Park Operations Manager

Salary : $99,736.00 - $141,107.20 Annually
Location : Santee Lakes 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee, CA
Job Type: Full Time Permanent Employee
Job Number: 2026-00012
Department: Park
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a 190-acre preserve located in East County, San Diego. The campground operates 365 days a year and features seven unique man-made lakes, 300 full hook-up campsites, 10 cabins, and miles of scenic walking trails. Opened in 1961, Santee Lakes has spent more than six decades serving generations of families and creating lasting memories in the great outdoors. If you're a passionate leader who thrives on delivering exceptional customer services and believes in the power of parks in our community. - We want to hear from you!
The initial Application Review will occur during the week of June 15, 2026. We highly encourage interested candidates to submit their application for consideration prior to that date. Applications for this position will continue to be accepted until the the recruitment is closed.
The Position:

The Park Operations Manager is a high impact leadership role reporting directly to the Director of Park & Recreation. You'll join a dynamic, dedicated team responsible for the safety of our guests and the seamless operation of our award-winning park and campground. Working closely with the park's leadership team, you'll help develop budgets, lead capital improvement projects, and play a direct role in defining the future vision of Santee Lakes. From year-round camper activities to large scale community events and future park development, your contributions will support an efficient operation and help Santee Lakes continue to raise the bar year over year.


To view the complete job description, click here:

Knowledge, Skills, Training, Experience & Licensing

Training/Experience Required:

1. Associates Degree in recreation administration, park management, business administration, leisure services or a related field; AND
2. Five (5) years' experience in the field of recreation, park management, community service, hospitality, leisure services, travel and tourism or customer service

Note: An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position may be considered; Bachelor's Degree is preferred.


Licensing Requirements:

1. Valid California Driver's License at time of hire
2. CPR and First Aid Certificate within six months of hire

Supplemental Information
Learn more about our mission, vision and the high-level services we provide - scan the QR code above or click HERE to view our 2025 Annual Report .
Health Insurance:
Employees have three plans from which to choose. Two HMO plans are 100% paid by Padre Dam for the employee and 90% for all eligible dependents; one PPO plan is partially paid by Padre Dam. Coverage is effective the first of the month after hire. Employees have the option to waive coverage and receive 50% of Padre Dam's cost savings as cash compensation. In order to waive benefits, you must show proof of other ACA eligible coverage.


Dental Insurance:
Padre Dam pays the total premium costs for the employee and all eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first of the month after hire.


Employee Assistance Program:
Employees and their dependents have access to confidential, third-party personal counseling, financial, legal and work-life services at no cost.


Flexible Spending Accounts:
Padre Dam employees may elect annually to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover health care or dependent care expenses.


Life Insurance:
Employee Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance is provided at 1½ times annual salary with a maximum benefit of $250,000. Dependent coverage of $5,000 is also provided. Total premium costs are paid by Padre Dam for the employee and all eligible dependents.


Short & Long Term Disability:
Padre Dam provides Short & Long Term Disability for the employee at 66 2/3% of monthly gross income. The Short Term Disability benefit is payable after 31 days and the Long Term Disability benefit becomes payable after the 91st day if there is a qualified disability.


Voluntary Benefits :
Employees have access to additional voluntary benefits such as Critical Illness Coverage, Pet Insurance and Identity Theft Protection. Employees are responsible for the entire cost of premiums for these plans.


Vacation:
New employees accrue 17 days per year for 1 to 4 years of service. Additional days are earned with additional years of service.


Sick Leave:
All employees accrue 12 days per year. Employees who accumulate and maintain a sick leave bank in excess of 240 hours may, on an annual basis, sell back up to 40 hours of unused accrual hours.

Holidays:
Employees enjoy 12 paid holidays per year.

Retirement:
Membership is compulsory in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Benefit formula for new CalPERS members is 2% @ age 62. Benefit formula for classic CalPERS members is 2.5@ age 55.

Social Security/Medicare :
Employees are covered under provisions of Federal Social Security and Medicare.


Deferred Comp Plan:
An optional deferred income plan is available which allows current income to be set aside as supplemental retirement savings.

Salary Adjustments (2022-2027):
Padre Dam provides an annual Cost of Living Adjustment of 3.25% on the first pay period of each fiscal year. In addition, Padre Dam offers a pay for performance merit system. Annually, on the anniversary date of the employee, an evaluation will be done that may include an increase in salary in alignment with performance.


Tuition Reimbursement :
After the probationary period, full-time and part-time employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week may apply for tuition reimbursement benefits.


Workforce Partnership (Pipeline) :
Padre Dam MWD encourages broad based participation in the organization's decision making process. Employees are encouraged to participate, voice opinions, share ideas and give feedback and collaborate.


This brief summary of benefits is provided for informational purposes only. This summary is intended to be accurate but it's not an official plan document and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contact. This summary does not alter or amend any provisions of the District's Standard Practices & Policies or any Memorandum of Understanding between the associations. Should you have any questions in regards to this summary, please contact the Human Resources department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
01


Your responses to the questions below will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment. An incomplete application or referencing your application in lieu of answering any of the supplemental questions will be cause for disqualification from the recruitment process. Changes can not be made to your application once it's submitted so please ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to the above.

02


Applicant Acknowledgement: Padre Dam's Human Resources Department uses email to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their employment application. As an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following: 1. It is your responsibility to ensure the email address you provide is current and readily accessible to you. 2. It is your responsibility to check your email to ensure you do not miss any deadlines established as part of the recruitment process. 3. It is your responsibility to read all Padre Dam emails carefully and follow instructions, if any. If you experience technical difficulties please contact NEOGOV Customer Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please be aware that Padre Dam's recruitment deadline is firm and we will not accept applications after the deadline has passed.

• I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to the above.

03


What is your highest level of education? If you select Associates Degree or higher, please attach a copy of your degree to this application.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the Above

04


A copy of my degree is attached.

• Yes
• No
• N/A

05


How many years of work experience do you have in supervision and team development?

• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5 - 7 years
• More than 7 years
• None

06


For the experience indicated in Question 5, please describe below. Please include name of employer, job title, dates in which you performed these duties and describe the duties you performed. If none, please indicate N/A.
07


Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve often hosts recreation programs and community events scheduled during the evening or occur during the weekend. The Park Operations Manager position is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational activities and requires occasional shifts outside of the regular work schedule to support special events and meet business needs. Are you able and willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate these requirements with advance notice?

• Yes
• No
• Yes, but with limitations/exceptions

08


If you indicated limitations or exceptions to a schedule adjustment in Question 7, please describe below. If you selected 'Yes' or 'No' in Question 7, please indicate N/A.
09


Please indicate the areas below in which you have professional experience. Check all that apply.

• Project Management
• Contract Development
• Contract Management
• Budget Management
• Lake Management Strategies
• Developing Operational Strategy, Policy and Procedure
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Developing and Implementing Recreation Programs or Community Events
• None of the Above

10


For the professional experience indicated in Question 9, please describe below. Please include name of employer, job title and describe your experience. If none, please indicate N/A.
11


Please indicate the software programs, platforms and applications you have professional experience using. Check all that apply.

• Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS)
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• None of the Above

12


For the experience indicated in Question 11, please describe below. Please provide the product name and describe your experience. If none, please indicate N/A.
Required Question