Senior Program Specialist; Park Permits

Overview

The City of Torrance is recruiting for Senior Program Specialists to be part of the Community Services Team! 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire available rance

CA.Gov/Jobs. 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.

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…