Recreation and Open Space Planner

Job Details

Under general direction, performs professional and administrative work to plan, coordinate, and implement parks, trails, and open space projects, as well as recreational programs, events, and public engagement initiatives throughout Lake County. This position manages projects for outdoor recreation, coordinates seasonal and year-round programming, and supports grant development, community partnerships, and environmental education efforts. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license.

Possession of American Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.

AND

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation program coordination, park or open space planning, public event planning, or a combination thereof.

Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and attend offsite community events as needed.

Experience in a rural or small-agency setting is desirable.

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description, you have two options: Either visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecs or simply click on this link.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLANNER

DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs professional and administrative work to plan, coordinate, and implement parks, trails, and open space projects, as well as recreational programs, events, and public engagement initiatives throughout Lake County. This position manages projects for outdoor recreation, coordinates seasonal and year-round programming, and supports grant development, community partnerships, and environmental education efforts. Performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a specialized, single-position classification. The incumbent is responsible for the coordination and oversight of parks and recreation events and programs. The incumbent is responsible for both long-range planning of County parks and open spaces and for managing public recreation and education programs. The position requires independent judgment, cross-disciplinary knowledge, and strong community engagement skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from Public Services Director and/or Deputy Public Services Director. Provides supervision, lead direction, work coordination, and training to assigned staff and volunteers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Develops and maintains long-range plans for County parks, trails, and natural open space areas.
• Plans and coordinates recreational, environmental, and community-based events and activities.
• Conducts site analysis and feasibility studies for park improvements and facility development.
• Prepares grant applications and funding proposals for recreation and park capital projects.
• Coordinates with other departments, consultants, and contractors on project design and implementation.
• Prepares and monitors budgets for programs and capital projects; tracks schedules and expenditures.
• Oversees the permitting and scheduling of recreation facilities for community use.
• Engages with residents, schools, tribes, and community groups to assess needs and increase participation.
• Supervises seasonal recreation staff and volunteers; recruits and trains instructors, coaches, and event staff.
• Prepares promotional and outreach materials for distribution through print, digital, and community channels.
• Represents the County in public meetings, workshops, and on local and regional committees.
• Evaluates programs and services and prepares recommendations to improve performance and outcomes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of parks and open space planning.
• Recreation programming, public event coordination, and community engagement strategies.
• Capital improvement project development and grant writing.
• CEQA/NEPA basics, ADA accessibility, and safety standards for public spaces.
• Public agency budgeting, contract administration, and procurement processes.
• Research methods, outreach techniques, and use of GIS and mapping tools.
• Effective written and verbal communication methods.
• Principles of staff supervision, training, and evaluation.

Ability to:

• Plan and implement both recreation programs and open space initiatives effectively.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Communicate effectively with diverse community members, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with public, nonprofit, and tribal organizations.
• Manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving needs.
• Use computer systems and software related to planning, budgeting, and program coordination.
• Provide supervision and leadership to assigned staff and volunteers.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license.

Possession of American Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.

AND

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation program coordination, park or open space planning, public event planning, or a combination thereof.

Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and attend offsite community events as needed.

Experience in a rural or small-agency setting is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field. As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions.

Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer ” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: 11/12/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Lake

• 707-263-2213

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