Salary : $94,660.80 - $117,998.40 Annually
Location : Buena Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Benefited)
Job Number: Department: Community Services
Division: Senior Center
Opening Date: 09/03/2025
Closing Date: 9/28/ :59 PM Pacific
JOB BULLETIN The City of Buena Park Community Services Department is looking for a professional, eager, and fun leader to head the Senior Services Division. The Community Services Department invites the brightest, hardest working, and most enthusiastic applicants to apply.The Ehlers Event Center/Senior Center is dedicated to providing event and senior services programming that is not only fun and lively, but vital to our senior community.
The Ehlers Event Center consists of several banquet/event facilities including Heritage Hall, Ruth Walp Hall, Veterans Hall, and The Plaza. The Center is also home to one of the largest and busiest senior centers in the region. This vibrant Center hosts events, contract classes, senior programs, and various recreation activities that are focused on serving the Buena Park community.
The Community Services Supervisor plans, organizes and supervises recreation and leisure programs, special events, and facility rentals. In addition, this position serves as a liaison to community groups, commissions, foundations, schools, other City departments, and community services programs including facility rentals, senior transportation, capital projects and the Homeless Outreach Case Management team.
The ideal candidate must have strong supervisory, communication, and customer-service skills, be independent, organized, friendly, outgoing, and compassionate to the needs of aging individuals. Additionally, the individual in this position must be able to work a flexible schedule and effectively and efficiently manage a bustling community facility.
THE POSITION Under general supervision, plans, organizes, and supervises recreational programs, activities, fine arts, senior citizens functions, and special events; develops, manages, and evaluates programs and budgets; serves as liaison to community groups, commissions, foundations, schools, and other departments for particular community services programs, including facility rentals, capital projects, and aquatics programs; and does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Community Services Supervisor has primary responsibility for planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, staffing, and supervising a major grouping of city programs, such as youth sports, adult sports, seniors, special events, facility rentals and maintenance, and cultural arts programs and providing direction to professional staff. As distinguished from the Community Services Coordinator, the Community Services Supervisor has greater accountability for budgeting and policy development, and a larger span of supervisory control over professional staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.
- Assists in establishing division goals and objectives and oversees the planning and implementation of programs and goals with Community Services Coordinators; evaluates service delivery using productivity, quality, revenue, and customer satisfaction standards and program recommendations.
- Plans, organizes, and evaluates the work of regular and non-regular staff and seasonal employees who are assigned to Ehlers Event Center, seniors, and other recreation programs and activities.
- Supervises and participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of work processes, procedures, and programs to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards.
- Recruits and recommends the hiring of staff; coordinates, trains, assigns, reviews, and evaluates work; implements disciplinary actions as needed.
- Serves as a city liaison to assigned committees, commissions, program participants, community groups, and school officials.
- Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service.
- Coordinates, develops, manages, and monitors the performance of assigned community services and programs; processes and approves claim forms, purchase orders, and other financial payment processes.
- Oversees and assists with the preparation of annual program and facility budgets; analyzes and prepares departmental revenues and expenditures reports and recommends budget allocations.
- Plans, coordinates, develops, and proofreads quarterly marketing brochures, flyers, press releases, and other marketing and promotional materials involving the media.
- Manages and oversees the implementation of various programs, events, and services, including capital projects, contract classes, and senior programs at the Ehlers Event Center.
- Analyzes and develops special and on-going programs and projects and determines priorities and scheduling; estimates personnel, resources, and time required for program and project completion and implementation.
- Manages and oversees facility usage including programming, scheduling, maintenance and repairs; analyzes and develops facility rental policies and procedures.
- Prepares and reviews staff reports, program summaries, activity records, and financial records to advise interested parties regarding major developments.
- Monitors and keeps informed of current trends in the community services field, including program development trends and best practices, and potential operational improvements.
- Acts as department web liaison in maintaining and updating information regarding services and programs.
- May perform fundraising activities and research donation, sponsorship, and grant opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES Knowledge of: Theories, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources, and trends in the field of community service programs and services; applicable federal, state, and local health and safety codes and regulations; functions and practices of a municipal recreation unit; research methods and statistical techniques and applications; modern community services practices, including program planning, marketing, budgeting, goal setting, work planning, and organization; program evaluation practices; principles of employee supervision; effective customer service techniques.
