Open Space & Trails Worker

Job Summary

Are you passionate about the outdoors, environmental stewardship, and community service? The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is looking for motivated individuals to join our team as Open Space & Trails Crew Workers. This unique role blends outdoor field work, community engagement, and facility support to help maintain and protect our city’s treasured open spaces, Nature Preserve, parks, beaches, and trails.

This is a continuous recruitment that can close at any time, interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

As an Open Space & Trails Crew Worker, you’ll be on the front lines of preserving Rancho Palos Verdes’ natural beauty while providing exceptional customer service to residents and visitors. This entry-level opportunity offers hands-on experience in open space maintenance, public outreach, and interpretive/nature-based program support. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals and partner agencies to promote environmental conservation, community safety, and outdoor education.

The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing, operating, and administering services for the City's open space areas, beaches, 1,500-acre Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, approximately 60 miles of trails, and a comprehensive park system. 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 reserve 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 and Trails facilities here.

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in keeping natural spaces safe and beautiful, and thrives in a team-focused, public-facing environment. You are dependable, physically active, and eager to help protect the environment while serving the community. You’re comfortable interacting with people of all backgrounds, whether you’re offering trail guidance, supporting a special event, or reporting and responding to maintenance needs. You’re adaptable, proactive, and ready to get your hands dirty—whether it’s trail upkeep, facility inspections, or assisting with public programs. If you’re passionate about nature, trails, beaches, and people—this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Essential Job Functions

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.

Serve as a City ambassador, assisting and educating the public on open space and trail rules, conservation, and recreation services

Patrol open space areas, trails, parks, and beaches by foot (and occasionally by vehicle) to monitor activity and ensure safety

Perform trail and open space maintenance tasks such as litter removal, vegetation management, erosion control, and minor repairs

Operate landscaping equipment and tools safely and efficiently

Conduct facility inspections, document conditions, and report any issues

Support interpretive programming and educational outreach

Assist with clerical tasks including data entry, phone support, and basic cash handling

Lead volunteers or part-time staff as needed

Qualification Guidelines

We're looking for someone who:

Is at least 18 years old and eager to serve the community

Has a passion for nature, outdoor work, and recreation

Possesses strong communication and customer service skills

Can work independently and as part of a team in varying environments

Is physically able to hike up to five miles in a day and lift up to 50 lbs (occasionally 75 lbs with assistance)

Can learn and follow safety procedures and work with basic tools and software

Leadership experience is highly desirable

Special Notes

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.

A valid American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate (infant, child, and adult) is required within 30 days of employment

The position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions