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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

 

 

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

San José’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to build healthy communities through people, parks, and programs, and our vision is to be a national leader in cultivating healthy communities through quality programs and dynamic public spaces. We are guided by the principles of accessibility, inclusiveness, affordability, equity, diversity, sustainability, and flexibility.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 200 plus neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and over 60 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org

About Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ): This is a 16-acre amusement park and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo located in San José, California. HHPZ is open year-round catering to families with children. It operates nine amusement park rides, showcases various endangered species, and operates one of the oldest classical puppet theaters in California, as well as offering many other playgrounds and attractions emphasizing play and imagination in a natural conservation setting. 

The Department is currently recruiting to fill one full-time benefited Zoo Keeper position at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. We are seeking a highly motivated, personable individual with strong leadership skills and innovative ideas to become part of a dynamic team of employees with a strong commitment to providing excellent service to our diverse community. 

The position performs work involving the care and feeding of zoo, domestic farm, and/or non-domestic animals and maintenance of enclosures, grounds and service areas; working with animals under all types of climatic conditions to prepare them for presentations, training, capture and restraint, basic husbandry, and behavioral enrichment. In addition, responding to general questions from the public regarding non-domestic and/or domestic animals.

Please note that schedules can vary every week or be on an “on call” basis depending on knowledge, training, and experience with specific animal routines. These positions will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, during all climactic conditions as assigned and must have the ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 50 lbs.).

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.

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About the Department

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

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 203 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and almost 63 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org

Position Duties

Recreation Leader positions are available at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. These positions are part-time unbenefited, with a limit of 20 hours per week or a maximum of 1,040 hours per calendar year. Schedules will vary seasonally. Weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some evening hours may be required.

This classification is covered by the Pay Floor Rate and pays $30.48 hourly for part-time unbenefited employees. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation.

***INTERVIEWS ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED for December 2025

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a 16-acre amusement park and AZA-accredited zoo. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is open year-round, catering to families with children. With eight amusement park rides, various endangered species, and one of the oldest classical puppet theaters in California, as well as many other playgrounds and attractions, Happy Hollow emphasizes play and imagination in a natural conservation setting.

While all Recreation Leaders at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo may be required to perform other duties of a similar nature or level, these are the assignments that are currently available:

• ENTERTAINMENT: This assignment includes assisting with the fabrication of puppets, scenery and props; delivering improvisational performances; providing mascot escorts around the park and at offsite events; interacting with guests; and coordinating special events. Other responsibilities include performing routine maintenance tasks and performing daily safety checks in public areas. Includes learning puppetry skills for puppet shows, mastering the art of being a mascot and embodying various face characters.
• GUEST SERVICES: This assignment is responsible for providing guest support through ticket collection, membership verification at turnstiles, and providing park information regarding rides, attractions, and special events. Will be required to learn functions of selling tickets and memberships; and provide exceptional customer service to all Members and guests.
• PICNIC BASKET & CATERING: This assignment is responsible for providing courteous guest service, assisting with taking and preparing food orders, operating food equipment (i.e. slicers, fryers, grills), and processing food and beverage sales. Other tasks include performing various cleaning and sanitation duties within the kitchen, dining room, and stockrooms, as well as the serving and preparation areas.
• REVENUE: This assignment assists in various financial-related tasks necessary for Happy Hollow to operate in accordance with City policies. This includes the accurate counting of cash and coins and preparing daily money distributions. Works closely with the Celebrations & Face painting, Guest Services, Picnic Basket & Catering, and Zoo Education teams. Attention to detail and problem solving are required.
• RIDES & ATTRACTIONS: This assignment is responsible for the cleanliness and safety of ride operations, including conducting daily ride and attraction inspections as well as operating the rides. May be required to assist with special events.
• ZOO EDUCATION: This assignment helps with educational program preparation and presentation at Happy Hollow as well as offsite. This includes week-long camps, educational assemblies, and events. Supervising children and performing administrative tasks are required. Some animal handling is possible.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Completion of high school, General Education Development (GED) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate

Experience: No Minimum Requirement

Acceptable substitution: None

Special Qualification: Those applicants in their last semester of high school are permitted to apply but will be required to provide proof of graduation prior to obtaining a work assignment.

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)

• A valid First Aid certificate is required and must be maintained. Must provide proof of a valid certificate or will need to obtain a certificate within one (1) year of hire. This requirement does not apply to seasonal hires.
• A valid CPR certificate is required and must be maintained. Must provide proof of a valid certificate or will need to obtain a certificate within six (6) months of hire. This requirement does not apply to seasonal hires.

Medical Verification: State law requires all employees working with youth to provide medical verification of negative tuberculosis test results within the last two years.
Background Check: Candidates will be required to undergo a background check, including a criminal history records check, before being considered for a position.

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 the following URL link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca

Join San Bruno Community Services, Parks Department as a Lead Maintenance Worker! 

The Community Services Department is committed to providing quality programs, services, and spaces to benefit the health and well-being of the community. Within Community Services, the Parks Maintenance Division is responsible for the maintenance of all City’s outdoor recreation sites, including 20 parks covering 68 acres, 6 baseball fields, 128 acres of open space, all City owned facilities, over 7 miles of medians, and one dog park. 
 

Under the supervision of the Parks Field Supervisor, the Parks Lead Maintenance Worker performs a variety of skilled tasks and complex assignments in maintenance, repair, and construction work. The Lead Maintenance Worker is a working supervisor position. The position exercises direct supervision over crews engaged in service, maintenance, and repair. Work assignments may also involve considerable skill in various construction and mechanical crafts and the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment. 

CORE DUTIES

Examples of duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assigns and reviews work of Maintenance Workers I/II and seasonal staff; trains, supervises, and reviews work of assigned staff; provides input into performance evaluations and performance issues.

