination process with the Personnel Department.
• Plan, direct and coordinate through subordinate level supervisors departmental work plans; meet with supervisory staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures
• Prepare, review and complete various reports, including Budget Reports, City Council Reports, Commission Reports, and other reports relating to outside agencies.
• Identify recreation and community service needs and necessary improvements in ongoing programs.
• Develop comprehensive plans to address anticipated future departmental and community needs and policies ensuring compliance with rules, regulations, procedures and federal, state, county, and municipal laws. Must possess very strong oral and written communication skills and highly developed interpersonal skills. Spanish bilingual skills desirable.
• Identify, seek and obtain additional funding sources, e.g., grant funding, donations and corporate sponsorships.
• Prepares and administers departmental budgets and administers federal and/or state grants.
• Administer contractual agreements with school districts, other governmental agencies and private organizations.
• Advise, and otherwise provides assistance to the City Manager, City Council, City Commissions, other City personnel, and the public regarding related issues; prepares and presents reports and recommendations relating to community service needs and athletic and recreational programs.
• Knowledge of principles, theories and practices of public administration as related to community and social services and athletic programs.
• Represents the City, or delegates such authority, in relations with the community, advisory committees, local, state, and federal agencies, other community services or recreational agencies, and professional organizations.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications
Education:

The position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation, Social Services, Public Administration or closely related field. Master's degree highly desirable.
Experience:

The Director of Recreation and Community Services must possess at least five (5) years of Recreation and Community Services management experience which includes the implementation and oversight of programs and policies ensuring compliance with rules, regulations, procedures and federal, state, county, and municipal laws. Must possess very strong oral and written communication skills and highly developed interpersonal skills.
Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.
Licenses or Certifications:

A valid State driver's license is required;
Physical Requirements:

Work is done in a standard office environment with several hours spent sitting and using a computer terminal, in the field, at meetings or events, and inside other recreational facilities. May be subject to all weather conditions.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas.

Other Important Information

EXAMINATION/SELECTION

Following a review of all applicants, the best-qualified candidates will be scheduled for further assessment procedures. Those applicants who successfully complete the evaluation process will be further considered. An eligibility list will be compiled in accordance with the City's Promotional/Open Recruitment Policy from which the final selection will be made.
Initial appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a City paid physical examination, drug screening, background check and verification of U.S. Citizenship or right to work in the United States. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. It is recommended that interested candidates apply immediately as this recruitment may close at anytime.
NOTICE: Under the California Government Code, Chapter 8 of Division 4 of Title 1, Section 3100 and the City of Bell Gardens Municipal Code Chapter 2.34, all City employees are designated as official disaster workers in the event of a declared disaster. In a declared disaster City employees may be required to report to work at times other than their regularly scheduled shifts and work extensive overtime during the emergency period.
Health Insurance - 100% City-paid medical (HMO), dental and vision coverage for employee and eligible dependents - a small employee contribution may be required when premium plans are selected. Cafeteria Opt Out for cash available.

Supplemental Insurance - City paid employee assistance program, STD/LTD plans, and life insurance at 1x annual salary (included AD&D).

Retirement - Enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Formula dependent upon current PERS membership:

• 2.7% @55 (Tier I Classic Member)
• 2.0% @55 (Tier II Classic Member)
• 2.0% @62 (Tier III /New Member/PEPRA)

Leaves - Competitive Vacation and Sick Leave Plans; along with generous holiday and floating holiday time.
Bilingual Pay - Employees certified as fluent in English/Spanish can receive up to $200 per month.

Educational Incentive -Incentive paid for degree above minimum job requirement as follows: Associate Degree - $100 per month; Bachelor's Degree - $150 per month; Master's Degree - $200 per month.

Tuition Reimbursement -The City reimburses for job-related courses with prior approval and satisfactory completion up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may defer their eligible income not to exceed legally allowed limits.

Optional Benefits - Supplemental Life / Accidental / Short Term Disability / Cancer Insurance plans available.
01

Are you currently a City employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation, Social Services, Public Administration or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Master's degree in Recreation, Social Services, Public Administration or related field?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess at least five (5) years of Recreation and Community Services management experience, which includes implementation and oversight of programs and policies?

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your experience collaborating with City management and other entities such as school districts, NFPs, private organizations, etc. to meet community needs.
Required Question