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Are you an experienced and highly motivated Ecologist with a solid background in biology/ecology and have a passion for protecting and preserving open space?  If so, then we have an outstanding opportunity for a top-level Ecologist to join our team of resource management professionals working to protect and restore the natural environment within Midpen’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Peninsula.  Bring your professional expertise to Midpen to support our mission! 

About the Position:  This position oversees aspects of Midpen’s vegetation management programs; advises and monitors field and office staff and contractors on vegetation management; leads a multi-department team in reviewing and setting priorities for all vegetation management activities on approximately 72,000 acres according to Midpen policy; train staff in ecologically sensitive vegetation management and safety; conducts field inspections; recommends appropriate treatment methods; monitors work; and reports on the progress of the programs to the General Manager, Board of Directors, and public.

Highly qualified candidates have knowledge and proven experience in the following areas:

• IPM principles in the management of invasive, weedy and flammable plants and pest animals in natural park environments and facilities.
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and natural community ecology.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to vegetation management and plant collecting.
• Ability to identify plants (including special status plants), pests and sensitive environments with the Santa Cruz Mountains region.
• Analyzing the impacts of projects on native plant species and sensitive natural communities.
• Managing complex large-scale projects.
• Conducting botanical field surveys, or experience conducting such botanical field surveys under the direction of an experienced botanical field surveyor.
• Hiring and oversight of consultants and contractors.
• Project management.
• Report writing.
• Supervision.
• Must have, or be able to obtain within one year of hire date, a California Pest Control Advisor license, Qualified Applicator License, or Qualified Applicator Certificate.

Qualities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Possess excellent judgment.
• Self-directed.

Highly Desired

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in the public sector.

For additional information, see the description of Midpen’s Integrated Pest Management Program, Wildland Fire Resiliency Program, and job description on Midpen’s website.

Licenses & Certifications Required:  

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. 
• Must have, or be able to obtain within one year of hire date, a California Pest Control Advisor license, Qualified Applicator License, or Qualified Applicator Certificate.

Work Environment:  This position is part of the Natural Resources Department at Midpen’s administrative office in Los Altos, California.  Fieldwork is seasonally dependent, project-driven, and is an integral part of this position. Therefore, in addition to working in the office, the Ecologist III will sometimes work in the field. Fieldwork will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in all weather conditions, and hiking through steep terrain and wildland areas. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment.

Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations, the Ecologist III will be eligible to work a hybrid schedule (work from home 2 days per week and in the office 3 days per week). 

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 natural resource management, ecology, biology, environmental design, or a closely related field and:

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in natural resource management preferably in parks or open space, and
• At least one (1) year of supervisory and administrative responsibility.

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 via CalOpps.org.  The deadline to apply is July 13, 2025.

The following four application items are required to be considered for the position:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application*

2. Resume

3. Cover letter

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

Recruitment Timeline:

(Dates are subject to change.  We are unable to accommodate individual schedules).

First Interview (virtual): July 24, 2025

Written Exercise (virtual): July 28, 2025

Second Interview/Field Exercise (in person): August 1, 2025.

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.  

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!

Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun?” Are you ready to make a difference?

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.
 
The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 200 plus neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and over 60 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

Position Duties:

The Department is recruiting for part-time, unbenefited Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguard positions in the Recreation Services Division (RS) for the Citywide Aquatics programming.

The Lifeguard classification is covered by the Minimum Wage Police and pay starts at $17.95 hourly.

The Instructor Lifeguard classification is covered by the Pay Floor Rate and pay starts at $29.45 hourly.

These positions may be required to work variable shifts between the hours of 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday – Saturday during the dates of June 16, 2025 - August 8, 2025. Additionally, a MANDATORY training for both Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguard positions will take place starting the week of June 9, 2025 - June 13, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. These positions are part-time, unbenefited with a limit of less than 20 hours per week or less than 1,040 hours per year. There is no guarantee of hours or longevity. All programs adhere to Santa Clara County, Public Health guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of staff. Face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment are provided. Staff may assist with daily health screenings, cleaning, and sanitization in City programs following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. 

