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The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) Ranger is a challenging and adventurous generalist position offering a wide variety of responsibilities and opportunities to exercise independent judgement while working on Midpen preserves. Rangers serve a unique role as stewards of the open space by regularly interacting with the community to provide visitors information, natural resource education, interpretive services, enforcement of pertinent regulations, and performing limited maintenance and resource management work on Midpen properties and facilities. Rangers patrol on foot, in all-terrain vehicles, on motorcycles, and in four-wheel drive patrol trucks while enforcing Midpen land use regulations and applicable laws.  Rangers ensure safe public use of preserves, while also responding to emergency calls including medical aid and wildland fires.

About the Position:

The start date for these positions is early-November 2024.  For additional information, see the Ranger Recruit and Ranger specifications on our job description page at OpenSpace.org.

The Ranger Recruit is a training-level position for individuals who do not possess a Ranger Academy certificate or equivalent, or valid PC 832 certificate.  Upon commencement of employment, new Ranger Recruits will participate in pre-academy instruction on the duties of a District Ranger, receive orientation to District lands and operations and complete additional required training.  Upon completion of pre-academy instruction, new Ranger Recruits will participate in a district approved National Park Service Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy in Rangely, Colorado https://www.cncc.edu/degrees/rangely/nps (17-week program), which begins in January 2025 and complete California Penal Code 832 training.  Upon successful completion of the District’s required training and final review by the Chief Ranger, a Ranger Recruit may be appointed as a probationary Ranger. 

The Ranger is a challenging and adventurous journey level position offering a wide variety of responsibilities and opportunities to exercise independent judgement while working on Midpen preserves.  Upon commencement of employment, new Rangers will participate in a robust field (12-week) training program. 

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.

What does a District Ranger do?  District Rangers are Generalist Rangers who perform a wide variety of functions. A brief list of day-to-day activities follows:

• Midpen Rangers are sworn peace officers responsible for patrolling District Preserves and enforcing the District's regulations and pertinent local, State, and Federal laws on District Preserves. Patrol may be by 4x4 truck, foot, UTV, motorcycle, or mountain bike.  
• Respond to medical emergencies, wildland fires on Midpen lands, and search and rescue incidents.
• Help maintain the preserves by performing light maintenance tasks and resource management assignments.
• Engage the public through interpretive activities and community outreach.
• Shift schedules include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Positions will be assigned to one of the following District offices:

• Skyline Field Office – Palo Alto Hills
• Foothills Field Office - Cupertino
• Coastal Area Office – La Honda
• South Area Office – Campbell

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)

Basic Job Requirements: Must have the ability to enforce pertinent laws and regulations; administer first aid and CPR; demonstrate and maintain the physical fitness and mobility to meet District fitness standards, and to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to respond to emergency situations to provide emergency medical services, perform fire suppression, and to gain control of a situation for self-defense or in defense of others; operate and maintain various power tools and equipment; operate emergency patrol vehicles and two-way radios; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Possess the aptitude and demonstrated interest in park/open space work, philosophy, and principles; willingness to perform law enforcement duties; aptitude for interpretive and public relations work; emotional maturity; dependability; punctuality; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence; sensitivity to needs and attitudes of others; neatness and courtesy.   

Peace Officer Standards for Rangers: Ability to satisfy the selection standards for peace officers in California as set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1030 and 1031, and by the District.

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:

Ranger Recruit

• Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience working in visitor/customer service or an equivalent position that includes interacting with the public.  Education and/or experience in law enforcement, resource management, natural sciences, park management, wildland firefighting, or a related field is highly desirable. 
• Certificates and Licenses: A valid California Class C driver’s license.

Ranger

• Meet all qualifications for Ranger Recruit, plus:
• Certificates and Licenses:  Current possession of a District approved Law Enforcement Training certification and a valid California 832 certificate for appointment as a peace officer, and ability to obtain the following certificates prior to completion of the employment probationary period: completion of the District’s Field Training Program, valid professional rescuer CPR certificate and Medical First Responder or equivalent; a Midpen approved Fire Suppression Training certificate; certification in the Incident Command System courses as specified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Working Conditions: Rangers work cohesively with local law enforcement, fire agencies and other adjoining land agencies. Rangers typically work alone and self-initiate their day-to-day patrols. Work conditions require rangers to work weekends, nights, and holidays in all weather conditions.  Most work is outdoors within Midpen’s open space lands with exposure to inclement weather conditions. This requires the ability to patrol on foot, off trail, and in rugged terrain.  Also requires the ability to perform all related emergency services and maintenance and construction work on Midpen lands. District Rangers interact daily with a diverse Bay Area community to provide safe access for all visitors.

