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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.

 

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.   

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

 

 

 

Senior Educational Facilities Planner

Location: Santa Cruz

Job ID: 18952

Initial Review Date (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

Initial Review Date (IRD): 06-28-2021

Dept Marketing Statement
The Senior Educational Facilities Planner (Sr. Planner) provides professional planning services that guide the physical development of the campus and assists in strategic development and improvement of buildings and space to support UCSC's mission of research, teaching, and public service. As a senior member of the unit, the Sr. Planner is the resident expert on campus and UC policy regarding capital matters, and provides assistance and support in all areas of planning for CPSM staff, campus leadership. They also act as liaison to the Office of Capital Planning at the UC Office of the President.

The Sr. Planner uses skills as a seasoned, experienced planning professional with a full understanding of industry practices and procedures to resolve a wide range of planning issues; uses advanced planning concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues; develops short and long range capital plans, demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for analyzing alternatives and recommending solutions; exhibits high levels of organization; recommends revisions to proceedures and policies to improve efficiency, and is able to operate with considerable independence.

The Sr. Planner provides high-level reports and analysis of campus space needs in an effort to ensure the efficient use of campus space; works with campus leadership and clients to provide in-depth programming, utilization and visioning studies for all types of campus space using a variety of planning tools: metrics, conceptual space plans, and test fit diagrams; coordinates with campus technical experts on the re-use of space; generates and manipulates large data sets, manages databases to comprehensively manage campus capital expenditures, leads and coordinates the annual updates to the multi-year Capital and Seismic Financial Plans, and generates analytics for capital planning, space management and capital outlay.

In addition, the Sr. Planner is responsible for generating or reviewing the technical and budget approval documents created by other planners to ensure that they are accurate and complete; has advanced proficiency in Google and Microsoft Office Suites, and working knowledge of AutoCAD and other communication and presentation software.

Capital Planning and Space Management (CPSM) is a unit within the Division of Business Administration (BAS.) The Division includes a broad and diverse set of operational units that provides and maintains administrative, student development and physical infrastructure that supports the mission of the campus. As a member of BAS, CPSM supports the Office of the Chancellor and Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor in the areas of capital financial planning and policy analysis. In this capacity, CPSM develops and maintains relevant databases, provides analyses of policies and programs, assists in the determination of campus priorities, and in the development of strategies designed to achieve these priorities. CPSM is responsible for capital planning, space management, programming, management and utilization aspects of the campus capital improvement and space management programs; coordinates with the Office of Budget Analysis and Planning regarding the capital budget, and the execution of special studies as may be necessary to enable the Chancellor and Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor to discharge his/her responsibilities in these areas.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary Range Information: $81,600 - $117,100 (Min to Mid) Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
No. of Positions: 1
Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is eligible for Full benefits.
Schedule Information: Full-time, Fixed
Percentage of Time: 100%
Average Hours Per Week: 40
Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
Shift Includes: Days
Employee Classification: This is a Career Appointment
Job End Date: None
Job Code Classification: [000488] PLNG SPEC 4
Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus, Kerr Hall
Union Representation: Non-represented

Job Duties
35%: Applies advanced planning concepts to analyze and resolve difficult or complex planning and space management issues; manages and manipulates large datasets related to capital matters; develops, revises and refines long range campus planning initiatives such as the multi-year Capital Financial and Seismic Plans; provides preliminary planning and programming services to leadership and campus clients using a variety of planning tools: metrics, conceptual space plans and test fit diagrams; works with Budget Analysis and Planning to establish budgets and funding feasility models; prepares financial feasibility studies; identifies funding alternatives; authors funding approvals; and reviews off-campus lease and purchase opportunities.

 

35%: Serves as “Lead Planner” and expert regarding procedural and “capital matters” policy; prepares and reviews required planning documents prepared by others, to ensure they are accurate and compliant with the established UC and campus policies and procedures, and are delivered within the required deadlines; co-leads the capital project intake team, maintains the campus-wide comprehensive project list that tracks project status, schedule, and budget.

Manages campus clients, ensures efficient project development through coordination with campus partners; develops and delivers presentation to leadership, coordinates with colleagues at UC Office of the President, and prepares budget approval documents for the campus and UC Office of the President.

Makes recommendations, and implements improvements to operating procedures to improve operating efficiency; develops training materials, trains coworkers and colleagues; generally assists in the operations of the unit.

30%: Configures and manages multiple large scale data sets and campus specific databases; uses Google and Microsoft products and AutoCAD software; develops presentations and reports for internal analysis, and for delivery to leadership and the UC Office of the President.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in education, business administration, project construction administration, architecture, accounting, city planning, or facilities planning.
• Advanced knowledge / skills in facilities planning, architecture, engineering, or other planning-related fields; previous experience in providing capital planning and space management services, work with clients, develop space-use programs, conceptual space plans and test fit diagrams; and proficient in the preparation of associated presentation and budget approval documents.
• Advanced written, graphic, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including advanced political acumen; thorough knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation; ability to proof documents independently and prepare documents for professional publishing; proven ability to organize collected information, extract pertinent data, prepare accurate reports in various formats to present data effectively, and draft formal written narratives and documents.
• Advanced analytical, project management and problem-solving skills to identify needs, conduct research, and develop innovative alternatives, proposals, and solutions; ability to independently interpret, explain, and apply appropriate applications of a variety of complex policies and procedures; demonstrated advanced experience and skill in using analysis to draw systematic and rational conclusions from data; ability to learn the operations of a department as they relate to the academic and capital planning, design and construction environment.
• Proficient in math, advanced proficiency in equation development, database manipulation, and use of formulas and functions especially in Google Sheets and Excel; advanced proficiency in manipulating spreadsheets and reconciling large data sets; skilled at analyzing data and materials from a variety of sources, developing valid conclusions, and presenting the analysis and recommendations in a formal manner to a targeted audience; advanced proficiency in all Google and Microsoft Office Suite products; working knowledge of AutoCAD and other architectural drawing or presentation tools; ability to keep complex records and files; meticulous about details and accuracy of work; willingness to learn other software products as required.
• Advanced organizational skills; motivated and able to work independently or under general direction and with minimal supervision; ability to apply judgment, discretion, and initiative in performing complex technical and administrative work in a variety of subjects; ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines, and multi-task in fast-paced environment of competing and swiftly shifting delivery requirements and quick turn-around deadlines.
• Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with a diverse range of people and positions throughout the organizational hierarchy; ability to establish and maintain working relationships at all levels of the organization, across campus and with external institutions and agencies, and ability to work as a team player and collaborate effectively.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS

View full job description and access on-line application: https://apptrkr.com/2290168

To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

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