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About the Department

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 includes over 40  community centers, 10 regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds, and 65 miles of trail. 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 Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Parks Manager vacancy in the Parks Division at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

The total salary range for the Parks Manager classification is $143,860.08 - $175,309.68 annually. 

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. 

The City of San José’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is seeking an innovative and results-driven Parks Manager to lead Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ) — the City’s flagship destination known for its blend of family recreation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. 

The Parks Manager serves as the General Manager for Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ), providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all facets of the park and zoo. This includes animal care and welfare, rides and attractions, entertainment programs, maintenance, guest services, food and beverage, business operations, education, and conservation programming. The position ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality experiences for guests, animals and staff while advancing the City’s goals of equity, stewardship, and sustainability. 
 

Key Responsibilities

Direct daily operations of HHPZ, including animal care, maintenance, attractions, guest services, security and public programming.  Oversee business operations such as admissions, concessions, memberships, and revenue programs to ensure fiscal sustainability and continuous improvement.  Lead and develop a diverse team of staff and supervisors, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.  Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.  Plan and implement capital improvement projects, including animal exhibit renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and facility enhancements. 

 

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, innovative, and politically astute leader with experience managing complex park, zoo, or destination operations.

• Strong fiscal and business management skills, including experience with revenue generation, budgeting, and contracts. 
• Knowledge of zoo operations, animal care standards, and guest experience best practices. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with staff, partners, and the public. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver data-driven results in a dynamic environment. 
• Commitment to the City’s values of inclusion, sustainability, and community service.

Key Priorities

• Strengthen the partnership with the Happy Hollow Foundation to support fundraising, conservation, and education initiatives. 
• Lead capital improvement projects that enhance guest experience, animal habitats, and park infrastructure. 
• Grow revenue-generating programs including memberships, concessions, and special events for fiscal sustainability. 
• Position HHPZ as a national leader in animal care, conservation, and nature-based education, maintaining HHPZ’s 35-plus years of accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

How to apply

To view the full announcement for this exciting opportunity with the City of San Jose and to apply online, please visit the City of San Jose’s careers page by clicking on the URL link below.

Job Announcement URL

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca/jobs/5136936/parks-manager-happy-hollow-park-zoo-parks-recreation-and-neighborhood-ser?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

 

 

San Mateo County Parks (SMCP) is currently seeking a full-time extra help Bilingual Community Engagement Intern II.

This position would be based out of Flood and Friendship County Parks and primarily working with the communities surrounding these parks. 

Friendship County Park is located in North Fair Oaks, an unincorporated area of Redwood City. Through community collaboration, the small urban park was developed to provide outdoor recreation facilities and space to promote community gardening. The park is situated on San Francisco Public Utility Commission land and is managed by SMCP. Less than an acre in size, the park features 30 community garden planters, a playground, picnic tables and more. Plot use is through an agreement with SMCP and requires regular participation in meetings. 

Flood County Park is a 21-acre park located in Menlo Park. It is primarily used as a location for family and group picnicking, playground use, and walking by the local community. The park has recently opened a new multi-use sports field, tennis/pickleball court, pump track and more! 

An intern at these locations would work on improving the interpretive elements of each park and provide programming and outreach opportunities for the local communities.

The Bilingual Community Engagement intern will report to Flood Park and be able to drive to Friendship Park and other park locations as needed. The intern will be supervised by the Interpretive Division Park Staff. 

Tentative schedule for this position (subject to change):

• Tuesday – Saturday: 8 hours each day
• 1 – 2 In person workdays
• 2 Virtual workdays (work from home)
• 1 Day for Events/Programming

Examples Of Duties:

A Bilingual Community Engagement Intern would be responsible for:

1. Management of Friendship Park Community Garden, including but not limited to:
   1. Managing garden plot availability and agreements
   2. Being the primary point of contact for Community Garden participants; maintaining regular communications by County phone, text, and email
   3. Working alongside gardeners to identify and address any needs or challenges in maintaining garden beds
   4. Facilitating monthly on-site educational opportunities for gardeners with staff from San Mateo County Health, Sustainability Department, and community partners
   5. Managing on-site garden tools and supplies; identify additional supplies that may be required
2. Community Program Coordination and Outreach, including but not limited to: 
   1. Coordinating and leading programs with Community Based Organizations and Partner Organizations within the community near Friendship and Flood Parks (i.e. Libraries, Schools)
   2. Leading interpretive programs at Friendship and Flood Parks 
   3. Tabling at local community events, such as Farmer’s Markets
   4. Providing translation when needed at programs and events throughout SMCP
   5. Assisting Interpretive Division with educational outreach throughout SMCP
   6. Creating flyers and social media posts to promote SMCP

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will: 

• Have strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to effectively communicate in English and Spanish with diverse community members and San Mateo County staff to support gardeners. 
• Be an enthusiastic, outgoing, positive, and energetic person who can work collaboratively or independently with little to no supervision. 
• Be open to learning new skills, be flexible with various work projects, and be able to follow directions. 

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Bilingual in Spanish required
• Experience in food growing and garden management desired
• Knowledge of and ability to teach gardening concepts desired
• Ability to engage with individuals of many demographics and histories – youth, seniors, immigrants, economically diverse
• Strong planning and organizational skills with ability to plan programs and events and organize participants and volunteers
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and transportation available to commute to park sites throughout San Mateo County

This is a full-time position requiring weekend work. 

NOTE: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

Application/Examination:

*Please note that there are no housing facilities for interns. You are responsible for your own housing, transportation, and meals.
 
How to apply:
 Please submit an online application with a copy of your resume and cover letter attached to the application.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. 
 
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.
 
Contact
 For questions about this internship, please contact Katherine Wright at kewright@smcgov.org . For questions/comments/issues relating to the application process and material submissions, please contact Chaten Berry at cberry@smcgov.org .
 
 About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
 
 The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

The City of Union City's Community and Recreation Services is seeking returning staff for the following roles:

• Youth Parks & Playgrounds Leader (Recreation Leader) - $17.68- $21.49/hourly
• Fitness Attendant (Recreation Leader) - $17.68- $21.49/hourly
• Lifeguard (Recreation Leader) - $17.68- $21.49/hourly
• Park Monitor (Project Specialist) - $18.00 - $25.00/hourly
• Pool Manager (CRS Program Manager) - $21.21 - $25.79/hourly
• Senior Lifeguard (Senior Recreation Leader) - $18.86 -  $22.92/hourly
• Substitute Preschool Site Supervisor (CRS Program Manager) - $21.21 - $25.79/hourly
• Teen Leader (Recreation Leader) - $17.68- $21.49/hourly
• Tennis Instructor (Project Specialist) - $17.14 - $25.00/hourly
• Tot Time Substitute Teacher (Senior Recreation Leader) - $18.86 -  $22.92/hourly
• Safe Parking Attendant  (Recreation Leader) -$17.68- $21.49/hourly

The department will review applications and only contact the applicants that best meet the needs for their current opening.

This position is an as-needed, non-benefitted position and has an hour limitation of 999 hours in a fiscal year.

The Instructor-Lifeguard functions as both a swimming instructor and a lifeguard at a City swimming pool.    An incumbent conducts classes at all participant skill levels (beginning through advanced) and supervises the conduct of swimmers in City pools in order to maintain a safe environment.   This class is distinguished from the Lifeguard in that the latter has a sole focus on lifeguard responsibilities.  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.   

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESDIES 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 GUARENTEE 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. 

 

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general supervision:
• Conducts swimming instruction classes at various participant age and skill levels
• Administers practical swimming tests to determine participants' skill levels
• Maintains class participant attendance, activity, and progress records
• Observes swimmers at a City operated swimming pool; warning those who violate pool safety rules, and expelling them, if necessary, for willful disobedience
• Maintains a safe but enjoyable poolside atmosphere for participants by continuously monitoring  pool facility for potential problems or dangerous situations
• Rescues swimmers who are in distress;  administers first aid and artificial respiration, if necessary, according to prescribed methods
• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains the pool, pool decks, overflow gutter, shower rooms and other pool facility areas
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements:
• Education equivalent to completion of the tenth grade; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following 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