Benefits: Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance as well as a CalPERS pension. Detailed information is available on the Benefits page of the District’s website.

How to Apply:  

Apply online at CalOpps.org.   The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 21, 2024

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

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Resume 

3. Supplemental question responses

(A cover letter is highly desirable).

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

INTERVIEW DATES & HIRING PROCESS:

First interviews (Virtual):  Tuesday, May 7th and Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 (Candidates will be scheduled on one of two days)

Skills assessment (In-Person; Foothills Field Office - Cupertino): Friday, May 17, 2024

Final interviews (In-Person):  Wednesday, May 22, 2024

IMPORTANT: Candidates selected to advance after completing the interview process will be required to successfully complete the Peace Officer Standards & Training Personal History Statement, as well as an in-depth background investigation, fitness testing, DOJ and FBI fingerprinting, psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical to include Department of Transportation drug testing. It is recommended to review the 27-page Personal History Statement and the required documents on the POST website at www.post.ca.gov/forms.aspx. Select "Background/Hiring" and form 2-251, Personal History Statement for details on the information and certificates you will be required to provide.

If more candidates successfully complete the recruitment and background process than we have available positions to fill, these candidates may be brought on at a later date as vacancies occur.  

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.

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!

Please click on the Job PDF.

Position:

The role of the Resilience Coordinator position will be to support the Mission of the Office of Emergency Management, which is “To provide leadership of the City of San José’s emergency management responsibilities through planning and coordination of programs, functions, and supporting activities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies and disasters.” The position will assist in coordinating multi-hazard planning efforts in the City of San José, including reviewing documents with an intentional lens of Access and Functional Needs (AFN) and racial equity considerations in emergency.  This position requires high levels of analysis, document development, understanding of the State of California’s Standardized Emergency Management System principles and integration with response plans. This is the fully experienced level in the unclassified Executive Analyst series and requires an individual to work under the general direction of an assigned executive in the Office of Emergency Management with full professional independence.

·        Assist in the coordination of programs to integrate existing emergency preparedness and comprehensive operational plans and procedures with internal city offices and departments, other government agencies, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, private and nonprofit sector resource agencies to ensure that established programs and plans comply with state and federal guidelines.

·        Plan and coordinate emergency management operational activities, drills, and events with all levels of government, school districts, public utilities, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, private and nonprofit sector resource agencies with disaster response administration.

·        Research, evaluate, and assist in the development and maintenance of comprehensive emergency plans in accordance with federal and state emergency management guides.

·        During major disasters and emergencies, performs emergency management tasks requiring action from all levels of government, school districts, public utilities, community-based organizations, volunteers, public service agencies, private and nonprofit sector resources agencies.

·        Administers, coordinates, and presents Disaster Service Worker training for employees and emergency management training for Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff.

·        Monitors state and federal disaster preparedness information and requirement updates, and may advise management of issues

·        Assists with preparing correspondence, procedures, transmittals, project and grant applications and program reports associated with emergency management activities

·        Performs other emergency management duties as assigned

·        This position responds to activations of the EOC.

Typical Duties and Results 

•         Participates in the organization, administration, operations, and functions of the Office of Emergency Management

•         Assists in coordinating Office of Emergency Management programs with other city departments

•         Conducts research on emergency planning best practice activities of other like organizations

•         Assists in developing reports related to how to implement state and federal guidance on emergency planning

•         Assists in presentations and trainings on community preparedness, city preparedness activities, outreach and technical skills to operate in conjunction with the Emergency Operation Center

•         Supports office systems for emergency response workflow; revises emergency forms; manages records related to emergencies and disasters; proposes resolutions to challenges as they relate to emergency activities, documentation and recovery

