Director of Parks and Recreation

The County of San Luis Obispo is seeking a strong and creative leader to serve as the next Parks and Recreation Director. The Director will oversee the operation and management of the County’s parks, golf courses and recreational facilities and lead and inspire a diverse and experienced team. It is important that the new Director is a resourceful and fiscally responsible manager, with experience developing and managing department budgets, managing contracts, and a successful track record for completing projects on time and within budget. The County is preparing for the launch of its new ERP system in the Spring ‘27. Ideally the new Director should be experienced in the implementation process and training of staff in the use of these systems to improve efficiencies within the Department.

The new Director will be responsible for the completion and implementation of the County’s Parks Master Plan and associated projects, as such the ideal candidate should been a skilled communicator with a proven track record in engaging with community stakeholders and non-profits. As a representative of the County, the Director should have experience working with and presenting to Boards and committees, community groups, and state and regional agencies. The successful candidate should be a visionary and strategic thinker with outstanding leadership skills, politically savvy, and capable of providing realistic guidance and advice to the community that allows the Board to make informed decisions.

As leader of the Parks and Recreation Department, the new Director should be an experienced supervisor, dedicated coach and mentor, and an innovative organizational developer. They must communicate clearly, set department goals and objectives, manage workloads, establish priorities, and implement efficient operating procedures and policies. The Parks and Recreation team is talented and dedicated, with both experienced and newer staff. With impending transitions in management, the new Director will have the opportunity to shape the department’s future executive structure and support its continued growth and development.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Annual Salary: The annual salary range for this opportunity is $159,556.80 to $213,844.80 (an increase of this range is under consideration). Appointment will be made depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. A 5% approved increase will take effect on July 1, 2027. The position is part of the unrepresented bargaining unit 09. A full listing of the benefits offered can be found here appointed department heads.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Filing Deadline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .October 9, 2026
• Preliminary Interviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 12 - 23, 2026
• Recommendation of Candidates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October 29, 2026
• Finalist(s) Interview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 5 & 12, 2026

These dates have been confirmed, and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.