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About the Position: The Planning Department is seeking two interns who are interested in learning about open space conservation and planning for ecologically sensitive recreation. Their responsibilities may include researching and compiling project information, supporting with community and stakeholder engagement, assisting with environmental review and documentation, researching new programs and initiatives, conducting field surveys and data collection, and using computer-based systems such as GIS, Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator for analysis of data and preparation of documents regarding Midpen lands and facilities. The interns will work as a team and individually on assignments, including opportunities for field work to gain experience in data collection techniques and tools and on-the-job training in planning research, analysis, and written communication.  The expected start date for the interns is on or after July 8, 2024. We have limited flexibility to change the start date.

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, outdoor recreation and environmental education, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position! For more information please visit our Intern Program Brochure and check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

Basic Requirements: Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Successful candidates will have a background in the natural sciences, park/open space management, land use/environmental planning, GIS/geography, biology, ecology, or another related field; and experience with field data collection techniques. This internship requires strong organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and with a team. Experience with MS Outlook, MS Word and Excel, ArcGIS software, GPS equipment, Microsoft Excel, and Apple iPads is desired, and familiarity with Midpen preserves/trails as well as local flora, fauna, and natural history are a plus.   Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license is required. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions: This position will report to the Planning Department at the Administrative Office in Los Altos, California.  Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute work environment for this position, which will be divided between onsite work, field visits, and limited home office work.  Fieldwork is conducted in rural or mountainous Midpen open space areas, which may involve working alone or with another intern in wildland areas, traversing rough difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak and dense vegetation, and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, which will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-9 month period. This is a non-benefited position.

Ready to apply?  Great!  We welcome your application online at CalOpps.org. 

Application deadline is Monday, April 29, 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.

Virtual Interviews are planned for Tuesday, May 14, 2024.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules.

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.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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!

Do you have a passion for outdoor recreation and open space? Do you seek an opportunity to work on planning projects that focus on land use, public access improvements and staff facilities?  Midpen has an excellent opportunity for a skilled Planner III who will manage complex planning projects supporting public access and outdoor recreation in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.  The ideal candidate will be an organized, creative, and energetic self-starter with excellent communication and project management skills, who enjoys working within a collaborative team dynamic. Top-level candidates are familiar with feasibility studies, public outreach and engagement, design project management, environmental review processes, and local, state, and federal land use laws and permitting processes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHP), etc.

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 over 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:  Midpen's Board approved the addition of two new Planner III positions to the Planning Department. The Planner III focuses on a wide variety of planning and capital improvement projects that include long-range planning; land use planning; and conceptual site design to increase public access, outdoor recreation, and enjoyment of Midpen’s lands. The Planner III is tasked with performing complex professional level planning, analysis, and design; developing and administering project scopes, schedules and budgets; directing the feasibility and conceptual design phase of capital improvement projects such as trails, staging areas and staff facilities; developing recommendations for land use policies; preparing long-range master plans to guide the use and management of Midpen lands; conducting or overseeing studies to identify and evaluate environmental issues related to public access and natural and cultural resources; conducting public outreach and engagement; preparing requests for proposals; assisting in development of grant applications; preparing and/or assisting in the preparation of environmental review documents; and obtaining planning permits and initial approvals for projects. The Planner III also provides project presentations to senior management, the Board of Directors, and Committees, and at public meetings, that may be held in the evenings and weekends.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who works independently with some supervision; communicates well and collaborates closely with internal team members from other departments to complete project requirements; works with local jurisdictional agencies to coordinate planning and permitting efforts; directs multidisciplinary teams of consultants; prepares and presents clear and concise oral and written communications to senior staff and management, the Board of Directors and public; keeps projects on schedule and on budget while remaining flexible to adjust priorities as needed; maintains well-organized and complete project documentation; and builds trust with peers, community members, stakeholders, and Midpen leadership. Beneficial skills for this position would include experience using computer-based and/or other systems such as GIS for management and analysis of data regarding Midpen lands, facilities, natural and cultural resources, as well as experience in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and tribal relations.

