Parks Manager - Happy Hollow Park & Zoo - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS)

City of San Jose, CA•San Jose, CA

47d•$143,860 - $175,310

About The Position

The City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is seeking an innovative and results-driven Parks Manager to lead Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ) - the City's flagship destination known for its blend of family recreation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. The Parks Manager serves as the General Manager for Happy Hollow Park & Zoo(HHPZ), providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all facets of the park and zoo. This includes animal care and welfare, rides and attractions, entertainment programs, maintenance, guest services, food and beverage, business operations, education, and conservation programming. The position ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality experiences for guests, animals and staff while advancing the City's goals of equity, stewardship, and sustainability.

Requirements

Completion of 60 semester units/90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in parks and/or recreation management or a related field AND six (6) years of experience in park management or professional public administration in planning and organizing community cultural or recreational facilities and programs, including three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience over an assigned maintenance or service district, facility or citywide or regional-serving program with multiple service delivery locations.
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in parks and/or recreation management or a related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience.
Additional related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, standing, and walking on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements
Communicate in person and over the telephone or radio
Maintain professional demeanor during interactions with staff, customers, and the public.
Operate, access, enter, and retrieve data using standard office equipment, including but not limited to a computer or tablet
Read printed materials and a computer screen
Be exposed to moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.
Strength and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work
Sit, stand, run, and walk on various surfaces, including but not limited to uneven terrain, jumping over physical barriers, and climbing/descending ladders
Make repetitive hand movements, including but not limited to operating varied hand and power tools
Operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects (such as equipment) up to 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment
Quickly respond to changing emergency conditions that may have hazardous situations or be placed in dangerous situations
Be exposed to unpredictable working conditions including but not limited to loud noise levels, moving mechanical parts, inclement weather conditions, confined workspaces, toxic or caustic chemicals, hazardous physical substances, fumes, odors, gases, dust, and air co

Nice To Haves

Strong fiscal and business management skills, including experience with revenue generation, budgeting, and contracts.
Knowledge of zoo operations, animal care standards, and guest experience best practices.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with staff, partners, and the public.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver data-driven results in a dynamic environment.
Commitment to the City's values of inclusion, sustainability, and community service.

Responsibilities

Direct daily operations of HHPZ, including animal care, maintenance, attractions, guest services, security and public programming.
Oversee business operations such as admissions, concessions, memberships, and revenue programs to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuous improvement.
Lead and develop a diverse team of staff and supervisors, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
Plan and implement capital improvement projects, including animal exhibit renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and facility enhancements.
Manage zoo enhancement projects including renovation of exhibits and acquisition of new animals to make HHPZ a nationally recognized leader in zoo programming and conservation.
Foster and maintain partnerships with the Happy Hollow Foundation and other community organizations to expand fundraising, volunteerism, and conservation impact.
Coordinate with internal City departments, Council Offices, and external partners to deliver high-quality outcomes for the community.
Represent HHPZ and PRNS as a leader in destination management, environmental education, and public service excellence.

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