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If you enjoy working hard in a beautiful outdoor environment with a group of like-minded people, we invite you to apply for the position of Open Space Technician at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen). Enjoy the outdoors while building and maintaining trails, working on construction projects, and assisting with resource management projects.  Open Space Technicians also have frequent contact with the public and provide visitor information as necessary. 

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.

About the Position:  Midpen has multiple vacancies with a start date in January 2025. In addition to filling this position, we intend to create a pool of highly qualified candidates to fill future opportunities at Midpen for the position of Open Space Technician. The selected individual will perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work in the construction, modification, maintenance, restoration, and repair of District land and facilities including trail and road maintenance and construction; resource management tasks; facilities and structure construction and maintenance; operate and maintain a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment; and oversee volunteers, seasonal workers, and/or other groups on assigned projects.  See Job Description for additional information. 

Assigned work location may be at any of these offices:

Coastal Area Outpost – La Honda (Address: 5710 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, CA  94074)

Foothills Field Office – Cupertino (Address: 501 Rancho San Antonio Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014)

Skyline Field Office – La Honda (Address: 21150 Skyline Blvd., La Honda, CA 94020)

South Area Office – Campbell (Address: 240 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA 95008)

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.

Working Conditions:

May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must wear prescribed District uniform and adhere to strict safety procedures and work habits. Depending on the exposure, employee is required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, face, hand, and full protection equipment. Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and poison oak.

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:

High School Diploma (completion of the 12th grade) or G.E.D. supplemented by college-level coursework in park maintenance, resource management, or a related field and one (1) year of experience in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of parks, open spaces, and/or related facilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Basic First Aid and CPR certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a District approved Fire Suppression Training certification within (12) months of assignment into the District’s fire program.

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 13, 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.

Upon receipt of a conditional employment offer, candidate must provide a current DMV report (request report by submitting form INF 1125 to the DMV). Employment offers are conditional upon the results of a fingerprint background check and a pre-employment physical.

Recruitment Timeline: We recommend applicants be available for interviews on the following dates for panel interviews (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules):

First interview (virtual):  Tuesday, October 29, 2024 and Thursday, October 31, 2024

Skills Assessment (in-person): Thursday, November 7, 2024

Final interview (in-person):  Wednesday, November 20, 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!

Parks Maintenance Supervisor

$7,733 - $9,399 per month

Plus excellent benefits

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 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 $166 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 City of San Rafael Public Works Department is seeking a full-time Parks Maintenance Supervisor.   This position will supervise and perform work in park maintenance, such as mowing, irrigation, pruning, planting, cleaning, improvement and repair of City parks, recreational areas, park buildings, street islands, swimming pools and related facilities.  Work includes setting priorities, assigning and reviewing the work of crew members.   

UPCOMING PROJECTS:

• Construction begins this fall on a new synthetic turf field at Al Boro Community Center.  The Parks Department will be responsible for the care and maintenance of the field after installation.  This is the only synthetic turf field in our park system.  Developing a proper maintenance schedule will be crucial to ensure the longevity of the highly used field.
• The Parks Department is working on a better maintenance solution to the tree wells and tree grates along the downtown corridor.  Many of the trees are outgrowing the tree grates, causing damage to the trees and potential trip hazards for the pedestrians.  The Park Department is exploring options, including installation of porous rubber pavement surfaces. 
• Asset Management software is coming to the maintenance divisions in Public Works to help better manage the maintenance schedules of all of the city-owned assets.  Assisting with the software into the daily routines will be an expectation of Supervisor. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Is familiar with San Rafael and the different areas it encompasses.
• Has knowledge and experience in all aspects of park and street maintenance.
• Has knowledge and/or experience in assessing tree issues.  ISA certification is a plus.
• Has knowledge and/or experience in California Department of Pesticide Regulations.  QAL or PCA certification is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with suite of Microsoft Office products.
• Good customer service with the ability to work with the public in difficult situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

