Park Operations Manager

Park Operations Manager

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 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.

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

Benefits

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.