Urban Greening Specialist; Program Specialist

THE COMMUNITY

Ideally located on the Pacific Ocean, the City of Long Beach, California (population 462,257) is frequently described as a series of strong, diverse interwoven small communities within a large city. Enjoying an ideal Southern California climate, Long Beach is home to an abundance of cultural and recreational options. The Long Beach Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary and the annual Grand Prix of Long Beach, plus a wide variety of other attractions (two historic ranchos, three marinas, and five golf courses), serve to draw 6.5 million visitors a year.

The City is also home to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and Long Beach City College. CSULB is the second largest university in the state and has consistently ranked among the top best value of public colleges in the nation. Serving the K-12 student population, the Long Beach Unified School District consistently ranks among the top 10 urban school districts in the country.

Covering approximately 52 square miles, Long Beach is supported by a wide mix of industries with education, health and social services, manufacturing, retail trade, and professional services. While it offers all the amenities of a large metropolis, many say Long Beach has the added benefit of having maintained a strong sense of community and cohesiveness despite its size. Long Beach is the seventh largest city in California, and celebrates its vibrant diversity.

A superb climate, quality schools, a vibrant downtown, and a variety of neighborhoods help make Long Beach one of the most livable communities in the country.

Long Beach is a full-service Charter City governed by nine City Council members who are elected by district and a Mayor that is elected at‑large. Elected officials also include the City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Prosecutor. The Council Members and the Mayor are subject to a three-term limit. The City Council appoints a City Manager and a City Clerk. The City Manager is responsible for the administration of all City departments, excluding those under the direction of a separately elected official, Board or Commission.

Long Beach is a full-service City providing all traditional public services. Long Beach also maintains one of the world's busiest seaports, which serves as a leading gateway for international trade. The City also has its own full-service commercial airport, an Energy Resources (gas and oil) Department, Water Department, and is one of only three cities in California with its own Health Department.

Long Beach is supported by a total FY 2026 budget of approximately $3.72 billion, with the General Fund budget totaling $760 million. Nearly 6,000 full and part‑time employees support municipal operations with the majority being represented by eleven employee associations.

In FY 2026, The City Manager's Office manages a budget of $26.6 million and 70.54 full-time equivalents. The mission of the City Manager Department is to implement programs in accordance with City Council policies, the City Charter and Municipal Code, while providing organizational leadership for effective delivery of services to the community. Focus areas and programs include City Council support;
Executive Management;
Public Information & Communications;
Intergovernmental Affairs;
Global Engagement & Protocols;
Arts & Culture Support;
Cannabis Oversight; the City’s Equity initiatives;
Homeless Strategy & Partnerships;
Special Events & Filming; and Sustainability & Climate Change.

Reporting to the Sustainability Program Specialist, and under the general direction of the Sustainability Manager, the Urban Greening Field Specialist will provide operational and programmatic supervision and provide support both in the field and in the office. Tree planting and watering is the primary focus of the Office of Sustainability field work activities led by Urban Greening Specialists, who typically supervise between 2 and 5 urban greening crew members that assist with these duties.

Urban Greening Specialists will coordinate and share the responsibilities of planting an average of 8 trees, watering an…