THE OPPORTUNITY

The Desert Recreation District (DRD) seeks a talented park professional to serve as the next Director of Planning and Public Works in the largest recreation district in the State of California. DRD is growing and making significant investments in its existing assets, making this an exciting time for the next Director.

THE DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT

The Desert Recreation District focuses on providing recreation throughout the Coachella Valley service area. The DRD was created in 1950 and is the largest recreation and park district in the state of California. Covering more than 1,800 square miles, DRD is responsible for over 43 recreational facilities throughout the Coachella Valley that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces.

The DRD serves more than 380,000 residents in the incorporated communities of Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Coachella, and the unincorporated communities of Thousand Palms, Bermuda Dunes, Indio Hills, Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, Vista Santa Rosa, 100 Palms, and North Shore.

THE PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The Planning and Public Works Department is responsible for the asset management of the District including planning, capital improvement, and maintenance of parks, facilities, and vehicles. In addition, the 20 FTE staff in the Department are responsible for the following functional areas: capital improvements, land acquisitions, planning, design and construction, capital grants, parks and grounds, park maintenance, facility maintenance, fleet vehicles and maintenance, and L&L maintenance administration.

THE POSITION

This is an at-will position, reporting to an Assistant General Manager. The Director of Planning and Public Works serves as the principal planning and public works administrator.  Work is performed with considerable independent judgment within established policies and procedures.  The Director is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring long range plans for capital improvement programs, including master planning and facility development, as well as developing and overseeing acquisition plans and ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations related to land use, building, and development.  The Director plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including fleet, facilities, parks and open space. The Director performs representational duties related to the assigned areas of responsibility.

The Desert Recreation District seeks a candidate who has solid project management experience and ability to successfully execute and manage projects across the District; experience in construction or public works, especially gained in the public sector; an understanding of the public sector development environment with involvement managing development impact fees and park dedications in conjunction with new development; and strong management and communication skills in leading a small team in a hands-on environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, landscape architecture, park or natural resource management, construction or engineering management, business or public administration or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

• Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in public works, project planning, design and development leadership, acquisition and management or park management, including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The Desert Recreation District provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary for this role is up to $158,398, with specific placement within the range dependent on qualifications and experience. Key elements of the District’s benefits program include retirement with the District contributing 7.5% of salary toward a defined contribution retirement plan.  In addition, employees may participate in deferred compensation with a matching contribution up to 2.5% of salary. Together, if an employee contributes 2.5% of salary, the District matches with a 10% contribution. DRD does not participate in CalPERS.

In addition, DRD contributes up to $1,200 per month towards the medical, dental, and vision plans of full-time team members and their qualified dependents (choice of HMO, PPO, or EPO) and provides substantial paid leave annually; a District vehicle; and relocation expenses.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of stellar candidates has been established.

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100