Stars of Valor Fellow – Senator Schiff – Burbank, CA #443
Senate
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Posted: February 13, 2026 (2 days ago)
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URBAN GREENING SPECIALIST (PROGRAM SPECIALIST)
City of Long Beach
CITY MANAGER (UC)
Location
Long Beach, California, 90802
Salary
$26.35 - $31.15
per hour
Type
Closes
February 28, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This role involves working for the City of Long Beach to develop and manage programs that enhance urban green spaces, such as parks, trees, and sustainable landscapes, to improve the city's environment and community well-being.
The specialist would coordinate projects, engage with residents, and support city sustainability goals under the City Manager's office.
A good fit would be someone passionate about environmental improvement, with experience in community outreach and project management in urban settings.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, urban planning, horticulture, or a related field
- Experience in urban greening, sustainability programs, or environmental project coordination
- Knowledge of local environmental regulations and climate change initiatives
- Strong communication and community engagement skills for public outreach
- Ability to manage budgets and collaborate with city departments and stakeholders
- Familiarity with equity and inclusion principles in program development
Full Job Description
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.
CITY GOVERNMENT
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.
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.
THE DEPARTMENT
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.
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.
THE POSITION
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 average of 80 trees, and delivering an average of 6 truckloads of mulch per field workday. Individuals must This a hybrid position with two in office days.
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 average of 80 trees, and delivering an average of 6 truckloads of mulch per field workday. Individuals must This a hybrid position with two in office days.
Requirements
- Administer and execute ongoing public-facing sustainability and urban greening programs such as Mulch Delivery, Tree Planting, Native Habitat Restoration, and Direct Install projects, through scheduling, responding to customer inquiries, and processing requests
- Assist in the coordination, monitoring, and reporting of Office of Climate Action and Sustainability initiatives
- Supervise interns, Fellows and trainees assigned to the Office supporting sustainability and climate action and adaptation activities, including supervision of fieldwork by leading participants of the Urban Greening Field Crew
- Lead by example in physical field work tasks
- Drive and safely operate a City pickup truck and attached watering trailer
- Assist in stakeholder engagement, including ongoing coordination with other departments, external agencies, community-based organizations, and academia to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships
- Collect, evaluate, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to inform sustainability-related decision-making processes and resource alignments
- ·Support leadership in responding effectively to emerging, evolving and time-sensitive issues through research, stakeholder engagement, and policy development
- Contribute programmatic information to staff reports, webpages, press releases, social media and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary
- Organize, produce and/or participate in public events, workshops, and other outreach events as needed
- Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of new sustainability initiatives by conducting basic research functions and data analysis
- Provide support for after-hours and weekend special events and perform a combination of in-office and field work
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
- Possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Geography, Biology, Environmental Sustainability, Urban Planning, Parks and Recreation, Community Services or a related field.
- Individuals can substitute with an Associate's Degree in the aforementioned fields and 2 years of experience.
- Individuals can substitute with a Certificate in the aforementioned fields and 2 years of experience.
- Individuals can substitute with experience on a year-for-year basis
ADDITONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Lifting and carrying trees weighing up to 40 lbs
- Valid Motor Vehicle Operators License
IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Knowledge and experience managing similar environmental or sustainability programs serving the public and/or field operations focused on environmental sustainability and/or climate resilience, energy conservation, recycling, or similar programs or operations
- Ability to perform physical activities in the field including digging using shovels and rock bars, lifting trees and watering containers (averaging 40 lbs) to shoulder height, using a stake driver to install lodgepoles, filling and emptying mulch bins, and other similar activities as operations require
- Ability to manage and motivate teams of workers toward a mutual goal or outcome, holding individuals accountable for performance and high caliber customer service
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, work collaboratively and consultatively with employees at all levels of the organization and with outside groups, agencies, and partners
- Ability to provide responsive customer service and be comfortable communicating by phone, email, and in person; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with diverse people and communication styles
- Ability to forecast and plan ahead for the workload, prioritize key assignments, and establish methods to handle multiple assignments and projects and successfully meet deadlines; create successful work routines that assist with effective time management
- Be an organized, motivated self-starter who exercises strong judgment in carrying out responsibilities; can work independently and work collaboratively in a team; and follow guidance, exercise discretion and utilize independent judgement
- Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; exhibit behavior that allows for a work environment that supports equity, inclusion and belonging
- Passionate about addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice, public health, and equity; derive joy from positive community impact and relate to how their work is tied to outcomes that make Long Beach more sustainable, equitable and healthy
- Knowledge of the Long Beach community and its environmental justice challenges
- Fluency in one of the three major city languages (Spanish, Khmer, Tagalog) is desirable
Additional Information
This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Friday, March 27th, 2026.
To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover, letter, resume, license and proof of education in PDF format.
Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration.
Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education.
The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures.
The selected candidate may be required to go through a background check and a physical examination prior to appointment.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered. For questions regarding this recruitment, please call (562) 570-6913.
The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.
The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are.
Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers.
To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners.
We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.
The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.
You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer.
If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act
The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices.
We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit.
If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Find out more about the Applicant Appeal Process by visiting Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov).
The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 570-6913 .
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