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Overview:
Are you interested in becoming a water treatment plant operator? Do you have water treatment process experience? Are you a T1 or T2 licensed Water Treatment Operator? If so, check out the Assistant Water Plant Operator position at Valley Water.
 
Valley Water is the primary water resource agency for Santa Clara County, supplying wholesale water, providing flood protection, and serving as environmental steward for clean, safe creeks and healthy ecosystems. Valley Water serves approximately two million people in 15 cities: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mt. View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale, and the towns of Los Altos Hills and Los Gatos, and manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, 400 acres of groundwater recharge ponds, and 275 miles of streams.
 
The Assistant Water Plant Operator helps with all day-to-day plant operations, including operating and maintaining plant equipment, calibrating water quality monitoring equipment; taking and analyzing water and chemical samples; cleaning equipment and facilities; receiving bulk chemical deliveries; operating the sludge dewatering process; using the computer-based plant control, or SCADA system, completing data entry, initiating work orders, and maintaining plant operations logs and reports. Operators work a 4 to 6-month assigned rotations between day shift, night shift, and other shifts, as needed. The facility operates and is staffed continuously, which means 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position reports to the Water Plant Supervisor and works under direction from the Senior/Water Plant Operator.
 
Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
 
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Regularly conduct rounds to monitor plant operations and maintain plant equipment and grounds; observe, evaluate, troubleshoot, and report condition of the facility and equipment, including pipes, pumps, valves, feeders, motors, basins, tanks, generators, analyzers, and sludge beds; take and record measurements and instrument readings, such as pressures, temperature, flow, volume, and concentrations; operate and adjust pumps and valves; calibrate and perform preventative maintenance on plant instruments; observe and report on the flow, volume, and quality of the water, including color, odor, and turbidity; and assist in maintaining grounds in a clean, orderly, and secure state. 
• Draw samples of water and other materials from the different phases of water treatment; measure and analyze the samples to determine compliance with Valley Water and regulatory standards for chlorine, ozone, phosphate, and ammonia residuals, pH, turbidity, taste, and odor. Receive and monitor deliveries of bulk chemicals and other plant supplies.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance procedures on operating equipment and facilities; including flocculators, basins, filters, sludge drying beds, washwater clarification system, and containment and delivery areas. Employees have a responsibility for safety; for following safety regulations and safety policies and procedures applicable to their work; and for carrying out those responsibilities with due diligence as a condition of employment.
• Use the plant's computer based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor plant operations; scan multiple computer monitors simultaneously; navigate a multitude of program screens to observe, track, and retrieve water, chemical, and equipment readings. Perform various administrative tasks, including data entry into spreadsheets, update standard operating procedures, initiate work orders, maintain, compile and update plant operations logs and reports. 

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:
Level I: 0-1 year of experience, including intern/temporary, in a similar work environment, such as handling industrial chemicals, working various alternating shifts (including night shift), operating mechanical equipment, and/or maintaining regulatory compliance.
Level II: One (1) or more years of experience performing work as a licensed operator at a water treatment plant that is rated as a T-4 or higher facility.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:
Both Level I & II:

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to assimilate constructive feedback during on-the-job training
• Attention to details and ability to follow instructions

Ideal Knowledge:
Both Level I & II:

• Knowledge of the water treatment process
• Understanding of job duties of water plant operators
• Good high-school level math skills
• Basic understanding of chemistry
• Knowledge and recognition of importance of safety protocols, especially around chemicals

Ideal Training and Education:
Both Level I & II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by six (6) quarter units in chemistry and six (6) quarter units in math from an accredited college.
 
Level I Substitution: 

• An Associate’s degree in engineering or chemistry from an accredited college may substitute for the training required at the time of application. 
• Possession of a Grade T1 Water Treatment Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board may substitute for the training requirement at the time of application.

Level II Substitution: 

• An Associate’s degree in engineering or chemistry from an accredited college may substitute for the training and experience required at the time of application.

Work for the City of Sunnyvale: The Heart of the Silicon Valley Visitors and residents enjoy Sunnyvale's beautiful, clean suburban setting, efficient, high-quality city services, low crime rate, quality schools, and 18 prize-winning parks.

We are looking for an Active Transportation Planner to help the City of Sunnyvale to implement and improve bicycle, pedestrian and Safe Routes to School infrastructure and programs. This position will perform professional transportation planning and general design in bicycle, pedestrian and automobile integration, the use of different types of bicycle facilities and alternative modes of transportation.

The position will have a primary focus on the implementation, reporting and further development of the City’s active transportation network and programs. This will include public outreach, coordination with various departments, and other governmental agencies.

We are seeking a candidate that can communicate effectively with various stakeholders, think critically and objectively, able to learn quickly, and understand how to work within a process to achieve goals.

Working for the City of Sunnyvale as an Active Transportation Planner is both challenging and rewarding and you are provided an opportunity to invest in the community and see the results of your work. All of this, plus a generous benefits package that includes a competitive salary, career development, and training opportunities make the City of Sunnyvale a great place to work.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The position opens on September 12, 2024, and the final filing date is October 24, 2024 at 5:00 pm. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

Salary: $59.52 - $75.97 Hourly

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has an excellent career opportunity for an experienced and motivated Field Resource Specialist who will plan, organize, manage, oversee, and participate in the implementation of vegetation management, fuel reduction, and natural resource protection and restoration projects on Midpen lands. The Field Resource Specialist participates in long-term and short-term project planning, grant application and administration, coordinates assigned activities with other Midpen departments and outside agencies. This position will supervise staff and will direct consultants, contractors, and volunteers to assist in completing this work. Supervisory and administrative tasks will include budgeting, project management, setting priorities, and providing guidance to multi-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative with excellent oral and written communication skills, understands ecological systems, and can implement land management practices accordingly. 

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact.  If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!  Check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

Midpen has one vacancy for the position of Field Resource Specialist. The start date for this position is December 2024.

• Field Resource Specialist will report to the Foothills Field Office (FFO) in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve in Cupertino, CA, to the Foothills Area Manager.

About the Position:   The Field Resource Specialist is an exempt/salaried position, which is responsible for administering the principles and practices of public land management including: open space or undeveloped park maintenance, resource management including resource protection, managing budgets, prioritizing work tasks, and responding to public; stakeholder agencies; and other department inquiries. The Field Resource Specialist directs the day-to-day implementation of fuel reduction and vegetation management goals of Midpen’s Wildland Fire Resiliency Program. The Field Resource Specialist will support Midpen’s utilization of contractors and act as a point of contact for a wide variety of vegetation maintenance and management tasks. The successful performance of this work will require a working knowledge of a broad range of resource management trades and technical principles, as well as a professional background and the ability to coordinate work with other Midpen departments.  Candidates with background in fire risk prevention activities and vegetation management trades are desirable. For additional information about the Field Resource Specialist position, see the Job Description page on our website. 

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
• ‘Joint Resource Workdays’ allow all district staff to get involved and work together on a variety of maintenance,  resource management, habitat restoration and capital improvement projects. 

Work Environment:  This position is part of the Land and Facilities Services Department assigned to a field office and will work primarily in the Foothill office in Rancho San Antonio Preserve, Cupertino, and will visit Midpen field sites. When conducting field assignments, work may include traversing rough, difficult terrain in inclement or hot weather with exposure to poison oak. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of conditions, as well as in an office environment. Positions in this classification must possess the ability to lift and carry materials and objects weighing up to 60 pounds and must possess the ability to push and pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds, with the use of proper equipment.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations, may be eligible for the flexible work program which includes 9/80 schedules. Current work schedule is Monday to Friday, 7am to 4:30pm, recurring 9/80 Monday day off.

Midpen reserves the right to limit or deny off-duty employment or business ownership which creates a conflict of interest or an incompatibility with District employment. Information can be found in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Section 4.13 Off-Duty Employment and Business Ownership.

Education and Experience:  Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:   

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in environmental design, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, park administration or a related field, and three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in project management preferably in parks, open space, or a related field including one (1) year of supervisory responsibility. 

Licenses & Certifications Required:    

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Professional Rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid First Responder or equivalent certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, the level of certification in the Incident Command System courses as specified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) within 12 months of employment.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a District approved Fire Suppression Training certification within 12 months of employment.
• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a California Qualified Applicators Certificate with Landscape Maintenance (Category B) for pesticide application within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Possession of a valid California Class A or B Driver License and required endorsements is desirable.

Benefits: Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life and disability insurance, CalPERS pension and paid leaves. Detailed information is available on the Benefits page of our website.

How to Apply: apply online at CalOpps.org.

(To avoid missing email communication regarding your status in this recruitment, add mpropenspace@calopps.org to your contacts or list of safe senders).

Application deadline is Sunday, October 6, 2024.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Cover letter 

3. Resume 

4. Supplemental question responses

*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

Interview Schedule (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules):

First interview (virtual):  Thursday, October 24, 2024

Written Exercise (virtual):  Monday, October 28, 2024

Final interview (in-person):  Tuesday, November 5, 2024

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: before committing to the application process, and if you haven’t done so already, we suggest evaluating the feasibility of relocation. We recommend researching the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost to relocate, and typical commute times to Los Altos from outlying areas.

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at

(650) 691-1200 or via email at hr@openspace.org.

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

The City of Sunnyvale is recruiting for a Fleet Manager.  Are you interested in joining an innovative and values-focused team to deliver excellent services?  The city is searching for a new team member with these attributes and experience in fleet maintenance, vehicle/equipment replacement, fleet planning and management, permitting, and regulatory compliance.

The Fleet Division works hard to ensure the City's vehicles and equipment are operating safely and efficiently.  As the Fleet Manager you will find satisfaction in being a part of a team that provides quality services for the City of Sunnyvale.   City staff and the community count on the Fleet Division for the vehicles and equipment needed to deliver exceptional service.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package including generous health benefits, retiree medical, and a 2% deferred compensation contribution.  A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The final filing date is September 23, 2024, at 5:00 pm. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

$143,018.00 - $178,772.00 Annually

Each year, hundreds of volunteers across multiple programs dedicate their time and effort in support of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s mission. With increasing demand and heightened awareness of the value of volunteers, organizations rely on professional staff to manage this great resource of people.  Are you skilled in trail maintenance and repair, and small construction projects with a knack for identifying trail concerns and other needs in the field? Do you have the technical, interpersonal, and organizational skills required for volunteer coordination? Do you have a passion for seeking out new audiences to connect to the importance of trail systems and land stewardship?  We invite you to apply for the position of Volunteer Program Lead of trails and infrastructure.

About Midpen:  Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with more than 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.  Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact.  If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position! Check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

About the Position: The Volunteer Program Lead is the face of Midpen to volunteers working in various resource, trail, and land management roles in the preserves as well as being a representative to community organizations and partners.  This position motivates, energizes, and appreciates volunteers and ensures projects provide a safe and meaningful experience that support established agency needs. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative leader committed to strategizing and enhancing a strong volunteer program.

Responsibilities include working with maintenance, natural resource and volunteer management staff to coordinate all aspects of a successful volunteer program where trail maintenance and repair is the focus along with fostering joint partner efforts and relationships, and facilitating scout and other special projects. For additional information about the Volunteer Program Lead position, see the Job Description page on our website. 

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment by helping to maintain a rich network of trails.
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment/Working Conditions:

Under the supervision of the Volunteer Program Manager in the Visitor Services Department, this position will primarily report out of a designated Midpen field office (Cupertino and/or La Honda), which will include volunteer projects and administrative tasks. This position also works from home approximately one day per week (as approved) and occasionally at the Administration office in Los Altos.  Volunteer initiatives directed by this role may take place across various preserves requiring regular travel to and from the locations.  The Volunteer Program Lead’s schedule requires working at least one weekend day as part of the regular work week schedule, with an option to be on a 9/80 schedule after an initial training period plus occasional evenings and holidays.

The Volunteer Program Lead is a fairly independent position that supports the work of one or more departments within the agency, requiring solo work in the field, frequent site visits, and hiking steep terrain in wildland areas with poison oak and wildlife. Field work will also require driving a District truck in remote areas on unimproved dirt roads in inclement weather conditions. Work in the field may also include exposure to loud noise levels, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes.

Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment including some full days of program administrative tasks using various software programs and applications on a computer, phone, or tablet.

Additionally, candidates should be familiar with the principles and practices of trail building, construction, repair, and maintenance, including site planning and resource protection as well as the tools and equipment required for maintaining and repairing open spaces and related facilities.

This position wears a prescribed District uniform and adheres to strict safety procedures and work habits. Depending on the exposure, employees may be required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, face, hand, or other protection equipment.

Midpen reserves the right to limit or deny off-duty employment or business ownership which creates a conflict of interest or an incompatibility with District employment. Additional information can be found in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Section 4.13 Off-Duty Employment and Business Ownership.  

Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in natural resource management, biology, ecology, natural lands or park management, or a related field combined with two (2) years of relevant experience working with the public and coordinating volunteer activities.

Additionally, one (1) year of experience in one of the following areas (which can overlap with the above experience):

• One (1) year of experience in evaluating, surveying, or monitoring of natural resource systems, OR
• One (1) year of experience in trail construction, maintenance, and/or repair of parks, open spaces, and/or related facilities.  
• Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Licenses & Certifications Required:  

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.

Benefits:  Midpen provides an excellent benefits package including health, life & disability insurance as well as CalPERS pension. Please see the Benefits page of the District website for details.

How to Apply: apply online at CalOpps.org

(To avoid missing email communication about this recruitment, consider adding mpropenspace@calopps.org to your contacts or list of safe senders.)

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Cover letter 

3. Resume 

4. Supplemental question responses

*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

Interview Schedule (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules):

First Interview (Virtual): Thursday, October 17th

Written Exercise (Virtual):   Monday, October 21, 2024

Second Interview (In-Person): Wednesday, October 23, 2024

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: before committing to the application process, and if you haven’t done so already, we suggest evaluating the feasibility of relocation. We recommend

researching the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost to relocate, and typical commute times to Los Altos from outlying areas.

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.  

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation

by contacting the Human Resources department at (650) 691-1200

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

Please click the Job PDF button below to view the full job announcement.

Please click the Job PDF button below to view the full job announcement.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.