Salary : $121,388.80 - $154,939.20 Annually
Location : CITY OF CARSON, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number:
Department: COMMUNITY SERVICES
Division: PARKS & RECREATION
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

THE POSITION
The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Recreation Program Manager
* RECRUITMENT OPENED INTERNALLY TO ACTIVE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES*
The ideal candidate is an experienced, strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. They should be capable of effectively supervising seven full-time staff while overseeing multiple facilities, youth and adult sports programs, and daily recreation operations. The successful candidate will be a hands on leader who can manage competing priorities, develop staff, address challenges, improve programs, and build positive relationships with employees, residents, sports organizations, and other City departments in a professional manner.

Vacancy Information

There is one (1) current full-time (FLSA: Exempt) vacancy with a 4/10 schedule, working Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or the work schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the City. This position is fully on-site. Remote work is not available for this position.
Under the direction of the Recreation Superintendent, plans, organizes, and evaluates a variety of recreational programs and services at various recreational facilities; supervises and evaluates staff assigned to recreational facilities, and/or recreational programs and services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)

1. Plans, organizes, manages, evaluates, and staffs a variety of recreational programs and services.
2. Establishes, implements, and monitors performance standards, goals and objectives of assigned recreational programs and services.
3. Prepares, monitors, and controls budget and financial expenditures of assigned recreational programs and services.
4. Develops marketing plans, advertises and promotes assigned recreational programs and services.
5. Supervises, trains, evaluates and participates in the hiring and disciplinary process of assigned staff.
6. Prepares, reviews, and approves reports and other correspondence, including but not limited to, City Council and Parks and Recreation commission agenda items.
7. Supervises the scheduling and coordination of facilities and equipment for general public use; maintains inventory control.
8. Recommends and assists with the maintenance of facilities and equipment as needed.
9. Develops and prepares contracts and other agreements with vendors and other agencies.
10. Communicates with outside agencies, such as the Sheriff's and Fire Departments; resolves public inquiries and complaints.
11. Prepares and maintains records regarding work activity and assigned personnel.
12. Attends meetings, makes oral presentations to city employees, governmental, and/or public groups.
13. May provide staff support to a commission or committee.
14. May write, apply for and administer grants.
15. Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in recreation, public administration, or related field and five (5) years of full-time, paid lead or supervisory experience in recreation or related field. Experience and/or education may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of recreation program development and implementation.
• Adult and children's recreational programs; individual and team sports.
• Community recreational and special programs interests and needs.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Principles of supervision, training, and evaluation.
• Marketing, advertising and public relations principles and practices.
• City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• General record keeping practices.
• Budgeting practices and procedures; grant administration.
• Appropriate safety practices and procedures.
• Personal computer software and hardware.
• Office practices and procedures.
• Effective methods of report presentation.
• Purchasing practices and contract administration.

Skill and Ability to:

• Effectively develop and administer recreational programs and services.
• Evaluate recreational programs and facilities.
• Effectively prepare marketing plans.
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Identify and analyze problems and take effective corrective action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Make effective oral presentations.

License and/or Certificate:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. Employees in this classification will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:

• Perform work which is primarily sedentary
• Require ability to talk, hear and see.
• Require mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• May be required to use personal and/or city vehicle in the course of employment.
• May be required to work evenings or weekends.

Recruitment Process:
This recruitment is open until September 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm. To be considered, please submit an online application and required attachments. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:

• Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
• Oral exam, weighted at 100%
• Final Selection Interview

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.
Appointment:

Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing pre-employment physical, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This recruitment is Promotional

CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, please click on the link below.
01

The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process. As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?

• Yes
• No

02
Which one of the following statements best describes the highest education you earned?

Please note: Proof of education (AA degree or higher) must be attached at the time of submission with your application.

• I earned a high school/GED certificate.
• I earned an Associates degree.
• I earned a Bachelor's degree.
• I earned a graduate degree.

03

Please indicate your degree major and provide why its relevant to the position. If you don't have a degree, please enter N/A.
04

Do you have five (5) years of full-time, paid lead or supervisory experience in recreation or related field?

• Yes
• No

05

What experience do you have managing a program budget, monitoring expenditures, generating revenue, or developing budget requests?
06

How do you ensure your staff are held accountable while fostering a positive and productive team environment?
07

This position supervises seven full-time employees who work across multiple facilities and programs. How would you establish clear expectations, accountability, and communication across the entire section?
Required Question