City of Palmdale
The Community
From snow-capped vistas in the winter to golden poppies in the spring, Palmdale is a place where families can picture themselves right at home. This vibrant community encompasses 106 square miles and is surrounded by the Tehachapi and San Gabriel Mountains. Palmdale is a vibrant community 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, with 166,000 residents. We’re perfectly positioned for an easy drive to all of Southern California’s cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings. Open space is plentiful with broad, beautiful vistas in which to take a hike, ride a bike or enjoy equestrian activities. Cultural and recreational opportunities abound with two golf courses, outstanding parks, an amphitheater, water park, community theatre, as well as the region’s premier shopping and dining choices right in our own backyard.
The Organization
Incorporated in 1962, Palmdale became a charter city in 2009 and has a council/manager form of government. The City’s fiscally sound general fund operating expenditures totaled $124M in FY24/25. We pride ourselves on being a great place to work. Our mission is to provide a high level of service to the City and our residents by attracting, developing and retaining a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the high standards of the community we serve. To learn about our values, please visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/Values.
Where you fit in
The Recreation Manager reports directly to the Director of Parks & Recreation. More information about the department can be found at www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/ParksRec. To learn more about Why Palmdale, please visit: www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/WhyPalmdale www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/JobTips
We are looking for an enthusiastic team player ready to build a connected City through fostering relationships with a diverse group of people of every age and stage. We are a fast-growing, open-minded City, poised to become a model for how local government creates an interconnected, forward-thinking community, rich with options for visitors, businesses and residents. Our Recreation Manager will help us get there.
The City of Palmdale is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to assist in the management, direction and coordination of the day-to-day activities and operations of the Parks and Recreation department. This role will provide strategic oversight and leadership across the department’s diverse programs, facilities and services, ensuring high-quality recreational, cultural and community engagement opportunities for Palmdale residents.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced executive who can develop and sustain innovative programs, create meaningful community partnerships and oversee various recreational facilities, programs and events. This includes but is not limited to, arts and entertainment, special events, sports and wellness programs, outdoor recreation, community partnerships and facility management.
Key responsibilities include collaborating with other departments, optimizing departmental operations, and providing high-level staff support to the Director and Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation.
This position is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the quality of life in Palmdale by fostering a vibrant, inclusive and engaging recreation system.
Our Vision
Palmdale’s Parks & Recreation department offers premier services to residents. The department’s current expenditures total $17.8M with 37 full-time employees and approximately 300 part-time employees. Our parks, recreation facilities, programs and events strengthen community image and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Palmdale’s residents. Community assets operated and programmed by the department include 365 developed park acres:
- 1.5 acre dog park
- Senior services facility
- City Library
- 325-seat community theater
- An airpark featuring aircraft designed or built in Palmdale
- 6-acre mining-themed water park
- An 8,000 capacity outdoor amphitheater
- A seven field softball complex
- Four community pools
- Two traditional recreation centers
- A meeting and event rental facility
The department’s wide variety of open green spaces, cutting-edge facilities and community centers allow for an extensive recreation and leisure program. The City Council recently adopted a Parks Master Plan, reaffirming the City’s commitment to building a top-tier parks system that enhances the lives of residents. The Parks and Recreation department is eager to put this plan into action and the Recreation Manager will play a key role on the executive team in bringing it to life. The department also facilitates the civic work of the Library Board of Trustees and Public Art Commission. In addition, many community events are hosted throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations, headline concerts, fireworks and festivals. With community collaboration, innovation, commitment to service and team orientated staff members, Palmdale’s Parks and Recreation delivers memorable experiences and strengthens community pride.
The Parks and Recreation department consists of the following divisions:
Special Events: Organizes citywide events, including concerts, movies, festivals and seasonal celebrations.
Community Events: Facilitates third-party events such as festivals, awareness events, 5 or 10Ks and other public gatherings hosted by outside organizations.
DryTown WaterPark: Seasonal water park with slides, a lazy river and family attractions.
Palmdale Playhouse: Community theater offering performances, arts programming and cultural events.
Chimbole Cultural Center: Banquet and event facility available for community and private rentals.
Sports: Manages youth and adult sports leagues, tournaments and recreational sports programs.
Parks Programming: Provides outdoor activities, fitness programs and family-friendly events in City parks.
Aquatics: Oversees swimming lessons, lifeguard training and public swim programs at City pools and DryTown Water Park.
Aquatics Maintenance Division: Maintains and repairs City pools and DryTown Waterpark, ensuring water quality, safety compliance and operational efficiency.
Recreation Centers: Operates community centers offering classes, youth and senior programs and social activities.
Joe Davies Heritage Airpark: Outdoor museum showcasing military aircraft and aviation history, offering tours and educational programs.
Public Art: Oversees the installation and maintenance of murals, sculptures and other artistic projects that enhance the City’s visual and cultural landscape.
Palmdale City Library: Provides books, digital resources, literacy programs, community events and educational workshops for all ages.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Supports disaster preparedness and emergency response coordination.
Community Programs: Runs outreach initiatives, volunteer opportunities and enrichment programs for residents.
SAVES (South Antelope Valley Emergency Services): A food bank providing meals, resources and assistance to residents in need
For the complete job description and to apply online, please visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/Jobs