Search Jobs

Overview:

Champion Collaborative Solutions – Empower Positive Change at Valley Water

At Valley Water, we believe that strong labor relations are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. As a Labor Relations Specialist II, you will play a key role in supporting our employee-employer relations program, helping to foster a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace.

In this role, you will assist the Labor Relations Program Administrator and Labor Relations Assistant Officer in delivering a comprehensive and proactive labor relations strategy. You will provide expert guidance to staff and bargaining unit representatives, support contract administration, process grievances, assist in disciplinary actions, and promote effective labor-management relationships.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and conduct labor relations investigations, including investigatory meetings and detailed written reports; develop analyses and draft confidential communications.
• Interpret and apply MOUs, policies, procedures, regulations, and labor laws to ensure consistent and compliant application across the organization.
• Serve as a key point of contact for Valley Water management, providing guidance on performance management, disciplinary matters, and grievance resolution; collaborate with bargaining units to proactively resolve concerns.
• Develop and maintain labor relations data reports to identify trends and training opportunities; make informed recommendations and deliver training to staff.
• Partner with internal HR units including EEO, Talent Acquisition & Career Pathways, Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Total Rewards to align labor strategies with broader HR goals.

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:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in:

• Conducting workplace investigations with a strong understanding of labor/union contracts.
• Interpreting and applying MOUs, state and federal labor regulations, and employment law.
• Advising and coaching managers and supervisors on employee and labor relations matters.
• Supporting MOU negotiations through research, data analysis, and documentation using tools like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Handling sensitive issues with the highest level of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.
• Researching workforce and compensation trends and translating findings into actionable insights.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to navigate complex employee relations matters with tact and professionalism.
• Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including bargaining units, staff, and leadership.
• Conflict resolution and mediation expertise with a customer-focused approach.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing dynamic and sensitive work environments.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Public sector employee relations principles and practices.
• Union/labor contract administration and negotiation processes.
• Applicable state and federal labor and employment laws.
• Grievance procedures and dispute resolution methods.
• The role and function of unions in the public sector workplace.
• Investigative methodologies and best practices for employee relations cases.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in:

• Human Resources Management
• Organizational Development
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Public or Business Administration
• Or a related field.

Substitution:

Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

 

Required License or Certificate To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Labor Relations Unit (Position Code 834) 

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period  (one year).

Fire Protection Engineer I

 

Come join Sunnyvale's cutting-edge Fire Prevention Division! We are looking to fully staff our Fire Engineering Team that oversees new construction, plan reviews, and inspections. This exciting position includes access to latest plan review technology and databases, and the unique opportunity to provide the highest level of fire protection services to the international and local communities of Silicon Valley. 

 

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 Monday, June 16, 2025and final filing date is Monday, July 14, 2025 5:00 PM. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

 

Salary:

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER 1:  $64.99 - $82.95 HOURLY

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!

 

 

A 2.5% supervisory differential will apply.

For priority consideration, apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates throughout the recruitment period. The position will remain open until filled and posting may close abruptly. 

Overview:
Are you passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace? Valley Water is looking for a dynamic Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program Administrator to lead and innovate in our Equal Employment Office. Join us and make a tangible impact by ensuring fair treatment for all employees, handling sensitive matters with discretion, and driving positive change through collaboration and diplomacy. If you have a keen analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills, and a dedication to upholding EEO principles, we want you on our team!
 
The Program Administrator will plan, direct, manage and oversee activities and operations of complex, management-designated programs in EEO. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical, reasoning and research skills, using their best judgement to respond to requests about EEO. They will be able to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and tact. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are essential for this role, as is a customer-service oriented mindset to regularly engage with employees, administrative staff, union leaders, client groups, and other key stakeholders on a variety of employee relations matters. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, is results oriented, and builds positive relations through collaboration and diplomacy. You should be able to manage competing demands, have a passionate interest in EEO, and reflect our organization’s core values as you work with internal and external partners:

• Sustaining a healthy work-life balance for employees and placing a high value on all the things that provide enrichment and fulfillment.
• Acknowledging that all individuals are unique and important and will be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Creating an inclusive work environment, which reflects and supports the diversity of the community and enriches our perspectives.

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:

• Program Management: Planning and leading Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, projects, and activities.
• Compliance: Interpreting and applying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Case Management/Investigations: Processing EEO complaints from intake through final disposition, including organizing, directing, inquiring, and evaluating cases.
• Conflict Resolution: Tackling conflicts when discrimination complaints arise.
• Policy Implementation: Implementing policies and recommending administrative changes to prevent discrimination and mitigate liabilities. 
• Develop complex, sensitive, and confidential memos. 
• Designing and delivering training programs for managers, supervisors, and employees in EEO and related topics.

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:

• Six (6) years of experience in assigned program area of EEO, including either one (1) year in experience planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing various projects or programs, or serving as a Valley Water-recognized subject matter expert or advisor in EEO program area. 
• Experienced in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate an ability to be a strong partner in the organization.
• Effectively advise and provide consultative services to departments and supervisors on EEO matters.
• Conflict-resolution skills to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment. 
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Reporting and conducting EEO investigations. 