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: 
• Swimming techniques
• Principles and techniques of  swimming instruction appropriate for various age groups
• Approved lifesaving and safety methods and procedures  necessary to ensure public safety in and around a pool facility
Considerable ability to: 
• Teach to others the theory and application of swimming techniques
• Swim skillfully, rescue submerged victims, and safely remove them from pool
• Immediately evaluate emergency situations and respond decisively and effectively
• Administer first aid and artificial respiration according to prescribed methods
• Instruct in the techniques of swimming and lifesaving
• Maintain poolside discipline and safety
Ability to:
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Learn the proper placement of all safety equipment and its proper use
• Learn the location and proper use of the emergency telephone numbers list
• Become familiar with the basic mechanical operation and maintenance program of the City pools

The Ranger is a sworn peace officer who provides visitor services and resource protection on MRCA owned and/or managed parkland.

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This position performs a wide variety of duties including park maintenance, law enforcement, first aid, wildland firefighting, and public safety patrol. The Ranger assists the public in natural resource interpretation and performs other duties as needed.  

This is a professional position that requires a highly motivated, responsible, and organized individual. Candidate must be a self-starter who can handle an array of tasks, has good judgement, and can work independently or as part of a team.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, at-will position.

This position reports to a Supervising Ranger. Assorted tasks may be supervised directly by Division Chief or other Executive Staff. The position may provide technical and/or functional direction to volunteers and other groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provide a wide range of law enforcement and public safety services including, but not limited to wildland firefighting, search and rescue, and first aid.
• Respond to emergency situations on parkland to protect life and property.
• Make physical arrests, issue citations, and write reports.
• Conduct criminal and administrative investigations.
• Perform traffic control.
• Use, wear, and maintain protective equipment which includes various types of firearms, batons, chemical agents, body armor, and handcuffs.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on agency vehicles and various equipment.
• Perform a variety of maintenance, restoration, and repair duties.
• Remove graffiti as necessary, empty trash cans, clean restrooms, clean up litter, and remove illegal dumping.
• Conduct interpretive programs, such as leading hikes, kayak trips or campfire programs.   
• Operate with substantial independence and coordinate work with others in completing assignments.
• Coordinate with organized public groups utilizing park facilities.
• Coordinate with vendors and other government entities.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls and correspondence, as well as when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Perform related duties as required. 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hike, run, bend, lift, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb, lift and carry items weighing up to 60 pounds for a distance up to 50 feet both indoors and outdoors, constantly work in outdoor weather conditions, and frequently move about work sites.

Incumbents should have physical strength, endurance, and agility; be mentally alert and physically sound; and have hearing and vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

40 hours per week or in an alternative schedule (9/80 or 4/10 program), must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays and overtime. Must be available to work at various locations.

As public parklands, the majority of MRCA properties are open to the general public during operating hours. This position is likely to have physical contact with members of the public in public areas such as parking lots and shared public/office restrooms and during in-person public meetings. The MRCA is committed to protecting its staff by ensuring appropriate physical distancing and proper infection control while supporting equitable access to services. Our requirements are based on current County of Los Angeles guidance and are subject to change as the County updates its policies.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

PATHWAY A:

1. Possession of High School Diploma conferred by a US Department of Education recognized High School OR General Education Certificate.

AND

2. Possession of a certificate showing graduation from a California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Regular Basic Academy.

PATHWAY A CANDIDATES WILL BEGIN THE RANGER TRAINING & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (RTAP) UPON HIRE.

PATHWAY B:

1. Possession of High School Diploma conferred by a US Department of Education recognized High School OR General Education Certificate.

AND

2. Current or previous employment by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority as a Seasonal Ranger Assistant or Public Officer pursuant to California Public Resources Code § 5786.17.

PATHWAY B CANDIDATES WILL BE APPOINTED AS A TEMPORARY RANGER ASSISTANT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY CAN BE ENROLLED IN A POST BASIC ACADEMY.

• Common Windows-based programs including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. 
• Proficiency in basic mathematics; basic grammar and spelling as required in preparing reports and records. 

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Work independently to handle multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Revise work approach and/or tactics to address changing conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Maintain the ability to possess, carry, and qualify with agency issued firearms.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English is required.
• Bilingual skills in English, and other locally common language, such as Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Chinese, Armenian, Yiddish, or Tagalog is desired.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.
• Emotional maturity; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence.