For additional information about the position, see the Job Description page on Midpen’s website. The position receives direct supervision from a Senior Planner.

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment and contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team of bright, energetic, and motivated professionals with a passion for the outdoors, trails, and preserving open space
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment:  This position is part of the Planning Department at the District’s offices in Los Altos, California.  Planner III project presentations may be held in the evenings and weekends. In addition to working in the office, the Planner III will sometimes work in the field and hike through steep terrain and wildland areas.  Field work will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in temperatures ranging from cold and blustery to hot and dry. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment. Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute work schedule for this position, which includes a 9/80 schedule.

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 urban or regional planning, environmental planning or design, environmental sciences, landscape architecture or a related field, and at least three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience with five (5) years desired in project management (design, planning or environmental review projects), preferably in parks, open space or related field, including at least one (1) year of direct supervisory and administrative responsibility (which can include management of consultant team). 

Licenses & Certifications Required:   Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

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

How to Apply: apply online at CalOpps.org.

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

This recruitment is open until filled. The first review of applications is March 25, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.  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:  (dates are subject to change)

First Interview (virtual): April 11, 2024

Written Exercise (virtual): April 22, 2024

Second Interview (in person): April 23, 2024

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: 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.

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.

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!

Permit Technician I/II

Level I:  $ 5,125 - $6,229 per month

Level II:  $5,637 - $6,852 per month

(Appointment level will depend on experience and qualifications)

Plus excellent benefits

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Monday, February 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m for first consideration.  

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 62,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $172 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE POSITION:

The Community Development Department is recruiting for one full-time Permit Technician.  Appointment will be made at the appropriate level depending upon qualifications.  Under general supervision, the Permit Technician will perform a variety of technical permitting and administrative support work associated with front counter, virtual counter, and other office tasks related to department operations.

Permit Technician I:  This is the journey-level class in the Permit Technician series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence and judgment on matters allocated to the Permit Technician II.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.   

Permit Technician II:   This is the journey-level class in the Permit Technician series.  Employees at this level are expected to perform with more independence and receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and polices within the work unit.  Depending on expertise and certifications, incumbents may perform minor over-the-counter planning and building plan check reviews.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and may be filled by advancement from the Permit Technician I class.

This position performs the following essential job duties (including but not limited to):

• Reviews and intakes planning and building permit applications.
• Determines and collects fees for permits and other review and regulatory services.
• Routes all application submittals to the appropriate departments/agencies for processing.
• Maintains files for all applications after checking for general completeness and accuracy.
• Provides written and verbal information to the public regarding departmental policies and procedures pertaining to topics such as permits, building code requirements, zoning, application procedures, and current projects.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, maps, planning regulations, and a variety of other information while responding to general inquiries.
• Processes minor planning applications and reviews business licenses and building permits for compliance with zoning regulations.
• Provides public information in support of the building, planning, housing, and code enforcement programs.
• Enters invoices, prepares refunds, and reconciles web payments.
• Provides administrative support for public meetings, including preparation, distribution, and posting of agendas and minutes.
• Assists in setting up rooms and virtual webinars for department and/or public meetings.
• Operates a variety of office equipment and uses a variety of software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet, permit tracking software, digital archiving software, and visual presentation equipment as appropriate.
• Maintains and manages an inventory of forms, applications, and office supplies.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs a variety of other tasks related to office administration and permit services as assigned.

To be eligible for this position, you must have knowledge of/ability to:

Permit Technician I:

• Basic office and clerical procedures.
• Modern office methods, procedures, and computer equipment and various software applications.
• Simple accounting procedures.
• Basic applied mathematics.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing with the general public and customers involved with development and construction, particularly contractors, architects, developers, engineers, and property owners.
• Learn to read and interpret maps, construction drawings and blueprints.
• Learn and apply a variety of zoning, land use, planning, and building procedures, codes, and ordinances enforced by the City including the Uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Codes and zoning codes. 

