Community Service Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Organization
Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served.
DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we have offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.
Please note: Desert Recreation District does not participate in CalPERS retirement system.
EOE Statement
***DISCLAIMER: The District reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
All employment offers made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical.
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Hourly/Salary Range
$94,818.28 - $118,415.04
Close Date
8/18/2026
Description
Click Here for the recruitment brochure.
Locations/Departments Overseeing: Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, Indio Hills, and Aquatics.
DEFINITION: Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and conducting a variety of recreation, aquatics and leisure programs, services, and activities to various communities within a designated geographic region; organizes, and coordinates community recreation and leisure programs, services, activities, and facility operations across multiple sites; develops, implements, evaluates, promotes, and supervises programs and program staff which may include; youth programs, aquatics, youth and adult sports, seasonal programs, special interest classes, and community events; fosters cooperative working relationships with various public, private, and community groups and across geographic regions; provides professional staff support to the Community Services Director relative to the assigned area(s) of responsibility; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general direction from a Community Services Director. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is the full supervisory-level class within the Community Services Department that exercises independent judgement on diverse and specialized community, recreation, and leisure programs within a geographic region with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibility associated with the work. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of community service and/or recreation staff either directly or through subordinate working supervisors and for providing professional support to management staff in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of community service and/or recreation staff responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, delivering, and evaluating community service, recreation, and leisure programs, services, activities, and facility operations within a designated geographic service region comprised of multiple communities.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends promotions and initial disciplinary action; participates in employee recruitment and selection.
• Develops, plans, supervises, implements, and evaluates recreation and leisure programs, activities, and/or systems within assigned geographic region comprised of multiple communities and community center facilities; establishes schedules and methods for providing community and recreation services.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of program and service delivery methods; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Determines and recommends equipment, materials, and staffing needs for assigned facilities, projects, and programs; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications as required; assumes responsibility for administration of budget applicable to area of assignment including monitoring and controlling expenditures.
• Acts as a representative to community groups, private businesses, and others regarding questions, problems, concerns, and activities in the provision of recreation and leisure program operations, activities, and services.
• Supervises and oversees the effectiveness of the recreation program operations, activities, facilities maintenance, and community events and recommends improvements or modifications.
• Assists with development of recreation contract administration and use agreements.
• Evaluates community recreation needs and interests; analyzes data and recommends new recreation programs or improvements to meet community needs.
• Develops, maintains, and reviews a variety of staff, financial, and statistical reports related to the area of assignment.
• Coordinates first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), water safety instruction (WSI), and other safety training and certification courses for staff as needed.
• Participates in ensuring compliance with relevant health, safety, and licensing laws and guidelines; maintains and updates all records required by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
• Supervises the preparation of and executes program publicity brochures, press releases, flyers, and forms.
• Provides administrative support to the department, such as conducting research, performing special projects, developing reports, or compiling statistics.
• Represents the District in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and practices of recreation and community service program development and administration, including program implementation, review, and evaluation, budgeting, and purchasing.
• Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to facility rentals, classes, and community events.
• Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation, aquatics and leisure activities and programs through community participation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of the community.
• Principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of basic public relations techniques including the utilization of social media.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to community recreation and leisure programs and activities.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping, cash handling, and report preparation.
• Research and survey techniques including data collection methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Principles and practices of public relations techniques.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, oversee, and supervise the staff and operations of an assigned geographic region.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.?
• Select and supervise staff; provide training and development opportunities; ensure work is performed effectively; and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Organize, implement, and direct assigned recreation and leisure programs, services, activities, and operations activities.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations and justification for solution.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, programs, services, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals; collaborate with said agencies to build partnerships and advocate on behalf of the District and communities served.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation, public administration, or a related field.
Experience: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience managing or coordinating multiple recreation and c