• A thorough background check including submission of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and FBI, including a firearm background check, and a record clean of violent crimes or felonies. 
• Psychological examination. 
• Successful completion of a physical examination including a drug test. 
• Meet requirements of the Government Sections 1031 for employment as a California Peace Officer.
• Written Test.

The starting hourly rate for Ranger Trainee is $22.58 – $27.45 per hour.  At the completion of all training requirements and upon appointment as a Ranger by the Executive Officer, the wage increases to a range of $33.47 - $40.69 per hour.

Existing MRCA employees may be compensated at a higher rate if they can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Chief Deputy Executive Officer, that appropriate additional duties will be performed in addition to the position’s essential duties. This provision does not apply to applicants who are not currently employed by MRCA and may be exercised only at MRCA’s discretion and as budget allows.

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

The Park Assistant III (Class: 180) will perform a variety of skilled park maintenance work. Specific tasks vary with location and include regular maintenance of picnic grounds, restrooms, and developed areas, trash removal, trail maintenance, plant care including mowing and brush removal, irrigation repair, fence repairs, assembly and installation of site furnishings and signs, and delivery of materials and equipment to job sites.

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This is skills-based physical labor work, in all weather conditions, for a person at an entry level or intermediate level. The work performed will support MRCA’s operation of nature parks within greater Los Angeles and other MRCA efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development.

Park Assistant III positions exist in the Routes, Construction and Developed Resources Divisions and specific duties may include but are not limited to:

Duties for the Developed Resources division also include repairs to utility infrastructure, building repairs, and skilled gardening, and assistance during special events.

Duties for the Construction division also include building renovation (carpentry, electrical, plumbing), utility infrastructure repairs, and new construction of park amenities and irrigation systems.

Depending on the division, the position may report to an Operations Manager, Deputy Division Chief or Division Chief. The position does not supervise other staff but may occasionally direct the work of volunteers, court crews, seasonal workers, volunteers, and youth crews. The employee may work independently or as part of a crew.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Maintain picnic grounds and parking areas, including regular trash removal and pickup and graffiti removal. Regular inspection of park sites to determine maintenance needs.
• Clean and restock restrooms. 
• Inspect irrigation systems and perform repairs and adjustments as needed.
• Maintain landscape and natural areas to reduce fire hazards and perform weed control activities.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with applicable laws and regulations under the supervision of the pesticide manager.
• Make repair to hiking trails, stream crossings, and equestrian trails.
• Operate light equipment such as mowers, edgers, brush cutters and power tools, and perform minor mechanical repairs.
• Install various park amenities including benches, signs, fencing, landscaping, irrigation, and trails.
• Inspect drinking fountains and perform repairs as needed.
• Participate in agency emergency response.
• Assist in preparing and cleaning up for events as needed.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls and emails, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers and the public at large.
• Perform related duties as required.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift and carry items weighing up to 60 pounds for a distance up to 50 feet both indoors and outdoors;  frequently operate heavy equipment, hand tools, light equipment and power tools; constantly work in outdoor weather conditions; frequently move about work sites; communicate and exchange information; observe and document site conditions; transport equipment and tools between vehicles and work sites on a daily basis; and occasionally ascend/descend a ladder to access areas of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Two (2) years of experience in grounds maintenance, plant care, facility/building maintenance or related field.

• Must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record at the time of hire.
• Pesticide Handler certification (or ability to complete within 6 months).
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to complete within 6 months).
• Forklift Operator / heavy equipment certification (or ability to complete within 6 months).

• Safe working practices, Cal-OSHA requirements.
• Automatic Irrigation systems.
• Pesticide and herbicide application.
• Proper tool care and storage.
• Basic proficiency in email and Office 365, or ability to learn.
• Regulatory requirements, or ability to learn.
• Bilingual skills in English and another locally common language, such as Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Chinese, Armenian, Yiddish, or Tagalog is highly desired.