• Inspects and repairs equipment at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are safe and functioning properly; maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, materials supply, athletic field layouts and surfaces, base positioning and installation, and layouts of field markings.

• Determines and marks the locations of irrigation system wiring and water lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation.

• Responds to complaints and resolves problems regarding functional areas such as tree conditions, ball field conditions irrigation system problems, park, building and ball field lighting, water leaks, parks facility issues.

• Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools assigned to their area of responsibility by checking equipment and tools and maintaining maintenance records, and refers defects to supervisory staff.

• Safely operates vehicles/equipment of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, soil and sand, concrete, performance of tree work; and other job functions; operates pneumatic tools and power tools.

• Oversees and participates in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, including laying pipe, trenching and backfilling, determines safety and playability of sports fields and reports information to their supervisor, prunes trees and shrubs in conformance with established professional practices and safe working methods.

• Applies pesticides and utilizes best Integrated Pest Management practices for assigned areas of responsibility.

• Performs set up of traffic safety work zones utilizing traffic safety control devices as needed for work performed in areas such as medians, right-of ways, streets, and parks.

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be a high school diploma or GED, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing field maintenance work similar to that of a Maintenance Worker II with the City of San Bruno. 

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

• Possession of a valid California Class B driver’s license. 

• Possession of a Qualified Pesticide Applicators Certificate. 

In addition, the ideal candidate possesses the following competencies:

• Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical or professional knowledge in parks
  maintenance; keeping up with current developments and trends in Community Services; leveraging expert knowledge to accomplish results.

• Taking prompt action to accomplish goals; achieve results beyond what is required; being proactive.

• Crafting and implementing practices that meet resident and organization’s needs; responding quickly to resolve difficult resident situations and maintain the confidence of the community.

• Identifying and leveraging opportunities to accelerate results and build capability by assigning tasks and decision-making responsibilities to individuals or teams with clear boundaries, expectations, support, and follow-up.

• Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions; taking action that is consistent with available facts and constraints and optimizes probable consequences.

• Gaining others’ confidence by acting with integrity and following through on commitments; treating others and their ideas with respect and supporting them in the face of challenge.

• Using appropriate methods and interpersonal styles to develop, motivate, and guide the team to attain successful outcomes and business objectives.

• Clearly and succinctly conveying information and ideas to individuals and groups; communicating in a focused and compelling way that captures and holds others’ attention.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) Lead Maintenance Worker vacancy and may be used to fill future full-time vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online at the City’s BambooHR page. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the position is closed.

The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system that is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness, and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. 

What happens next?

• We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the process. Screening will include a review of minimum qualifications, application appraisal rating of education, training and experience and relevance of background qualifications related to the target job as well as supplemental questions if applicable.

• Applicants selected to move forward in the process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): a written examination, job related exercise, physical test or job simulation, phone interview, in-person
  or video interview(s), and/or web-based testing.

• The final phase of the selection process is the probationary period, which in most cases is one year, depending on your classification.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.

The City of San Bruno Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the selection process to accommodate disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the process must inform the Human Resources Department by the final filing date by emailing hr@sanbruno.ca.gov. 

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.

Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, participate and lead a crew in operating grounds equipment; perform maintenance, landscaping and gardening work on school grounds, fields and assigned areas.

Link to apply: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2055925

City of San Mateo

Department of Parks & Recreation

A POSITION IS OPEN FOR:

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT I

This is a temporary part-time position:  Approximately 20-40 hours per week depending on the needs of the department.

Position:         Per Diem Maintenance Assistant I

Salary:             $19.71 – $22.50 hourly (depending on experience)

Job Type:        Part time (20-40 hours per week)

Location:        Park Yard

                        2001 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403

Hours:             Variable days, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Application:    Application process is open until filled

THE POSITION: Under close supervision, perform unskilled manual and semi-skilled manual park maintenance work, and perform related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Cleaning restrooms, emptying garbage cans
• Removing weeds and trash from parks
• Assist in mowing, edging, pruning, fertilizing, and seeding
• Perform a wide variety of general grounds and facility maintenance work including raking leaves, cleaning walkways, removing debris, cleaning restrooms, and related work.
• Water, weed, prune, renovate, and landscaped areas.
• Turf care including mowing, thatching, fertilizing, plugging, and installation of new turf areas.
• Prepare soil and plant flowerbeds, shrubs, and landscape areas, including staking, fertilizing and other necessary procedures.
• Utilize a wide variety of hand and power tools and landscape maintenance equipment.
• Move and install park and recreation equipment.
• Assist in loading, transporting, and unloading equipment, materials, debris, and other heavy objects related to maintenance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The incumbent should have the ability to read, write, and carry out oral and written directions, maintain cooperative work relationships, and operate various park maintenance equipment. Individuals must possess a valid California Driver’s License and a good driving record (recent DMV printout required). This is seasonal work which will include weekends and holidays depending on the needs of the department.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit an online City of San Mateo employment application at www.CalOpps.org.

Or submit an official City of San Mateo Employment Application to City of San Mateo Park Yard, 2001 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403.

Applications are available at City of San Mateo Human Resources Department, 330 W 20th Ave, San Mateo and the City of San Mateo Park Yard, 2001 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo.

All applications will be reviewed in detail and the most qualified applicants will be invited to interview. The most successful applicants will be hired pending all necessary paperwork, DMV, and work history check. On the first day of employment individuals will be required to provide documentation for proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Should you have questions regarding this position, please contact the Parks Division at (650) 522-7420 or email parks@cityofsanmateo.org

The City of San Mateo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, national origin, race, color, political affiliation, or disability.