•         Performs emergency preparedness tasks that requires attention to detail and integration with plans, procedures and training tools

•         Maintains administrative records, supplies, inventory control and tests of disaster equipment related to community preparedness

•         Provides public education training

•         Responds to activations of the Emergency Operations Center

•         Act as the Office of Emergency Management Duty Officer on a periodic basis

•         Performs other emergency management activities as needed

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position requires an energetic, well focused, and detailed oriented applicant.   Under general supervision, the applicant would be responsible for analytic work of moderate difficulty in areas such as plans and procedure development; review and analysis of existing plans and newly proposed plans; generalized analysis of continuity between plans; organization and methods analysis; or personnel analysis.  Performs additional work as required.

The position also requires a high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a strong work ethic.  The position requires excellent judgment, initiative, integrity, analytical and organizational skills.

PRNS is currently recruiting to fill multiple full-time benefited vacancies for Park Ranger classifications (Senior Park Ranger and Park Ranger/Full Time).  We are seeking highly motivated, personable individuals with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to join our dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent service to our diverse community.  Bilingual applicants speaking a second language such as Spanish or Vietnamese are encouraged to apply.  If you are interested in employment in Park Ranger classifications, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Park Ranger classifications are stewards of the park system, providing public safety services, protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources in parks, and inspiring future generations to love and nurture nature. Park Rangers are often first on scene for medical, fire and other emergencies in the parks they oversee. They teach and enforce park rules so everyone can enjoy their visit, always aiming to resolve situations with the lowest possible level of enforcement by leading with education.   

Park Ranger Duties:  Specifically, under general supervision, this classification performs duties of moderate difficulty including performing overall work in park operations and visitor services; resource and environmental protection; greeting visitors and explaining/interpreting park features; performing rescue and fire suppression activities; administering emergency medical care as needed; patrolling parks; enforcement of state and local laws; performing conservation programs and projects; providing lead direction to other park personnel; coordinating and leading volunteer and internship programs; providing traffic and parking control; and preparing written and oral reports and other communication.

Senior Park Ranger Duties:  Under direction, provides lead direction to staff engaged in park patrol, protection, and enforcement of park rules and regulations. Assists park visitors, prepares interpretive and educational programs, and may assist in the coordination of emergency response activities. Participates in the protection, improvement, and maintenance of parks, trails, and facilities, and in the organization of day-to-day operations of the work group. Performs related work e.g. staff planning and scheduling, managing supplies and materials, purchasing materials and equipment as required.

Actual salary will be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.  The Park Ranger classifications consist of a base amount and an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay as follows: 

·       Senior Park Ranger:  $92.776 - $113,087 (includes 5% non-pensionable compensation) annually

·       Park Ranger (FT):      $84,564 - 102.779  (includes 5% non-pensionable compensation) annually.

WORK SCHEDULES WILL FLUCTUATE TO MEET PARK OPERATIONAL NEEDS AND WILL INCLUDE WORK DURING LATE AFTERNOONS/EVENINGS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS. ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE MADE TO ANY AREA OF THE CITY'S REGIONAL PARKS, TRAILS SYSTEM, OR OTHER PRNS FACILITY. To learn more about City Benefits, click here.  Signing bonuses and new benefits apply effective 6/25/2023, learn more here:  https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/98270/638206031115530000.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all new hires to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical or religious exemption. “Fully vaccinated” means the employee has received two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Position:

The Emergency Coordinator classification is an entry-level position into the City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management.  The person fulfilling the job will report to the Director or Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management.

We are seeking energetic, well focused, and detailed oriented applicants.   Under general supervision, the applicant is responsible for analytic work in the areas of emergency management, instructional training, adult platform instruction, training scheduling and coordination of instructors, certification management, etc.  The position must be aware of the Office of Emergency Management’s plans and procedures and prepare training to implement the plans and programs. The position will also track available training through Bay Area, state, and federal resources. 

 Position and Duties:

The Training Coordinator position will focus on training and exercise activities.

The range of activities will include, but are not limited to, the following list.

• Support the implementation of a Multi-Year Training and Exercise Plan for the Emergency Operations Center staff.