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Consistently follow procedures.
• Prioritize varying tasks and projects.
• Work in all weather conditions. Perform demanding labor on multiple consecutive days outdoors in hot weather.
• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn technical material.
• Work independently and with others.
• Complete the MRCA Wildland Fire Academy, if desired by the employee.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.

• Effective oral English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.
• Follow safety procedures and utilize/wear protective equipment as needed.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

The Staff Landscape Architect will oversee design elements of all park development/landscape improvement projects, prepare landscape designs, construction documents and specifications, perform construction observation and troubleshooting, provide general project management and administration, and represent the agency at public meetings.

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This is highly technical and professional work for a person at a senior staff/management level. The work performed will support MRCA’s operation of nature parks within greater Los Angeles, land acquisition and capital improvement Workprograms, and other efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development. 

Ability to speak Spanish and a current landscape architect license issued by the State of California are required.

This position reports to the Deputy Executive Officer. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position may supervise other staff at the entry-level or intermediate project manager level. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Produce landscape improvement plans, details, and specifications, at conceptual design, schematic design,  and construction document phases with both hand-drawn graphics and CAD techniques.
• Coordinate with Construction Supervisors to monitor progress of in-house staff (force account) and subcontractors, assure compliance with plans and specifications, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Coordinate with Site Managers to monitor landscape maintenance activities and improvements; troubleshoot as needed. Provide input and guidance on long-term management plans for existing and new facilities.
• Sign/stamp plans. Interpret and apply applicable ordinances, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Produce early concept designs for a variety of project types.
• Identify and scope improvement projects for existing facilities.
• Monitor and track project budgets and spending.
• Review and approve landscape plans, details, and specifications prepared by others for park development projects.
• Coordinate the assessment and removal of architectural barriers.
• Make reports about improvement projects to Executive Staff, Governing Board, funders, and the general public.
• Conduct a bi-annual Request for Qualifications for various professional disciplines to maintain a current list of qualified consultants.
• Review proposal submissions from environmental design consultants and make recommendations to project managers.
• Attend senior staff meetings and participate in management discussions.
• Oversee agency design standards. Research new products and technologies.
• Perform Construction Administration tasks and respond to RFIs from contractors and construction management consultants.
• Specify and procure supplies for improvement projects and work closely with vendors.
• Produce written materials including construction specifications, staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls, correspondence, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.
• Represent the agency in public forums.
• Perform related duties as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements. 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required remain in a stationary position, occasionally move about inside the office to access supplies and office machinery, frequently communicate and exchange information, review handwritten, electronic and facsimile documents, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

During project site surveys, the employee is regularly required to position self to perform measurement and inventory tasks, frequently move about work sites, operate a mobile system to complete checklists, travel to various park sites, frequently operate measuring tools to record measurements indoors and in outdoor weather conditions, transport tools between vehicles and work sites on a daily basis, and occasionally ascend/descend a ladder to access areas of work.

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. The position will work out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens and will be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors. Remote working or a hybrid schedule may be allowed, subject to supervisor approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• B.L.A, B.A. or B.S. degree. 
• Completion of Landscape Architecture degree (bachelor or masters). Completion of an approved extension certificate program meeting education requirements for State of California licensure may be substituted.
• Four (4) years of experience with landscape architect duties. 
• Work experience directly managing landscape improvement projects with force account or via design/build relationship. Provide at least three (3) examples of completed projects.
• Experience in the public sector in park planning and design is desired.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

• Current, valid Landscape Architect license with the State of California.

• State of California Building Code and ADAS requirements for public facilities.
• Intermediate proficiency with AutoCAD, BlueDAG, and Land F/X software, or ability to learn.
• Construction practices for architecture and landscape improvements.
• California Environmental Quality Act requirements, or ability to learn.
• Basic proficiency in email and Office 365, or ability to learn.
• Office practices and procedures.

• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Travel to various park sites to conduct site evaluations and evaluate projects.
• Maintain files and records in an orderly manner.
• Prioritize varying tasks and projects to manage multiple projects at once.
• Work independently to handle multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Consistently follow established procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about projects and objectives.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.

• Accurate use of measuring devices for distance, height, slope and adjacencies. 
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to troubleshoot landscape construction issues
• Spatial analysis.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public. 

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.