City of San Diego
Program Coordinator/Land Acquisition - Parks & Recreation Department – U2523 (
City of San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Under the general direction of the Assistant Director and Program Manager, the Program Coordinator will develop and manage the Department’s Land Acquisition Program; coordinate the planning and execution of land acquisition strategies for various purposes such as parkland, conservation efforts, and resource management; work with appropriate departments to acquire land and ensure the land is free of encumbrances; ensure a portion of the Citywide Park Development Impact Fee provides for new land acquisition; and gather community input for priority acquisitions. The position is on-site and may telework in a hybrid model when appropriate.There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The city is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, who will serve their community proudly, and who are excited to come to work every day. Studies on education and experience have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The city may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications, and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.Key Areas of Responsibility:
Lead, manage, and project Citywide Park Development Impact Fee (DIF) funding to support and oversee the Land Acquisition Program.Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to land acquisition.Negotiate land acquisition transactions with private and public agencies.Effectively communicate and collaborate with community members, advisory bodies, government entities, nonprofit organizations, property owners, and other stakeholders.Develop policies and procedures for programs that will grow land acquisition in the open space, parkland, land conservation, and preservation of natural land resources while considering investment priorities, available financing sources, and the goals and objectives for parkland acquisition.Manage Citywide Park DIF budget and timelines with land acquisition activities by meeting fiscal constraints and project schedules.Coordinate, manage, and strategize using various capital funds, such as the Regional Park Improvement Fund, Mission Bay Park Improvement Fund, and grant opportunities for land acquisition.Coordinate with Economic Development, Engineering and Capital Projects, and the Department of Finance regarding the use of DIF funding for land acquisition purposes.Create a prioritization process for Citywide Park DIF funding for park projects and land acquisition.Work with community stakeholder groups to develop an equitable approach to land acquisition for neighborhood parks, open space, regional parks, and conservation.As part of the land acquisition program, consider the Parks Master Plan (PMP), Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), Multiple Habitat Planning Area (MHPA), Climate Resilient SD, and other regulatory requirements.Identify potential leveraged funding sources such as grants, donations, and other resources to obtain new land.Ensure the Parks Master Plan goals for acquiring, developing, and opening new parkland are met, tracked, and reported.Minimum Qualifications:
Candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Real Estate, or a related field
andFive (5) years of professional regulatory agency, governmental affairs, urban planning, and management experience would be a typical way to demonstrate these qualifications.Desirable Qualifications:
Experience overseeing capital or operating budgets and high-profile, visible programs.Knowledge or expertise in planning, City, State, Federal, and land acquisition standards, laws, and regulations.Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication, organizational, and project and program management skills.Ability to work collaboratively, ensure deadlines are met, provide quality control, and think critically.Strong experience successfully interfacing with community stakeholder groups.Experience interpreting and communicating federal, State, and local regulations.Experience leading and managing change efforts.Experience establishing meaningful performance metrics to track and measure success.Be a highly approachable leader who can openly accept and work effectively in a climate of interaction, manage and motivate a diverse team of professionals to ensure high performance, and communicate horizontally and vertically within the organization.Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable solutions within a complex regulatory framework.Bring an active and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high-performing teams.Act as a liaison with other departments.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:Defined retirement plan , including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.Eleven (11) paid City holidays per calendar year and one (1) floating holiday per fiscal year.Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.City-paid life insurance.The Department:
The Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of 1,012.54 FTE budgeted positions, total Department expenditures exceed $156 million, and the Department collects over $62 million in revenue. The size of this Department is equivalent to other large City Departments and directly impacts service delivery to the public. The Parks System is one of the largest municipal systems in the country, with over 42,000 acres of park assets, 25.9 miles of oceanfront and bayfront shoreline, over 30,000 acres of open spaces, and over 60 recreation centers. The department manages Balboa Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, 55 Maintenance Assessment Districts, 15 swimming pools, and the Torrey Pines Golf Course.The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.The City’s Mission, as stated in the
Strategic Plan , is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan."As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the
City’s website .Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be completed before employment begins. Please refer to the
City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage
for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.Application Instructions:
Please adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below. We regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at
HumanResources@sandiego.govResume;Letter of Interest highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position;List of three professional references.NOTE(S):Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.Reference Recruitment Number U2523 in the Subject Line.Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the abovementioned qualifications, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at
HumanResources@sandiego.gov .The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Employment Program and vigorously supports workplace diversity.