• Identifies and records major project work needed and discuss needs and priorities with supervisor so annual project and program schedules can be developed.
• Plans, lays out, estimates and arranges materials, crew, and equipment required for jobs.
• Establishes short-term work schedules and assigns work to lead workers and grounds workers. 
• Performs the full scope of groundskeeping duties.
• Inspects assigned areas of completed work to assess need for follow up, identify horticultural problems, and determine proper courses of action.
• Maintains records of work performed, hours and materials used, horticultural care of particular areas, pesticide use, and project tracking.
• Conducts preliminary performance appraisals and disciplinary discussions.
• Monitors stock of supplies and materials and notifies supervisor of order needs.
• Purchases approved parts and materials under standing purchase orders, and initiates purchase orders for non-stock items.
• Assists in emergency maintenance and repair of Public Works facilities including work in other sections of the department.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Techniques of lead supervision including planning, assigning, and monitoring work.
• Irrigation, nutrient, light pruning and other needs and characteristics of a wide variety of plant and tree species.
• Insects, molds, and related diseases and parasites of plants and trees and their control.
• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in grounds keeping and gardening.
• Uses, precautions, record keeping and reporting, and disposal of insecticides and herbicides.
• Uses and operates a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment used in grounds keeping.
• Safe working practices.

• Provide lead supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Plan and schedule work, estimating material, equipment, and staff time required for recurring tasks, annual programs and project work.
• Identify plant species, diseases, parasites, and insect infestations.
• Establish and correct pruning, irrigation, nutrient, and light requirements for plants and trees.
• Operate and perform operator maintenance of hand and power tools.

LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL/REASONINING SKILLS: 

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety, rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Must possess a pesticide applicators license issued by the State of California.
• Must be willing to work in unpleasant and potentially hazardous conditions and be subject to call out for Public Works emergencies.
• May be required to obtain a valid California Class I driver’s license to operate heavy equipment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by education or training in landscape maintenance, horticulture, and use of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Five (5) years of responsible experience in landscape maintenance, including one year in a lead or supervisory capacity.

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 stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  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 to 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 near video display.  The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions and frequently works in indoor conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Hazards are moderate, fairly predictable and protected against.

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, oral board examination, and written examination.  The passing point for the oral and/or written examination final score will be 70%.  Prior to appointment, candidate must pass a background check, DMV check, pre-employment physical/drug screen, and fingerprinting.  To file an application, go to www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “City of San Rafael”.  For more information on the City of San Rafael, go to www.cityofsanrafael.org.  Follow this link to submit your application:   https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20535167.  

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 no later than seven (7) calendar days before the test date.

DESCRIPTION:

The Department:

The Parks and Recreation Department provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the City's neighborhood parks, open space, water sites, recreation buildings, and trails.

The Position:

Under supervision, to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in connection with the development and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities.

As an As-needed Laborer, the successful incumbent will work in the department, performing routine maintenance on various parks and facilities including the city-owned cemetery. This position will assist in maintenance and repair using a variety of tools and specialized equipment. 

The Laborer position performs varied, unskilled and skilled manual tasks related to landscape maintenance and sanitization. Typical tasks include cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings, loading trash and leaves in truck, litter abatement, mowing, edging, cleaning park sites, graffiti abatement, and operating a variety of hand/power tools and heavy equipment as needed. This position may require working weekends, holidays, and after hours. Must be able to read, speak, and write English at a basic level, follow written and oral instruction, and perform heavy lifting.  

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $17.75 - $24.85.  This position will be filled at or near the bottom of the salary range.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

Under direct supervision, performs varied, unskilled manual tasks often requiring considerable physical strength and the use of hand tools and hand power tools; loads rubbish and leaves on trucks; excavates and fills trenches and ditches; assists in the removal, trimming and spraying of trees and shrubs; prepares surfaces for paving; mixes cement; breaks up paved surfaces; helps place forms and pour concrete; lays pipes; uses such tools as shovel, rake, and jackhammer; operates trucks and heavier equipment as needed. Performs construction, maintenance and sanitation duties as required; and does related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

Sufficient education to provide the ability to read, write and speak English at a basic level. 

Minimum Experience Requirements:

No experience is required.

Acceptable Substitution:

None.

License/Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Landscape maintenance experience.
• Experience working with the public in a service environment.

Other Requirements:

Ability to work odd and irregular hours including weekends and holidays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Some knowledge of: the purposes, use, and maintenance of simple hand tools; construction and maintenance methods and materials. Good ability to: learn to use simple hand tools; follow oral and written instructions; and perform heavy physical labor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direct supervision of an assigned supervisor.

Additional Information:

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a Complete City Application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

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