IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers CITY-WIDE SERVICE—Mary Lindley is leaving the city of Moorpark after 18 years, most of which were spent as director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. During her 18-year career with the city, Mary Lindley helped shape Moorpark into an exemplary 17-park town with wide-ranging recreational programs for all ages.

She oversaw the construction of the local train station and the transition of the library from a countymanaged facility to a municipal amenity, and she handled an array of public services.

But, she said, the most enjoyable part of her job involved the people she worked with, especially the local residents who donated money and physically labored to help maintain fields and facilities.

"It really has been a pleasure working with youth sports and volunteer groups. I'm impressed with the dedication that volunteers put into the programs that they participate in," Lindley said.

Lindley, 52, resigned from her longtime position as director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department last week to take a job at the United Water Conservation District in Santa Paula. She'll start her new job next month.

The Ventura native began her career in Moorpark as assistant to the city manager, supervising public transit and solid waste services and coordinating construction of the local Metrolink train station that was completed in 1993. She had performed similar duties in Pomona until 1991, also setting the groundwork for a commuter rail station in the city northwest of Los Angeles.

"I'm sure that's why Moorpark hired me, because I had that experience," said Lindley, who at the time was seeking a job opportunity that would allow her to return to Ventura County.

Lindley was promoted to the community services director position in 1997, heading up all community programs that are administered by the city. In those days, the department also managed parks, recreation programs, street landscaping, public facilities and the active adult center.

"For our size, we get a lot done. I've never been bored and never stood still," said Lindley, adding that her job was to take the city's vision and make it into a reality.

Lindley oversaw the expansion of Arroyo Vista Community Park and its community center. She was involved in the construction of Magnolia Park, the Veterans Memorial and the new Mammoth Highlands Park.

In recent years, she also was responsible for the animal and vector control services and coordinated the transfer of the Moorpark Library from a county facility into a municipal one in 2007. City Manager Steve Kueny said Lindley is a versatile individual who can work on multiple and diverse assignments at once.

"She was willing to take the extra time when she needed to learn something new, and she has leadership skills that enable her to persuade people to do the things that need to be done," he said.

Councilmember David Pollock agreed.

"She's a very talented lady, and I'm sure she'll do well in her new position," he said.

Lindley will manage contracts, develop budget and oversee human resources and legislative matters for United Water. She's looking forward to starting her new job in July.

"Water sounds very exciting right now because it's an increasingly scarce and precious resource," Lindley said.

Some of her duties for the Moorpark Community Services Department will be divided among other employees at city hall, and the city is recruiting for a replacement to direct the parks and recreation department, Kueny said.

The salary range for the job is $115,000 to $154,000. Applications are due July 8.

The pay will be based on the qualifications of the candidate who is selected, Kueny said, adding that candidates should have a bachelor's degree and several years of experience in public parks and recreation operations.