Program Leader (At-Will)

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.

The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

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 seeking Program Leaders to staff upcoming programs!

This is a recurrent, part-time, hourly, as needed position. Program Leaders support the Community Services Department in delivering programs and events.

The Department

The mission of the Community Services Department is to enrich the community through the provision of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for persons of all abilities.  The Community Services Department takes pride in "Enriching the Community through People, Programs, and Partnerships".  The Department is a diverse organization which consists of five Divisions that work collaboratively to meet the vision, mission, and goals of the department: Administrative Services, Cultural Services, Library Services, Parks Services, and Recreation Services.

The Programs

Below are the programs that a Program Leader may typically work.

Adult Sports

Program Leaders assist with the supervision of facilities including the Galaxy Sports Complex, Dee Hardison Sports Center and/or the Roller Rink at Wilson Park. Assignments can also include assisting the Adult Sports Softball and Basketball Leagues.

Hours: Hours vary.

Facilities are open 7 days a week. Shifts generally start after 2:00 p.m. and end by 10:00 p.m.  Earlier shifts are available on the weekends.

Administrative Services

Program Leaders handle a variety of class registrations, answer and make phone calls, file and sort documents, assist customers with online registration, and handle a variety of public inquiries including questions regarding the Department's programs and events, City Protocol, and locations of other Civic Center activities. Program Leaders also track Facility Booking and Facility Reservations, as well as giving information to customers about park amenities.

Hours: Hours are approximately 10 - 20 hours per week, 1 - 5 days either 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.

After School Club

Program Leaders assist in the coordination of games, arts and crafts, sports, and indoor and outdoor recreation activities at specified elementary and middle schools located in the City of Torrance.

Hours: The After School Program is offered during the TUSD school year (August

• June), Monday

• Friday from 2

• 6 p.m.

Community Gardens

Program Leaders act as a liaison between the gardeners and the Community Gardens Manager, and assist the Community Gardens Manager with overseeing 256 garden plots at Lago Seco Park and Columbia Park.  Get a chance to work outside, and learn how to grow vegetables.  Some weeding and physical work required.

Hours: Approximately 16 hours a week, days and hours may vary.  Some office time required.

Cultural Services

The Cultural Services Division provides classes, programs, and events that enrich the citizens of the community. Program Leaders assist the division with logistics and implementation of visual and performing arts classes, special events, and interfacing with the public at the information counter. Other duties include setting up tables, chairs, and other equipment, cleaning studios, answering phones, and providing office support.

Hours:  Hours vary Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Early Childhood Education

Program Leaders assist and support the Program Specialist in the Classroom with the overall class management to promote the development of each child's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in a safe and nurturing, environment.  Program Leaders will assist in set up and clean-up of the classroom, help in preparation of crafts and activities and work under the leadership of the Program Specialist.

Hours: Hours are program based, approximately 18-20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Farmers' Market

Get to know local farmers, and gain experience in Farmers' Market operations.  The Torrance Certified Farmers' Market is the biggest and most established Farmers' Market in the South Bay.

 Program Leaders will set up and tear down Farmers' Market.  Some heavy lifting may be required.  

Hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Park Ranger Program

The Park Ranger Unit is responsible for patrolling the Parks in the City of Torrance to ensure that they are safe and secure for the community. Park Rangers work closely with park users, park maintenance staff, recreation staff and the Police Department to enforce rules and regulations as they pertain to the parks, park facilities, and libraries. The Program Leaders are responsible for patrolling parks on foot, bicycle and in city vehicles; assisting park users and permit holders; responding to citizen inquiries; and enforcing park rules and regulations.

Hours: Hours are approximately 30 hours per week during the months of June

• September, and 15 hours per week from September

• May. This position will be expected to be available to work most weekends year-round between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m, including most holidays.

The ATTIC Teen Programs

Program Leaders lead, interact, and supervise high school participants at The ATTIC Teen Center facility.  Program Leaders assist with the coordination of recreation programs including: special events, sports, crafts, games, excursions and other activities. THE ATTIC Café Program Leaders are responsible for preparing meals, processing students orders, and cleaning workspace throughout the day to follow health and safety guidelines.

Hours:  Hours for the Teen Center are approximately 16-20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

• 6:00 p.m. for the Café, from August

• June. This position may be required to work weekends and holidays.

Victor E. Benstead Plunge

The "Plunge", as commonly referred to, offers a wide variety of Aquatic Programs and Classes at The Victor E. Benstead Plunge pool year-round.   Program Leaders are responsible for cashiering and maintaining the locker rooms.

Hours: Hours may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Youth Sports Officials

Youth Sports participants are from Kindergarten through Eighth grade. Program Leaders officiate and keep score for Flag Football and Basketball League games.

Hours: Hours vary during weekdays. Majority of hours are on Saturdays and can be up to 8 hours on a Saturday.

For a more detailed job description, click here.

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:

Six months of recent, paid or volunteer part-time work experience directly related to recreation or community programs and services involving public contact 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

Successful candidates will possess:

• Strong customer service skills;

• Excellent proficiency with MS Office and Internet skills;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other City personnel;

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions as well as communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

• Familiarity with City programs and departments is desired

Interested applicants must submit an online application at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs.  Applications will be accepted on an open continuous basis.

Only those candidates whose experience best meets the needs of the City and the Department will be invited to participate in an Oral Interview.

Upcoming Interview Dates:

April 20, 2024Performance 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 or without assistance.

Positions may be required to wear a uniform and employee identification badge.  

Applicants may test for this position only once in a three (3) month period.  Names of candidates successful in the examination process will be retained on an Eligible List (a list for hire) for a period of three (3) months.

Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources.  If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.  For further information, click here.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.

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!