Parks Manager - Happy Hollow Park & Zoo - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS)

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About the Department

Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun?” Are you ready to make a difference?

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which includes over 40 community centers, 10 regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds, and 65 miles of trail. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

Position Duties

The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Parks Manager vacancy in the Parks Division at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

The total salary range for the Parks Manager classification is $143,860.08 - $175,309.68 annually.

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The City of San José’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is seeking an innovative and results-driven Parks Manager to lead Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ) — the City’s flagship destination known for its blend of family recreation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education.

The Parks Manager serves as the General Manager for Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ), providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all facets of the park and zoo. This includes animal care and welfare, rides and attractions, entertainment programs, maintenance, guest services, food and beverage, business operations, education, and conservation programming. The position ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality experiences for guests, animals and staff while advancing the City’s goals of equity, stewardship, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations of HHPZ, including animal care, maintenance, attractions, guest services, security and public programming.
• Oversee business operations such as admissions, concessions, memberships, and revenue programs to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Lead and develop a diverse team of staff and supervisors, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Plan and implement capital improvement projects, including animal exhibit renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and facility enhancements.
• Manage zoo enhancement projects including renovation of exhibits and acquisition of new animals to make HHPZ a nationally recognized leader in zoo programming and conservation.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with the Happy Hollow Foundation and other community organizations to expand fundraising, volunteerism, and conservation impact.
• Coordinate with internal City departments, Council Offices, and external partners to deliver high-quality outcomes for the community.
• Represent HHPZ and PRNS as a leader in destination management, environmental education, and public service excellence.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, innovative, and politically astute leader with experience managing complex park, zoo, or destination operations. They possess:

• Strong fiscal and business management skills, including experience with revenue generation, budgeting, and contracts.
• Knowledge of zoo operations, animal care standards, and guest experience best practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with staff, partners, and the public.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver data-driven results in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to the City’s values of inclusion, sustainability, and community service.

Key Priorities

• Strengthen the partnership with the Happy Hollow Foundation to support fundraising, conservation, and education initiatives.
• Lead capital improvement projects that enhance guest experience, animal habitats, and park infrastructure.
• Grow revenue-generating programs including memberships, concessions, and special events for fiscal sustainability.
• Position HHPZ as a national leader in animal care, conservation, and nature-based education, maintaining HHPZ’s 35-plus years of accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Completion of 60 semester units/90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in parks and/or recreation management or a related field AND six (6) years of experience in park management or professional public administration in planning and organizing community cultural or recreational facilities and programs, including three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience over an assigned maintenance or service district, facility or citywide or regional-serving program with multiple service delivery locations.

Acceptable Substitution

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in parks and/or recreation management or a related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Additional related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Required Licensing

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Physical requirement

The following is a general statement for the classification. Individual positions may have additional or different physical/environmental elements.

Possess ability to:

• Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, standing, and walking on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements
• Communicate in person and over the telephone or radio
• Maintain professional demeanor during interactions with staff, customers, and the public.

When assigned to an office environment, possess ability to:

• Operate, access, enter, and retrieve data using standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer or tablet
• Read printed materials and a computer screen
• Be exposed to moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.

When assigned to fieldwork, possess ability to:

• Strength and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work
• Sit, stand, run, and walk on various surfaces, including but not limited to uneven terrain, jumping over physical barriers, and climbing/descending ladders
• Make repetitive hand movements, including but not limited to operating varied hand and power tools
• Operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects (such as equipment) up to 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment
• Quickly respond to changing emergency conditions that may have hazardous situations or be placed in dangerous situations
• Be exposed to unpredictable working conditions including but not limited to loud noise levels, moving mechanical parts, inclement weather conditions, confined workspaces, toxic or caustic chemicals, hazardous physical substances, fumes, odors, gases, dust, and air co

Form 700 requirement

This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
Job Expertise

Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Fiscal Management

Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.

Management

Evaluatesprioritiestoensurethe'true'topprioritiesarehandledsatisfactorily;setscleargoalsfor the employees and the work unit.

Initiative

Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

Vision/Strategic Thinking

Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change in light of internal and external trends and influences; builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.

Collaboration

Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.

Political Skill

In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.

Leadership

Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

Communication Skills

Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered, or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jaine Davies at jaine.davies@sanjoseca.gov.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 12/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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