The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department is one of the premier parks and recreation departments in the country and is consistently recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, having received the national Gold Medal Award four (4) times. The Department operates over 171 parks with 26 community centers, two historic sites, two major tennis centers, an animal shelter, one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five courses, where over 400,000 rounds of golf are played annually, and the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation with over 3,336 boat slips and 6 miles of beaches. More than 3,100 acres within the City’s 50 square miles are available for recreation. The Department has an operating budget of over $60 million, with a full-time equivalent staff of 445 (equating to over 1,000 full- time and part-time employees). 

Under direction of the City Manager, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine oversees a talented staff, including seven direct reports, while working collaboratively to create a vibrant and ‘livable’ city. The ideal candidate will bring innovation, enthusiasm, motivation, and excellent communication, with a demonstrated ability to create and build successful business relationships.  The Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine requires a thorough knowledge of the principles of recreation and park management, public administration, personnel management, community organization, fiscal management and budget control, grants and other funding sources, and legislative advocacy.

Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the development of the budget, development and administration of comprehensive park, recreation and marine programs, community services and animal services or similar programs, with at least 5 years of experience at the management level. Experience with a commensurate sized city is desirable. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation, public administration, physical education, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree will be considered favorably.