Note: Candidates are not required to possess the Lifeguard Training certificate at the time of completing the application or to interview for the position. If selected for the position of Lifeguard, the Citywide Aquatics program will offer Lifeguard Training certification classes, if needed. If selected for the position of Instructor Lifeguard, the Citywide Aquatics program will be offering Lifeguard Training and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor's (WSI) certification classes, if needed. The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification age requirement is at least 15 years old and the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification age requirement is at least 16 years old. 

If selected to move forward in the conditional offer process, the Lifeguard certification pre course swimming skills test that consists of the following:

• a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke.
• a 2-minute tread using legs only
• the ability to retrieve a 10-lb dive weight from 7 ft deep, to the surface and swim 20 yds with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds. 

Lifeguard:  Lifeguards supervise the conduct of swimmers to maintain safety in the swimming pool. Lifeguards also enforce swimming pool rules and may participate in swim instruction programs; observe swimmers in swimming pools; provide warnings to those who violate the safety rules of the pool and expelling them, if necessary, because of willful disobedience of the rules; rescues swimmers who are in distress; and administers artificial respiration when necessary, according to the prescribed method. Lifeguards may also train and direct the work of lower-level workers as assigned and participate in pool maintenance. Possession of a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training’s Authorization Certificate is REQUIRED for the position of Lifeguard. 

Instructor Lifeguard:  In addition to the duties identified for Lifeguards, Instructor Lifeguards also organize and conduct swimming instruction classes for beginners, intermediate, or advanced swimmers at a swimming pool. Duties will include teaching swimming to children, adult individuals, and groups. Instructor Lifeguards may officiate at competitive swim meets. Instructor Lifeguards must also be able to instruct in the techniques of swimming and lifesaving. Possession of a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor’s Authorization Certificate (WSI) is REQUIRED for the position of Instructor Lifeguard. 

Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguards may be placed at any of the City pools. Currently, the City of San José is hiring for four pools at the following locations:

Camden Community Center: 3369 Union Ave., San José, CA 95124 

Fair Swim Center: 1350 Bacchus Dr., San José, CA 95122

Mayfair Community Center: 2039 Kammerer Ave., San José, CA 95116

Rotary Ryland Pool: 421 North First St., San José, CA 95111

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

The Department: 
The Parks & Recreation Department supports a vibrant, active quality of life for all ages, abilities, and interests of the Santa Clara community through excellent parks and recreational facilities, community services, programs, and events. The Parks Division provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of City parks and open spaces. The Recreation Division provides classes and programs for all ages and abilities. We aim to promote the use of safe, clean, and attractive facilities for enjoyment and quality of life for all ages and abilities. The Cemetery Division maintains 33,000 internment sites in a peaceful public park.
 
The Position: 
An incumbent in this classification is responsible for the safe operation of an assigned swimming pool, including supervising pool personnel, overseeing conduct of pool events, ensuring  collection and security of revenue, and attendant record keeping.  Candidates must be able to serve a variety of ages, abilities and needs in participants from diverse backgrounds with tact and professionalism.
 
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.
 
Additional Information: 
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 hourly salary range for this position is $21.02 - $27.84. This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.  

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements
• Education equivalent to completion of the eleventh grade; and
• Three (3) years of experience in swimming pool management, swimming instruction, lifeguarding, or related activity; and
• Must be at least 17 years of age at time of application

Possible Substitution
• One (1) year of experience in lifeguarding and/or swimming instruction with the City of Santa Clara may be substituted for the required three (3) years of experience.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following certificates is required:
• A valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate or Completion of City of Santa Clara Learn to Swim Instruction Program; and
• A valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate; and
• In accordance with State of California law, a valid California Work Permit is required at time of appointment for candidates under the age of 18 who have not graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  
  
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.