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Valley Water is searching for top-tier candidates to fill this exciting opportunity. Internal candidates will get first consideration.

For priority consideration, apply by 11/14/2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted with qualified candidates throughout the recruitment period. The position will remain open until filled.
 
Overview:
The Senior Management Analyst in Valley Water's Purchasing and Contracts Unit is responsible for leading the procurement of information technology (IT) goods, services, and consultants. This role ensures compliance with organizational policies and industry best practices for the complete procurement process—from solicitation to contract administration—for IT-related acquisitions. The position entails analyzing bids, conducting market analysis, negotiating vendors, negotiating contracts, and providing strategic recommendations to maximize value. Additionally, this position acts as a key analyst on IT procurement strategies and leads complex IT procurement projects, ensuring alignment with Valley Water's goals.
 
Our Commitment: 
Racial equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to Valley Water. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. We believe every member of our team enriches our diversity, contributes to inclusion, and strengthens belonging by broadening our perspective and collective understanding of the world around us to accomplish our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
 
About Valley Water:
 Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.
 
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the end-to-end procurement process for IT goods, services, and consultants, ensuring compliance with Valley Water policies, organizational requirements, and industry best practices. This includes leading, planning, and overseeing complex procurements for accuracy and compliance.
• Negotiate, prepare, and administer contracts for IT-related procurements to ensure organizational needs are met and compliance by vendors is maintained. 
• Provide training and support in procurement methods and procedures.
• Evaluate and analyze bids, making recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with Valley Water standards. Develop specifications for goods and services and ensure fair and open competition among vendors.
• Develop and implement strategic procurement plans for IT acquisitions that align with Valley Water’s technological goals and future needs. Provide technical guidance on requisitioning procedures, vendor qualifications, and the availability of goods and services.
• Analyze, identify and make recommendations to purchasing standards and procedures for requisitioning, solicitation of bids, and contract administration to ensure best pricing and value.
• Respond to questions and inquiries from Valley Water staff and other agencies, investigating complaints and recommending corrective actions as necessary. Ensure effective communication with stakeholders throughout the procurement process.
• Prepare reports and maintain required purchasing records, preparing documentation as needed for Valley Water.
• Execute related duties and responsibilities as required to support the Procurement and Consultant Contracts Unit and Valley Water’s objectives.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience (ideally in the public sector) independently analyzing complex competitive procurement processes for goods and services.            
• Experience working with project managers to develop scopes of work and write complex Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposals for the procurement of materials, equipment, infrastructure maintenance or information technology services.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts for IT-related procurements, with a focus on achieving favorable terms and conditions that align with organizational objectives.
• Experience using procurement software tools.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to oversee and analyze the procurement process for IT goods, services, and consultants, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
• Analytical capabilities to evaluate bids and proposals effectively, facilitating informed recommendations for vendor selection in accordance with established compliance standards.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on IT procurement strategies, contributing to decision-making processes related to complex procurement projects.
• Effective communication skills to engage with stakeholders, ensuring their requirements are understood and addressed within procurement strategies.
• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with Valley Water managers, staff, suppliers, vendors, and others encountered in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing complex procurement processes for IT goods and services, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, organizational policies, and industry best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of contract negotiation and administration, with the ability to secure favorable terms that align with organizational goals and maximize value.
• Analytical skills for evaluating bids and proposals, enabling effective recommendations for vendor selection based on established compliance standards and organizational needs.
• Knowledge of analyzing and guiding strategic procurement plans that align with organizational technological goals, ensuring the acquisition of IT goods and services meets current and future requirements.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, facilitating their needs and requirements within procurement strategies, and ensuring transparency throughout the procurement process.
• Familiarity with procurement software tools to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of procurement activities.

Ideal Training and Education:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, political science, business administration or a related field. 
• Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

 

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

• Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).
• Extensive experience in public sector procurement and contracts management in the State of California. 
• Other Purchasing and/or Supply Chain Management Certifications. Examples include Certified Purchasing Manager, (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

An exciting opportunity is now open!

Housing Programs Specialist II

Opening Date: March 11, 2025

Closing Date: March 26, 2025

Hourly Range: $34.44 - $46.15 DOQ

Bi-weekly: $2,755.20 - $3,692.00

(9/80 Work Schedule with alternating Fridays off).