Ability to: Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of regular and non-regular staff; train personnel in work procedures; design and manage a variety of recreational programs and projects given community needs, available resources, and city policies; exercise tact and sensitivity in responding to community issues and concerns; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, community groups, the media, facility users, and the general public; prepare a variety of financial, staff and activity reports and correspondence; operate computer equipment and use word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and related software applications programs.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is required constantly to sit, and occasionally to stand and walk. The employee must be able to talk and hear. The employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee must be able to lift and carry records and documents, typically weighing less than 20 pounds. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry materials and equipment used for special events weighing more than 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this class include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing and intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; interact with city officials, media, citizens groups, sports officials, contractors, employees, management, and others encountered in the course of work; occasionally subject to conflicts involving use of community services.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee primarily works in an office setting but works in the field in traveling to different community centers and events. In the office setting, the noise level is frequently quiet or moderately quiet. In field settings, the employee is exposed to loud noise during sporting and recreational activities and works under variable weather conditions at different sites and events. Occasional driving is required to visit community services facilities, and community and public meetings.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Leisure Services, Recreation Management, Physical Education, gerontology or a related field
is required. Five years of professional community service program planning experience
is required , including supervisory, administrative, and program planning work. Experience within a specific field related to the position assignment
is highly desirable. LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance
are required. APPLICANT INFORMATION/EXAM WEIGHT Oral Interviews: Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Applicants must submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page at Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will no be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application.
All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be
most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.
The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.
Americans with Disabilities:
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at no later than 5 business days before the test date.
Fingerprinting:
Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
Physical Examination:
Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.
Below is a list of key benefits offered to employees of the City of Buena Park and is only a summary of benefits. They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department.
SALARY RANGE: Composed of six (6) steps - Entry step through E step (Except management positions). Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent.
RETIREMENT: Provided through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employee pays member contribution.
VACATION: Earned at the rate of ten (10) working days per year for the first five (5) years of service. Public safety employees receive a different but equivalent benefit. Additional vacation may be earned by employees after five (5) years of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated on the basis of eight (8) hours per month with no maximum accumulation.
HOLIDAYS: An average of eleven (11) holidays per year.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Several plans (indemnity and HMO's) are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium according to the bargaining unit agreement.
DENTAL INSURANCE: Three (3) plans are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium. The Employee may pay a portion of the insurance premium according at bargaining unit agreement and this benefit is voluntary.
VISION INSURANCE: One plan is available. The Employee pays the insurance premium and this benefit is voluntary.
LIFE INSURANCE: Amount of coverage is based on the employee bargaining unit. Premiums are fully paid by the City.
LONG TERM DISABILITY: Fully paid by the City. Police sworn personnel are not eligible.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to all City employees and their immediate families.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: The City offers one (1) plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions. This is a voluntary benefit with no City contribution.
WORK SCHEDULE: 4/10 or 3/12 alternative work schedule depending upon the work location.
OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families.
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: $100 per month, per child, is available to all Full-Time City employees with eligible dependents 0 - 5 years of age.
01
To better evaluate your qualifications for this position, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. An incomplete and inaccurate application may lead to disqualification. It is your responsibility to fill out the application thoroughly and accurately. Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing these questions. Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering the questions. If you do not have experience, please write "NONE". NOTE: 'See resume', 'See above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be considered when evaluating your qualifications.
- I acknowledge receipt of this information and understand the instructions.
02
Do you have a valid California class C driver's license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance?
03
Do you have the ability to work extended hours in order to meet the needs of the department, complete assigned work, and attend meetings or events as needed?
04
What is your highest level of education completed?
- No Diploma
- High School or G.E.D.
- Some College - 59 units or less
- Some College - more than 60 units
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
05
How many years experience do you have planning and coordinating recreation and leisure programs for all age groups?
- No Experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- 1 to less than 2 years experience
- 2 to less than 3 years experience
- 3 to less than 4 years experience
- 4 to less than 5 years experience
- 5 years or more experience
06
How many years experience do you have planning, organizing, and implementing Senior Center programs?
- No Experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- 1 to less than 2 years experience
- 2 to less than 3 years experience
- 3 to less than 4 years experience
- 4 to less than 5 years experience
- 5 years or more experience
07
How many years experience do you have planning and facilitating aspects of city-wide special events?
- No Experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- 1 to less than 2 years experience
- 2 to less than 3 years experience
- 3 to less than 4 years experience
- 4 to less than 5 years experience
- 5 years or more experience
08
Please select the areas in which you have relevant Community Service Programming experience:
- Senior Services Programming
- Facility Rentals
- City Wide Event Planning
- Homeless Outreach
- Transportation Services
- Budget Management
- Community Outreach/Presentations
09
Provide specific details of your experience with scheduling, training, supervising, and evaluating the work of part-time staff and volunteers. If no experience, indicate N/A
10
Provide specific details of your experience planning, organizing, and implementing Senior Center programs. If no experience indicate N/A.
11
Please describe your experience working with senior and/or disabled populations (if any). If no experience, please indicate N/A.
12
Describe an innovative program that you have presented and/or implemented to attract a younger senior population to Community Services event or facility.
Required Question