Permit Technician II (in addition to the requirements for Permit Technician I):

• Basic knowledge of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes.
• Basic engineering concepts.
• Basic planning and land use concepts.
• Read and interpret maps, construction drawings, and blueprints.
• Interpret and apply a variety of zoning, land use, planning, and building procedures, codes, and ordinances enforced by the City, including the Uniform Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Codes and zoning codes.
• Organize and maintain files.
• Operate a variety of office equipment.
• Quickly and accurately review plans for submittal requirements and calculate permit fees in accordance with established laws.
• Research and compile information requested.
• Prepare written zoning research letters and administrative land use entitlements.
• Research, compile, and analyze data for special projects and various reports.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE (A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skill and ability outlined above is):

Permit Technician I:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience in an office or customer service environment with direct contact with the general public.

 Permit Technician II:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Completion of two courses in building code, electrical code plumbing code, mechanical code, engineering, planning, or related field.
• One (1) year of experience equivalent to Permit Technician I in the City of San Rafael.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS:

• Possession of International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification is desirable for Permit Technician I and II and is required for Permit Technician III.

LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL/REASONING SKILLS:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effective before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to speak Spanish is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds for a distance of less than 50 feet.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Much of the work consists of entering data into and retrieving data from personal computers and terminals via keyboards and is performed while standing or sitting for extended periods of time with the ability to move about at will.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbents within this classification are expected to be able to communicate orally, in person, online or via the telephone, with members of the general public, other City employees, or employees of outside companies and other agencies.  Much of the work performed in a crowded and noisy office setting. 

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application.  Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application.  The examination process may include the following application appraisal and oral board interview examination.  The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%.  Prior to appointment candidate must mass a pre-employment physical, background check, driving record, and fingerprinting.  To file an application, go to:  www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”.  Follow this link to submit your application:   https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20465009.  

For more information about the City of San Rafael, go to:  www.cityofsanrafael.org

Reasonable Accommodation:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Such accommodation must be requested by the applicant. 

Senior Planner

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Apply by Wednesday, February 7, 2024, for first consideration

The City of San Rafael is recruiting for a Senior Planner in our Community Development Department. This position is responsible for the program, administration, and the performance of a comprehensive planning/economic development division and performs professional current and/or advanced planning work.   

The employee in this position exercises supervision over other professional, technical and/or office support staff.  At this advanced level the incumbent is expected to utilize highly technical, analytical skills which are necessary in order to function with the degree of independence required in completing assignments. 

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $120 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.  

This position performs the following essential job duties:

• Supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in City planning activities.
• Establishes priorities and defining processing requirements.
• Responds to questions and issues raised by the City staff, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the general public; interpret the General Plan, zoning code and related ordinances or City regulations.
• Conducts research and special studies.
• Coordinates projects and activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Manages consulting contracts for planning projects.
• Makes presentations before community groups, Boards, Commissions and/or the City Council.
• Performs related duties as required.

To be eligible for this position you must have knowledge of/ability to:

• Principles and practices of planning and the methods used in the implementation of such plans.
• Current trends in federal, state and local planning.
• Socioeconomic and physical resource aspects related to assigned programs.
• Effective supervisory methods and techniques. 

• Prepare and analyze various professional studies.
• Prepare written reports.
• Make presentations to committees, community groups, the Planning Commission & City Council.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Provide leadership to staff.  

LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL/REASONING SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field, AND
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience.
• A Master’s degree in Planning may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Public agency experience desirable.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display.  The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application. Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application since this information will be used to determine who will be invited to participate in the next phase of the examination process.  The examination process may include any or all of the following: application appraisal, written examination, oral board interview examination and/or performance examination. Note:  Prior to appointment, the candidate must pass a pre-placement physical examination, drug screen, in depth background check, and fingerprinting. 

To file an application online, go to www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”.  Or, follow this link to submit your application:  https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20462443.  

First Round Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 19, 2024.

Reasonable Accommodation:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the oral board date.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the full job announcement.

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