Regional Manager - Big Bear Valley Parks and Recreation District

Job Description:

Regional Manager - Big Bear Valley Parks and Recreation District

Description

The Job

Shape the Future of Recreation, Community, and Wildlife Conservation in Big Bear Valley
FOR PRIORITY CONSODERATION APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 26, 2025



The San Bernardino County, Special Districts Department is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Regional Manager, overseeing operations, facilities, and community programs that enrich the lives of Big Bear residents and visitors alike. This role carries broad responsibility, managing diverse services including the Big Bear Alpine Zoo , Big Bear Senior Center, Beyond the Bell After-School Care, and multiple parks and recreation facilities throughout the District.

Under general administrative direction, the Regional Manager leads day-to-day operations, budget oversight, program and facility management, community partnerships, and staff supervision. This role requires independent judgment, adaptability, and a strong commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality services to the Big Bear Valley community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Building Community. Enhancing Recreation. Protecting Wildlife.

As the Regional Manager, you will serve as the driving force behind the District’s mission to deliver safe, vibrant, and responsive community services. You will guide long-term planning, budget development, and strategic partnerships while fostering innovation across programs that support youth, seniors, families, and the rehabilitation, conservation, and animal welfare efforts at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Reporting to Special Districts leadership and working closely with the District Governing Board, the Regional Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the District remains a trusted community resource.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Direct overall operations of the District, including recreation programs, facilities, zoo management, senior services, and child care.
• Develop and implement policies and initiatives that improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Guide long-term planning efforts to ensure facilities, programs, and services align with community growth.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Prepare and manage the District budget with accountability for financial performance.
• Identify and secure alternative funding sources, including grants, donations, and revenue programs.
• Maintain strong financial controls to support sustainable operations.

Program & Facility Management

• Oversee a wide variety of facilities, including community parks, Swim Beach, BMX Park, Senior Center, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
• Direct operations of youth programs, including Beyond the Bell before/after school care and seasonal day camps.
• Ensure all facilities and program sites meet safety, compliance, and quality standards.

Community & Board Engagement

• Represent the District at Board and Municipal Advisory Council meetings.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and local government.
• Deliver reports, updates, and presentations to ensure transparency and engagement.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor staff across recreation, zoo, child care, and senior services.
• Promote a strong culture of customer service, teamwork, and accountability.
• Provide training, direction, and support to maintain high performance and community trust.

Public Communication & Outreach

• Direct communication strategies to promote District programs and services.
• Actively engage with residents, seniors, youth, and families to expand awareness and participation.
• Serve as a visible and approachable leader within the Big Bear Valley community.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Big Bear Valley Park and Recreation District, part of San Bernardino County’s Special Districts Department, is dedicated to enriching community life by providing positive recreational experiences and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. Guided by its mission, the District upholds a standard of excellence through its people, parks, and programs.

The District manages a diverse portfolio of facilities and services, including seven community parks, the Senior Center, Beyond the Bell after-school programs, seasonal day camps, Swim Beach, the BMX Park, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the nation’s only dedicated alpine zoo specializing in the rehabilitation and care of alpine and mountain wildlife. By fostering interaction across age groups, building strong community relationships, and supporting education, wellness, and cultural unity, the District works to create an environment where residents and visitors alike can thrive.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

• Make a Lasting Community Impact: Lead programs and services that strengthen connections, promote healthy lifestyles, and create safe, vibrant spaces for all residents and visitors.
• Manage a Unique Portfolio: Oversee a diverse set of responsibilities including parks, recreation programs, senior services, child care, and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
• Drive Innovation and Growth: Shape the future of the District through strategic planning, program development, and community engagement.
• Build Meaningful Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and civic partners to enhance community programs and services.
• Enjoy Exceptional Quality of Life: Live and work in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains, with year-round outdoor recreation and a welcoming mountain community.
• Lead with Purpose: Inspire a team committed to excellence, integrity, and delivering outstanding experiences to the community.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• This position offers full benefits and a competitive salary range of $ 92,622.40 - $132,100.80 Annually DOQ
• 3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases in February 2026 & Bi-annual step increases of 2.5% up to Step 16
• The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefit Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential of 4% above the base salary rate with a complementing modified leaves package and benefits.

TRADITIONAL

OPTION

BOTH OPTIONS INCLUDE

MODIFIED

OPTION

• Up to 160 hours accruable Paid Vacation time
• 88 hours Sick Leave with unlimited accrual
• 14 Paid Holidays + 1 Paid Floating Holiday
• 16 hours Perfect Attendance Leave
• Higher Medical Premium Subsidy

• Medical/Dental/Vision - family coverage with premium subsidies
• Generous Retirement - Vested after five (5) yrs (sbcera.org)
• 401K with 2-for-1 County match up to 8%
• 457 (b) with .5-for-1 County match up to .5%
• 80 hours of Administrative Leave with cash-out option
• Retirement Medical Trust Fund with County contribution
• Flexible Spending Account - County match up to $50 per pay period depending on plan
• $1000 Education/Membership Reimbursement
• Tuition Loan Repayment up to $10,000
• Wellness Programs, including health club membership
• Dependent Care Assistance Plan

• 4% wage differential over the base rate of pay for all paid hours
• Paid time off (PTO) w/ cash-out option - up to 5 weeks accruable; can be used for vacation, illness, or other personal use
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Medical Premium Subsidy

PLUS RETIREMENT RECIPROCITY WITH CALPERS AND '37 ACT PLANS

Review job-specific Benefits by following the links below:

Summary of Traditional Benefits Option OR Summary of Modified Benefits Option

County Special Districts / Fire District Exempt Compensation Plan

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Education:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Park Management, Public or Business Administration, Zoology, or a closely related field.
Experience:
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation, parks, zoological management, or government municipal operations, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
Substitution: An additional four (4) years of qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-to-year basis (I.e. one year of qualifying experience may substitute for one academic year of education.

A combination of relevant education, experience, and training that provides the necessary knowledge and skills may be considered.

Desired Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal Regional Manager combines leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for community service. Key competencies include:

• Parks and Recreation Expertise: Experience in parks, recreation, or government municipal operations is highly desirable.
• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set vision, guide staff, and achieve organizational goals.
• Financial and Program Management: Skill in budgeting, program oversight, and facility operations.
• Community Engagement: Ability to build partnerships, communicate with stakeholders, and represent the District publicly.
• Staff Development: Experience supervising and mentoring diverse teams to foster collaboration and high performance.
• Problem Solving & Communication: Strong decision-making and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Selection Process

Application Procedure : Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

Priority Application Review: Applications received by Friday, September 26, 2025 will be included in the first review. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis thereafter until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as this recruitment may close at any time.

Selection Process: The selection process will consist of a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the application and responses to the supplemental questions. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the appointing authority for further consideration.

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications. Update your firewalls to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com. Update your Spam, Junk, and Bulk settings to ensure it will not spam/block/filter communications from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov". Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email . Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Information .

For more important details, review the links below:

Guide to Completing a County Job Application

Applicant Information and the County Employment Process

Exempt Unit-Group D

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits, please click here .

A summary of benefits is provided below. Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$92,622.40 - $132,100.80 Annually