Job Description

Posting number: 2627-48

Department: Parks and Recreation

Job classification: Program Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Parks and Recreation, Office and Administrative Support

Summary

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Program Specialist. There is one vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Department to oversee Sports (staff-led and contracted), field and facility allocation, volunteer recruitment and management and part-time staff recruiting.

Application Deadline: 4:00 PM, Sunday, 11/29/2026

Test Dates: Oral Board Exam - Dec. 15, 2026

Selection Interview - Dec. 22, 2026

Exam dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation.

Examples of duties

A Program Specialist performs a wide variety of highly complex and responsible technical, administrative and programmatic duties in support of assigned function. Serves as primary contact and liaison for assigned functions and programs with other City staff, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations; represents the assigned function to public and private groups, organizations, and other City groups; assists the public and other City staff in interpreting and applying City policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances; researches information related to City regulations and departmental policies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; explains, justifies, and defends programs, policies, and activities; conducts a variety of studies and research for assigned area; collects, compiles, and analyzes information from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to programs administered by the position or by management staff; writes reports which present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and make and justify recommendations; reviews current Federal, State, and City rules and regulations; analyzes Federal decisions and reports; reviews a variety of reports, applications, and contracts for accuracy; collects information, designs, edits, assembles, prints, markets, and distributes publications, newsletters, brochures, guides, surveys, and other specialized documents using desktop publishing software and other computer applications; exercises independent judgment and provides recommendations in the design and creation of informational material; performs a variety of special projects and programs in assigned area including the implementation and coordination of assigned confidential/sensitive programs; assists with the development of procedures; obtains resources; implements programs and monitor activities; performs a wide variety of complex, responsible, and confidential duties for assigned management staff; relieves supervisor of administrative work including investigating and answering complaints and providing assistance in resolving operational and administration problems; assists in coordinating and monitoring the assigned budget; compiles annual budget requests; prepares revenue projections; recommends expenditure requests for designated accounts; monitors approved budget accounts; prepares and revises various operating procedures, rules, and regulations upon request; develops and revises office forms and report format; initiates, organizes, and maintains complex filing systems and records; types and proofreads a wide variety of reports, letters, memoranda, correspondence, and statistical charts; independently composes correspondence related to assigned area of responsibility; serves as recording secretary to assigned boards and commissions; performs a wide variety of responsible, confidential, and complex duties related to the recording, preparation, transcription, and maintenance of records and documents; coordinates and participates in the preparation and processing of agendas and agenda items; ensures staff reports are typed and agenda packets are complete; coordinates the duplication, collation, and distribution of agenda packets; utilizes various computer applications and software packages; enters data and maintains and generates reports from a database or network system; creates documents using word processing software.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of assigned program area.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.
• Principles of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.

Ability to:

• Perform responsible and difficult programmatic and administrative support duties involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
• Research, compile, analyze, and interpret a variety of information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Independently prepare correspondences and memoranda.
• Supervise and train assigned clerical staff.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Maintain and update accurate records and files.
• Implement and maintain standard filing systems.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Maintain confidential records and reports.
• Perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible administrative and programmatic support experience including one year of supervisory or lead responsibility.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in recreation, leisure studies or a related field. A bachelor's degree is desirable.

Supplemental information

Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens; extensive public contact; outdoor environment, including fields, courts and gyms. Shift is Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. There is no hybrid or 9/80 schedule. Shifts will include some evening meetings, and may be required to work weekends and holidays.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking, and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret information; ability to walk on fields and uneven parkland.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include any combination of a written examination, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment to evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RÉSUMÉS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS, SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.