The City of Ojai is seeking an empathetic, organized, and highly collaborative individual to serve as the Ojai Tent Town (OTT) Manager. Operating under the general direction of the City Manager, this pivotal role oversees the day-to-day operations, administrative functions, and participant community of Ojai Tent Town.

If you are a problem-solver with a passion for community-based program management, we invite you to apply.

Limited Term Appointment: This position is a full-time, limited term appointment, anticipated to conclude within 12-18 months as Ojai Tent Town transitions to a Permanent Supportive Housing solution.

To Apply: Please submit a completed employment application through the City of Ojai's employment portal at . This recruitment will remain open through Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Compensation & Benefits

Rate of Pay: $39.69 - $48.24 per hour

Deferred Compensation: City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/month.

Retirement: Participation in CalPERS and Social Security.

Health Insurance: Access to CalPERS health plans. City pays 100% of employee and 80% of dependent premiums (up to PERS Platinum rate).

Dental & Vision Insurance: City pays 100% of employee premium.

Disability Insurance: City paid short- and long-term disability.

Life Insurance: $30,000 City paid policy wtih AD&D.

Holidays: 13 paid holidays annually.

Vacation: Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on service.

Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.

OTT MANAGER

Under general direction, the Ojai Tent Town (OTT) Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees the day-to-day operations of Ojai Tent Town.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the City Manager or higher-level professional staff within the City Manager's Office. May exercise direct supervision over volunteers.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establish, maintain and enhance cooperative relationships with local service providers and OTT participants.
• Maintain data and records on the OTT population and services, including Good Neighbor Agreements.
• Administer and monitor OTT Good Neighbor Agreements; document non-compliance and issue formal administrative notices for violations of Good Neighbor Agreements.
• Coordinate with the City Manager and laws enforcement representatives to review and facilitate the exit of participants who demonstrate persistent and severe violations of Good Neighbor Agreements.
• Assist the Sheriff's Department with complaints of violations of local and state laws, ordinances, or codes and regulations related to OTT participants.
• Mediate and assist in resolving interpersonal conflicts or operational issues arising among OTT participants.
• Identify, recommend, and implement operational protocols to improve the overall functionality and safety of OTT.
• Collaborate with Help of Ojai, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and external case managers to facilitate the streamlined delivery of supportive services to participants.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the City Manager and partner case management agencies regarding the ongoing status, programmatic metrics, and collective needs of OTT participants.
• Partner with City departments and external public or non-profit organizations to connect participants with employment opportunities, socialization programs, and life enrichment resources.
• Oversee and ensure the overall tidiness and cleanliness of OTT grounds, including the coffee break room and sanitation facilities; maintain an inventory of supplies.
• In coordination with the City Manager, schedule and monitor volunteer groups and contract crews assigned to clean up or maintain OTT grounds; train and supervise volunteers and participants assisting with day-to-day tasks.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and members of the public using principles of excellent customer service.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.
• During an emergency or disaster, all City employees may be ordered to perform work outside the normal scope of their duties as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in accordance with California Government Code.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

- Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of service provision to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Best practices in homeless encampment management, transitional housing programs, or shelter operations.
• Basic principles of safe food handling, storage, sanitation, and waste management.
• Business English, spelling and grammar.
• De-escalation techniques and basic conflict resolution models.

- Ability and Skill to:

• Work cooperatively with diverse agencies, service providers, community groups, and vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with the public to foster positive relationships and resolve issues efficiently.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Coordinate activities with City staff and other agencies.
• Maintain detailed, current and accurate records.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Develop creative and effective solutions to complex problems and issues.
• Understand, interpret, and respond effectively to requests for assistance from the public, staff, and participants both in-person and via phone/email.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Travel from one location to another in the course of doing business.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience and Education:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year of progressively responsible experience in the field of social services, homeless services, or low-income assistance programs. Experience working with diverse community groups within a local government or non-profit agency is preferred.

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by college level course work in social work, public administration, sociology, psychology, or a related field.

PHYSCIAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Environment: Split environment operating between a standard climate-controlled office and regular, direct exposure to outdoor field conditions, varying weather patterns, and field encampment environments.

Physical: Ability to sit, stand, walk on uneven terrain, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, and safely lift or move objects weighing up to 40 lbs.

Schedule: Requires the availability and flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to address operational needs.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening depending upon job classification). New employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.