Senior Program Specialist - Madrona Marsh

Overview

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. The Community Services Department is committed to providing quality services, activities, programs, and facilities for all those who live, learn, work, and play in the City of Torrance. The City of Torrance is recruiting for Senior Program Specialists to be part of the Community Services Team.

The Senior Program Specialist (Madrona Marsh) will work outdoors performing routine weeding, pruning, and plant maintenance in the Madrona Marsh Preserve using hand tools such as pruners, soil knives, shovels, hand saws, loppers, shears, pole pruners, and pole saws. The position will also supervise and support volunteers doing habitat restoration and plant propagation work in the Madrona Marsh Preserve and at other locations in the City of Torrance, including the Henrietta Basin, Seaside Heroes Park, the 236th and Arlington parklet, and more.

The Specialist will interface with two volunteer organizations:
Friends of Madrona Marsh and South Bay Parkland Conservancy, and will select work tasks for volunteer events in consultation with the Madrona Marsh manager. Transportation of tools and supplies to and from the worksites will be via City vehicles. Documentation of volunteer participation will be collected and verified.

Note:

This is a recurrent, part‑time, non‑civil service, as‑needed position. It is eligible for PERS and may be eligible for prorated benefits.

Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. Typical qualifications include graduation from high school or equivalent with at least two years of increasingly responsible part‑time experience at the level of a Program Specialist or two years of increasingly responsible experience performing habitat restoration work. A BA/BS in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Outdoor Recreation, or a related field is desirable.

Negative tuberculin test. A valid California Class C Driver's License is required. Certification in Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic CPR is desirable.

• Ability to work on a computer and with Microsoft Office and other specific software related to program and facility operations.
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding of conflict resolution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervision and subordinate staff, as well as with other City personnel, the public and facility users.
• Ability to train, supervise and provide direction to subordinate part‑time personnel.
• Background in landscaping, restoration, gardening, horticulture, or nursery propagation.
• Knowledge of California native plants and the region’s common weeds is highly desirable.
• Perform job duties under minimal supervision.
• Work night and weekend hours as part of the regular schedule.

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire available at www.

Torrance

CA.Gov/Jobs
. Application submissions will be accepted on an open continuous basis. The first review of applications will be those received by Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Only those candidates whose experience best meets the needs of the City and the Department will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Oral interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Work is typically performed at indoor and outdoor program sites in seasonal weather conditions. Work may require exposure to noise, dust and dirt. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and moderately loud when in the field. Physical demands may include bending, kneeling, squatting, sitting, running and climbing. May lift or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Work irregular hours, shifts, or weekends as required.

Applicants with disabilities who require special…