Program Specialist

Program Specialist

Salary

$59,966.40 - $80,392.00 Annually

Location

Oceanside, CA, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2627-48

Department

Parks and Recreation

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/29/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

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.

Minimum 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 bachelors degree is desirable.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

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.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Management Employees of the City of Oceanside (Non-Safety)

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits

Retirement

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individuals benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical:

• Kaiser HMO
• Blue Shield HMO
• Blue Shield PPO

Dental

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Vision:

• Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life & AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.

Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetlLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Leave Benefits

Vacation:

All accurals are based on 80 hours in a paid status

1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16+ years: 8.19 hours

Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
• Exempt employees receive 50 hours of Executive leave per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual pay off: Up to 50% based on annual usage

Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employees immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Certification Pay

Determined by the head of the department, a $1.00 per hour will be given to employees with certain State of California Certifications on an as needed basis.

Bilingual and Notary Pay

Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Uniforms

The City will provide an annual uniform allowance, for any public safety employee required to wear one, in the amount of $475.

Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01

Do you possess four years of increasingly responsible administrative and programmatic support experience including one year of supervisory or lead responsibility?

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your lead or supervisory experience. Please provide specific dates for each position ( start date - end date) and describe the duties performed as a lead or supervisor.

03

Describe your experience planning, developing, administering, and budgeting recreation programs and/or special events. Please provide specific dates for each position (start date to end date) and describe the programs and/or special events, including complexity and approximate attendance numbers.

04

Describe your experience in developing and implementing sports leagues, after-school, camps, and/or youth programs. Please provide specific dates for each position (start date to end date), including your role and specific examples of the types of programs offered.

05

Describe your experience recruiting and managing volunteers, including volunteer recognition programs. Please provide specific dates for each position (start date to end date), including your role and specific examples of the type of volunteers you have managed.

06

Describe your experience collecting, compiling, and developing information for marketing, website design, social media, newsletters, and brochures. Please provide specific dates for each position (start date to end date) and describe the type of marketing materials that you developed, including any software or IT tools you used.

07

Describe your experience developing or revising policies and procedures and/or developing and implementing staff training. Please provide specific dates for each position (start date to end date), including the number of employees you trained.

08

Describe your experience developing partnerships and collaborating with other departments, sports organizations, school districts, businesses, non-profit agencies and individuals to organize and implement recreation programs and events. Please provide specific dates for each position (start date to end date), including your role in establishing the collaboration.

09

Which of the following software programs have you used?

• Word
• Excel
• Power Point
• Publisher
• Outlook
• Canva
• Microsoft Teams or Zoom
• Adobe Xchange Editor
• ActiveNet or other Registration Software
• Survey Monkey

10

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Oceanside

Address 300 North Coast Highway, City Hall South

Oceanside, California, 92054

Phone 760-435-3511

Website http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us