NATURE CENTER MANAGER/NATURALIST

Salary: $6,638.67 - $8,070.40 Monthly

Location : Torrance, CA

Job Type: Permanent Full-time

Job Number: 23089024

Department: Community Services

Opening Date: 08/23/2023

Closing Date: 9/15/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION

The City of Torrance is seeking a self-motivated, experienced individual to serve as Nature Center Manager/Naturalist!

The mission of Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center is based on four pillars: conservation, restoration, aesthetics, and education.

The Madrona Marsh Preserve, a rare and unique part of the City of Torrance since 1986, has received a significant boost in the community's eyes with the Nature Center's opening in 2001. The Nature Center Manager/Naturalist will report to the Park Services Manager and assume a critical role in promoting and managing programs and events that will heighten public awareness and utilization of the Center and continue the habitat enhancement efforts for the Preserve.

The Nature Center Manager/Naturalist is responsible for all programs related to the Preserve and Nature Center. For the Preserve, these responsibilities include management, restoration, habitat-species monitoring, and general maintenance operations. The responsibilities at the Center include directing all educational and interpretive programs and exhibits, both in the Center and in the community. The budget is approximately $480,000 (in coordination with grant funding, currently at $2.4M) and the program is supported by a staff of one full-time Lead Maintenance Worker, six part-time staff, actively engaged community groups, and a robust volunteer population who embrace the mission of the Preserve. As such, volunteer management is an integral part of this position. The tremendous community support and involvement are reflections of the strong spirit of commitment and service.

HOURS: The position requires availability to work on Saturdays, occasional Sundays and evenings.

For more information on the Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature center, please visit or the Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center Facebook page at

For more information on this position, please click :

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Experience and Education
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Three years of progressively responsible experience in the management of a nature center, park or preserve including experience and knowledge in natural resource management with emphasis on wetland restoration; a Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, environmental studies, education, or a related field; and possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license.

A Master's degree in a related field and experience in interpretive teaching techniques are highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate
In addition to the above, the most successful candidate will possess the following professional attributes:

• Motivated self-starter;
• Adaptable work style;
• Knowledgeable in interpretive teaching techniques;
• Resourceful in community outreach;
• Strong community relations orientation;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills;
• Experienced in volunteer management;
• Demonstrated success in project management; and
• Grant administration experience.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire at .

The application filing period opens Wednesday, August 23, 2023 and closes Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in a panel interview, tentatively scheduled for September 27, 2023.

Please direct inquiries about the position to Tracy Drake, Park Services Manager, at or call (310) 618-6272.

SPECIAL NOTES

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! Visit to find out more information about our community.
The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 no later than five (5) business days before the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
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.

BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR CERTAIN FULL TIME SALARIED AND HOURLY EMPLOYEES
Note: Not all benefits listed may be applicable to all positions with in the unit. Please refer to the MOU for specifics.

Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance (sec.3.1)
The City's monthly contribution for health insurance is as follows:
EE Only EE +1 EE +2 or more
Full time EE's 597.68 1143.36 1595.96
Part- time
(hired prior to 1/1/08) 468.87 913.40 1175.08
Part-time
(hired after 1/1/08) 345.12 620.72 781.08

The City's monthly contribution for vision insurance is $3.33
The City's monthly contribution for dental insurance is $33.71/EE only and $67.42/EE +1 or more
City provides a $50,000 life insurance policy
The City provides a Cash In-Lieu payment of $400 per month for eligible full-time employees for as long as the employee opts-out of medical coverage

Disability Insurance (sec 3.1)
Employee receives 2/3 base pay after elimination period (14 consecutive days for STD and 180 consecutive days for LTD)

Retirement (sec. 3.2)
PERS 2%@55
Employees hired prior to 08/29/2010, City pays 7% EPMC. Single highest year.
Employees hired on or after 08/29/2010, City pays the 7% EPMC. Single highest year.
"Classic" members hired on or after 1/1/2013 pay the 7% employee contribution. Three year average.
PERS 2%@62
"New" members hired on or after 1/1/2013 pay 50% of normal cost with three year average final compensation.

Deferred Compensation (sec. 3.3)
457 Plan: Enrollment is voluntary

Sick Leave (sec.3.5)
Accrual rate is 6 (six) hours per month.
Maximum Accrual: 500 hours

Holidays (Sec 3.6)
13 paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve)

Vacation/Annual Leave (Sec. 3.7)
(Accrual rate per month):
Year 1: 8.67 hours; Year 2: 8.7 hours; Years 3-4: 10 hours; Years 5-9: 12.67 hours; Years 10-20: 16.02 hours; Years 21 - 24: 17.34 hours; Year 25+: 18 hours. Maximum accrual 500 hours.

Bereavement Leave (sec 3.8)
Three (3) working shifts (up to 2 additional working shifts for travel 300 miles or more)

Educational Materials Allowance (Sec. 3.12)
Allowance of $183.88 paid in February for tool and educational materials.

Vehicle Allowance (Sec. 3.13)
Area G Executive Director: $370.00 monthly

Night Shift Differential (sec.4.3)
Base hourly pay range employees paid 5% above average base hourly pay when ½ or more of the shift is scheduled to work after 4:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m.

Premium Pay (sec.4.6)
Workers' Comp Claim Examiner: 5% for State of CA Self Insurance Administrator's certificate

01

This position is required to provide guidance for the on-going habitat enhancement of the Preserve, which includes wetlands and upland habitat. Describe your experience in restoration of a similar area.

02

The Nature Center Manager/Naturalist advocates for the Madrona Marsh Preserve, develops biology-based educational, and community outreach programs. Describe a program you developed, the interpretive techniques you used, your approach to outreach, and how you cultivated community relations.

03

Describe your experience in managing highly motivated active volunteers, community groups, and part-time staff.

04

What is your experience in working with a Board of Directors and community partners?

05

Have you attached the required documents (i.e. resume)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question