• Manage a system to track available Urban Area Security Initiative, State, and Federal trainings to enhance delivery of instruction for Emergency Operation Center staff.

• Monitor State and Federal requirements for emergency management training, and be sure staff are aware of training opportunities to meet the requirements

• Facilitate the development of exercises within the City and exercises that engage community partners.

• Coordinate the delivery of designated contract training.

• Coordinate and track training attendance of the Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Operations Center and Department Operations Center staff.

• Coordinate with Office of Emergency Management staff, identify training needed to implement plans and protocols.

• Coordinate presentations and trainings on community preparedness, city preparedness activities, and outreach.

• Coordinate the public education program and requests for public engagement.

• As needed update the public education presentation materials and the employee Disaster Service Worker materials.

Typical Duties and Results

• Participate in the organization, administration, operations, and functions of the Office of Emergency Management

• Assist in coordinating applicable Office of Emergency Management programs with other city departments

• Conduct research on best practice activities of other like organizations

• Assist in developing reports related to how to implement state and federal guidance on emergency planning

• Perform emergency preparedness tasks that requires attention to detail and integration with plans, procedures and training tools

• Administrate the Learning Management System used to track Emergency Management training

• Maintain administrative records, supplies, inventory control and tests of disaster equipment

• Respond to activations of the Emergency Operations Center

• Act as the Office of Emergency Management Duty Officer on a periodic basis

• Perform other emergency management activities as needed

Minimum Knowledge of:

• Principles of effective written communication, including the preparation of clear and concise reports, documents, and revisions to documents

• Principles of administrative process and governmental organization

• Principles of adult learning

• Providing training to a culturally diverse community

Ability to:

• Work both independently and interdependently to ensure work is completed in an accurate, and timely fashion

• Promote and coordinate emergency preparedness messages

• Work with diverse groups, including volunteers

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form

• Be available to report to duty on a 24 hour a day basis, as needed

Preferred Experience in:

• Managing a Learning Management System

• Experience with content creation, graphic design and utilizing creative platforms for presentations/trainings

• Writing scopes of works for projects

• Working with executive level managers, elected officials and organization leaders

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry into higher levels of the emergency management classification, where expertise is gathered in a specific field in order to progress into the more specialized class such as Emergency Planner.  Initially, supervision and training are given in detail, but as an incumbent becomes more capable, he/she works with a higher degree of independence.

These positions require someone with the ability to work both independently and interdependently to ensure work is completed in an accurate, and timely fashion.

The successful candidate will possess a high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, and a strong work ethic.  The position requires excellent judgment, initiative, integrity, analytical and organizational skills.

DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position and Duties:
The Mass Care Executive Analyst (EA) position will work out of the City Manager’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) located at 855 N. San Pedro Street, San José.  

This EA position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Participates in the organization, administration, operations, and functions of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
• Work directly with Council Offices, City Departments and outside agencies to develop a City of San José Mass Care Plan
• Develop, implement, and manage a shelter inventory procedure for both City-owned and privately-owned locations
• Conduct periodic training for both City employees and outside agencies to ensure that the Mass Care Plan is implemented seamlessly during an emergency
• Confer with staff in various City departments on administrative matters and coordinates responses to questions and concerns for the City Manager
• Recommend and write procedures, oversee the implementation of program policies and procedures, provide training on program requirements and best practices and conduct continuous process evaluation and improvements
• Monitor and assist in the development of reports on how to implement state and federal guidance on emergency planning
• Assist in presentations and trainings on community preparedness, City preparedness activities, outreach and technical skills to operate in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC)
• Provide technical skills for identified tasks, such as EOC activities, communications systems, information technology systems, etc.
• Maintain administrative records, supplies, inventory control and tests of disaster equipment
• Perform other emergency management activities as needed
• This position responds to activations of the EOC

Core Competencies:
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated from past and current employment history:
• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Analytical Thinking - Approaches a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
• Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
• Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.
• Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.

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

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Helen Trinh by email at helen.trinh@sanjoseca.gov.

The Mass Care Executive Analyst position will be open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this recruitment may close at any time.

The first application review will be on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 8:00am PT. Please submit your application by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 if you would like your application to be included in the first review.

Additional Information:
The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Executive Analyst classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.