OPEN SPACE & TRAILS CREW LEAD chez City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

About the Department

The Open Space & Trails Crew Lead plays a key role in ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of Rancho Palos Verdes’ open space areas, trails, and beach-adjacent facilities. Under the guidance of the Open Space & Trails leadership staff, this position leads part-time staff and volunteers in performing trail maintenance, habitat restoration, community programming, and facility operations. Crew Leads also support interpretive programming, public education, and patrol activities while collaborating with partner agencies such as Park Rangers, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, and Marine Protected Area (MPA) partners.

The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system and administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve year-round. The Department oversees recreational facilities, open space, trails, community programs and classes, special events, and the REACH program, which serves young adults and adults with developmental disabilities. Our team enhances the quality of life in Rancho Palos Verdes through exceptional public service and vibrant programming.

The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve is a protected open space spanning over 1,500 acres of scenic coastal land in Rancho Palos Verdes. Managed in partnership with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, the preserve is made up of fifteen distinct reserves and includes more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. It is home to diverse native wildlife, rare coastal sage scrub habitat, and panoramic ocean views.

The Preserve serves both as a recreational haven for the public and as a vital ecological area for habitat conservation. Its management involves trail maintenance, erosion control, habitat restoration, and public education—making it a key component of the City’s efforts to balance environmental protection with responsible public access.

Learn more about the City's open space facilities here.

The ideal candidate is a confident and collaborative leader who enjoys working outdoors and mentoring others. You bring strong communication skills, a problem-solving mindset, and hands-on experience in parks, trails, or facility operations. You have a passion for nature and public service, are comfortable working independently or in teams, and take pride in maintaining safe and welcoming community spaces.

Position Duties

The following duties represent a range of responsibilities associated with this role. Other similar or related duties may be assigned as necessary. Please review the Class Specification for a more comprehensive list.

• Lead and participate in trail building, erosion control, vegetation management, and facility inspections

• Train and guide part-time staff and volunteers in daily operations and safety procedures

• Conduct patrols and provide customer service to visitors on trails, beaches, and in parks

• Coordinate and support special events, interpretive programming, and facility rentals

• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and facility usage

• Address safety concerns, enforce regulations, and respond to public inquiries

• Operate landscaping tools and equipment safely and effectively

• Support resource conservation and marine protection efforts through education and enforcement

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least one year of experience equivalent to Open Space & Trails Worker
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily, or occasionally more, and lift 50 pounds independently, and occasionally 75 pounds with assistance
• Willingness to work a variable schedule including weekends and holidays
• Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification within 30 days of hire

Desirable:

• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in an outdoor, parks, or recreation setting

• Knowledge of native habitat restoration, trail repair, and visitor safety practices

Other Qualifications

• This is a part-time, at-will, position. This position is limited to work 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) and are not guaranteed a minimum number of work hours. 

• Work will involve exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and public interaction.

• Uniform and training will be provided.

• A valid California Driver’s License may be required depending on assignment.

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