Ideal Knowledge:

• EEO practices and programs in a public sector environment.
• State and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Workplace investigations, dispute resolution, and grievance procedures best practices.

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources management, organizational development, industrial or organizational psychology, public or business administration, or a related field.
 
Substitution
Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years. 

 

Required License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
 
Possession of HR Certificate and/or SHRM certificate is a plus. 

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Labor Relations & Equal Employment Unit (Position Code 16)

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period (one year).  

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. To apply for this position please visit Senior Public Safety Dispatcher | Job Details tab | Career Pages.

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

 

About the Department

 

The San José Fire Department's (SJFD) core mission is to serve the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response.  SJFD is a high-volume, high-performance, all-risk Fire Department that protects approximately 200 square miles including, residential, commercial, high-rise, wildland interface areas, and several high-hazard occupancies.  For additional information visit click here.

 

Click here for information about the Fire Communications Division.

 

Click here for the California Equal Pay Act

 

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.  

This position is open until filled with the second review date of Thursday, November 14, 2024 

 

Position Duties

 

The San José Fire Department (SJFD) is seeking to fill multiple Senior Public Safety Dispatcher positions in the Communications Division.  

 

Senior Public Safety Dispatchers (Senior PSDs) are responsible for supervising a team of Public Safety Radio Dispatchers (PSRDs) assigned to a shift in the Communications Center.  PSRD is the journey-level class for public safety dispatching within the City of San José wherein incumbents are required to handle the full range of telephone answering and dispatch functions.

 

Responsibilities of the Senior PSD include, but are not limited to the following:

 

• Supervising PSRDs, including approving time-off and other scheduling requests in accordance with the established guidelines.
• Assigning PSRDs to work the various dispatch positions within the Communications Center. 
• Conducting training sessions and drills to maintain the efficiency and coordination of their assigned team. 
• Evaluating the performance of team members and giving frequent feedback to subordinates.
• Preparing written training evaluations and performance appraisals.
• Investigating and responding to resident, department, and allied agency concerns or complaints.
• Coordinating with Chief Officers in the field regarding matters affecting department operations.
• Performing additional support tasks when assigned to an administrative role in the Operations Unit, Training Unit, Quality Improvement Unit, or Systems Support Unit. 
• Performing all duties of the PSRD classification.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. To apply for this position please visit Senior Public Safety Dispatcher | Job Details tab | Career Pages.

 

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. 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.  The starting salary will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.   

 

In addition to the salary, employees in the Senior Public Safety Dispatcher classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay and a (3.75%) Public Safety Radio Dispatcher Certification Pay.

 

Salary range(s) for this classification is/are:

• $115,356.80 - $140,358.40 (pensionable) 
• $125,450.52 - $152,639.76 (including non-pensionable and certification pay)

 

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER ACADEMY ATTENDEE/GRADUATE
Typical placement is made at the first step of the salary range 
 

• Upon successful completion of the Public Safety Officer in Training requirements, incumbents promote to Public Safety Officer I ($136,764 - $158,321).
• Upon successful completion of all phases of training, members of the Public Safety Officer I classification promote to Public Safety Officer II ($144,724 - $180,310).
• This position has an excellent benefit package, including 2.7% at 57 retirement plan.

Under immediate supervision of a Public Safety Lieutenant or Captain, either currently attends the California POST Basic Academy and is learning to perform a wide range of public safety work involving the protection of life and property including law enforcement, crime prevention, fire suppression, rescue, and basic life support activities; or has graduated from the California POST Basic Academy within the last 12 months; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

The position of Public Safety Officer Academy Attendee/Graduate is the training level classification for general police and fire work for those incumbents not affiliated with an agency and currently enrolled in a police academy. Incumbents are not sworn personnel and are generally in this classification until successful completion of the police academy. Assignment to this classification is temporary. If incumbents do not successfully complete a police academy, they will be terminated.  Incumbents hired after the graduation from the California POST Basic Academy are not sworn personnel and are generally in this classification until they are promoted to Public Safety Officer I.

Public Safety Officer Academy Attendee/Graduate is distinguished from the higher-level Public Safety Officer I in that the latter is a sworn position where incumbents continue training for both police and fire duties. Incumbents must successfully complete the police academy prior to being promoted to the classification of Public Safety Officer I.

The City of Sunnyvale invites applications for the Public Safety Officer - In Training. The position of Public Safety Officer-In Training is a non-sworn, training classification while incumbents are attending the police and fire academies. Upon successful completion of the police academy, incumbents will be promoted to the sworn, training position of Public Safety Officer I. Upon successful completion of all required training, incumbents will be promoted to the sworn position of Public Safety Officer II.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package, including 6% City-paid Employee PERS contribution and the 2.7% at 57 retirement plan. A complete application packet will consist of a City of Sunnyvale employment application, responses to the required supplemental questions, current dated within 30 days DMV printout, current dated within one year of application T-Score, and current dated within one year Work SampleTest Battery (WSTB) Results . The position opens July 1, 2020 and will remain open continuously. For complete information regarding this opportunity, go to sunnyvale.ca.gov, Search: Jobs.

 

 Salary: $130,251.00 - $150,782.00 Annually