SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST (PARK PERMITS) (AT-WILL)

Salary: $25.43 - $28.03 Hourly Location : Torrance, CA Job Type: Recurrent - Variable Hours Job Number: 26020024PP Department: COMMUNITY SERVICES Opening Date: 02/19/2026 DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.The City of Torrance is recruiting for Senior Program Specialists to be part of the Community Services Team!The Department The Community Services Department offers Torrance residents the unique opportunity to help achieve a sense of purpose, identity, self-worth and improved self-esteem within the specialized areas of Cultural Arts, Library, Parks and Recreation. The Position The Senior Program Specialist leads the coordination, review, and implementation of special event permits for activities held in City parks, facilities, and public spaces. Serving as the primary staff lead for event permitting operations, this role reviews, processes, and approves park and special event permit applications while ensuring compliance with City policies, insurance requirements, safety standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The position coordinates with internal departments-including Public Works, Police, Fire, Risk Management, and other divisions-to facilitate event approvals and logistics and serves as the primary point of contact for event organizers throughout the permitting process. The Senior Program Specialist provides clear guidance to applicants regarding requirements, timelines, supplemental permits, and best practices; maintains accurate records, documentation, and reporting; and supports on-site event oversight as needed to ensure compliance and successful event execution. Hours Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., approximately 20-25 hours per week. Days and hours may vary based on operational needs. Regular evening, weekend, and holiday work is required in accordance with event schedules. Seasonal fluctuations in workload should be expected. For more information about the duties of the position, QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: Graduation from High School or equivalent and two years of increasingly responsible part-time experience at the level of a Program Specialist. A BA/BS in Recreation, Cultural Studies, or a related field is desirable. License and/or Certificates Negative tuberculin test. Some positions may require the following certifications: A valid California Class C Driver's License. Certification in Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is desirable. Ideal Candidate In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess: Ability to work on a computer and with Microsoft Office, as well the ability to learn and use other specific software related to program and facility operations; Highly organized with strong attention to detail; Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment; Able to manage multiple events and competing priorities simultaneously; Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills; Confident and professional in public-facing interactions; Ability to present information clearly and confidently in front of groups, stakeholders, and community members; 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; Perform job duties under minimal supervision; and Work night and weekend hours as a part of regular schedule. HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire available at Application submissions will be accepted on an open continuous basis. The first review of applications will be those received by Thursday, February 26, 2026. Only those candidates whose experience best meet the needs of the City and the Department will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Oral Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.SPECIAL NOTES Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions: 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. Visit to find out more information about our community. The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office. Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 no later than five (5) business days before the test date. As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. City of Torrance Inclusion Statement The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees! The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked. To view the current benefits for Torrance Recurrent Recreational Employee Organization bargaining unit, visit:: For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.

Created: 2026-03-04