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Lead, manage, and project Citywide Park Development Impact Fee (DIF) funding to support and oversee the Land Acquisition Program.Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to land acquisition.Negotiate land acquisition transactions with private and public agencies.Effectively communicate and collaborate with community members, advisory bodies, government entities, nonprofit organizations, property owners, and other stakeholders.Develop policies and procedures for programs that will grow land acquisition in the open space, parkland, land conservation, and preservation of natural land resources while considering investment priorities, available financing sources, and the goals and objectives for parkland acquisition.Manage Citywide Park DIF budget and timelines with land acquisition activities by meeting fiscal constraints and project schedules.Coordinate, manage, and strategize using various capital funds, such as the Regional Park Improvement Fund, Mission Bay Park Improvement Fund, and grant opportunities for land acquisition.Coordinate with Economic Development, Engineering and Capital Projects, and the Department of Finance regarding the use of DIF funding for land acquisition purposes.Create a prioritization process for Citywide Park DIF funding for park projects and land acquisition.Work with community stakeholder groups to develop an equitable approach to land acquisition for neighborhood parks, open space, regional parks, and conservation.As part of the land acquisition program, consider the Parks Master Plan (PMP), Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), Multiple Habitat Planning Area (MHPA), Climate Resilient SD, and other regulatory requirements.Identify potential leveraged funding sources such as grants, donations, and other resources to obtain new land.Ensure the Parks Master Plan goals for acquiring, developing, and opening new parkland are met, tracked, and reported.Minimum Qualifications:
Candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Real Estate, or a related field
andFive (5) years of professional regulatory agency, governmental affairs, urban planning, and management experience would be a typical way to demonstrate these qualifications.Desirable Qualifications:
Experience overseeing capital or operating budgets and high-profile, visible programs.Knowledge or expertise in planning, City, State, Federal, and land acquisition standards, laws, and regulations.Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication, organizational, and project and program management skills.Ability to work collaboratively, ensure deadlines are met, provide quality control, and think critically.Strong experience successfully interfacing with community stakeholder groups.Experience interpreting and communicating federal, State, and local regulations.Experience leading and managing change efforts.Experience establishing meaningful performance metrics to track and measure success.Be a highly approachable leader who can openly accept and work effectively in a climate of interaction, manage and motivate a diverse team of professionals to ensure high performance, and communicate horizontally and vertically within the organization.Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable solutions within a complex regulatory framework.Bring an active and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high-performing teams.Act as a liaison with other departments.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:Defined retirement plan , including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.Eleven (11) paid City holidays per calendar year and one (1) floating holiday per fiscal year.Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.City-paid life insurance.The Department:
The Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of 1,012.54 FTE budgeted positions, total Department expenditures exceed $156 million, and the Department collects over $62 million in revenue. The size of this Department is equivalent to other large City Departments and directly impacts service delivery to the public. The Parks System is one of the largest municipal systems in the country, with over 42,000 acres of park assets, 25.9 miles of oceanfront and bayfront shoreline, over 30,000 acres of open spaces, and over 60 recreation centers. The department manages Balboa Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, 55 Maintenance Assessment Districts, 15 swimming pools, and the Torrey Pines Golf Course.The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.The City’s Mission, as stated in the
Strategic Plan , is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan."As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the
City’s website .Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be completed before employment begins. Please refer to the
City’s pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage
for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.Application Instructions:
Please adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below. We regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at
HumanResources@sandiego.govResume;Letter of Interest highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position;List of three professional references.NOTE(S):Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.Reference Recruitment Number U2523 in the Subject Line.Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the abovementioned qualifications, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. If you have any questions, please email the City’s Human Resources Department at
HumanResources@sandiego.gov .The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Employment Program and vigorously supports workplace diversity.
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