This position will serve as the primary contact for all applicants applying for housing assistance programs and the administration of rental assistance programs. The incumbent will perform technical and programmatic aspects, requiring the interpretation and application of regulations, policies, and procedures to determine the eligibility of program services, ensuring accurate processing of data, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 

What our Team is looking for:
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience likely to provide the required core competencies may be considered. A typical combination that is qualifying may include:

• An associate degree with coursework in liberal arts, humanities, social work, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of responsible experience providing direct client services including caseload management functions with an assisted housing or other social services program and customer service.
• A bachelor’s degree is desirable.
• Bilingual skills are desired, but not required.

For further information or details please contact Molly Ibarra, Human Resources Analyst at molly.ibarra@scchousingauthority.org or (408) 993-2975.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please attach and submit the following required items with your application:

• A completed Santa Clara County Housing Authority online application including supplemental responses.
• A detailed resume that highlights your related skills and experience is required.

Candidates must complete the Santa Clara County Housing Authority application form for this position and submit online. Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to complete the Supplemental Questionnaire. This will be used throughout the process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications for the position.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
  
The Santa Clara County Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity and does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, medical, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by law. Qualified individuals with a disability will receive reasonable accommodation, as required by the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, during any phase of the selection process, providing such request is made to Human Resources at least five working days in advance. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation. Under federal law, all employees must provide documents that authorize the right to work in the United States.

The Park Development Project Manager (Class: Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III) will manage park development, landscape improvement and/or watershed planning projects. The projects will be related to MRCA's capital improvement projects, which include urban river restoration, public access, open space conservation, master planning, and park development. Projects may consist of design and construction of new park amenities, creation of parkland in urban neighborhoods, renovation of infrastructure and buildings, acquisition of land, and planning in a watershed context. Capital projects include renovation of existing facilities, new construction by contractors and force account, and fee acquisition of land interests.

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This is professional and technical work pursuant to the terms of grants, contracts, and applicable regulations, involving frequent communication with others, for a flexible person at an entry or intermediate level. Project managers must also build community support, seek funding opportunities, actively cooperate with other government agencies and non-profit organizations, and keep abreast of related planning processes. The work performed will support MRCA’s capital Workprogram for improvements, land acquisition, and major maintenance projects in nature parks within greater Los Angeles, and other MRCA efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development.

Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Supervision

This position may report to the Deputy Chief of Park Development, Chief of Watershed Planning, or other Executive-level staff depending on MRCA's needs. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position supervises no other staff. 

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.

• Implement multiple projects simultaneously: The project manager is the central point of contact on all issues concerning assigned projects and will be responsible for project quality. Perform project tracking, scheduling, and budget management.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, manage contracts, coordinate project team and collaborate with coworkers to ensure that the project scope is completed according to grant agreements, schedules, and cost limits. Assist in selection of consultants/contractors.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements.
• Cooperate with other team members to accomplish project goals.
• Produce written materials including staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Manage project budgets with funding from multiple sources, keeping abreast of status and expense eligibility requirements, identifying solutions to shortfalls, and keeping up to date as projects evolve.
• Assist with coordination of construction. Coordinate with others to monitor progress of in-house staff (force account) and subcontractors, assure compliance with plans and specifications, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals/Requests for Bids, and review bids. Select and manage contractors and consultants in conjunction with other staff. Ensure bidding process meets applicable regulations. Assist with estimating and selection of vendors for best value.
• Maintain files, including documentation and authorization for expenses, project progress, contracts and grant agreements, project budgets, contacts, board actions and all other items related to a project’s development.
• Manage the CEQA compliance process for potential projects.
• Provide support to coworkers on other projects.
• Analyze, verify and obtain payment approvals for invoices.
• 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.
• Perform related duties as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.
• Quantify and describe the greenhouse gas emissions benefits of potential projects based on latest accepted science, research, and generally accepted methodology.
• Represent the agency in public forums.

 

Depending on the MRCA's needs, landscape architecture may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Produce landscape improvement plans, details, and specifications, at conceptual design, schematic design, and construction document phases with both hand-drawn graphics, computer graphic programs (e.g. Adobe graphic suite, sketch-up, rivet, and/or any other 3D digital rendering programs), and CAD techniques.
• Produce irrigation designs utilizing Land F/X software.
• Research new construction/architectural products and technologies.
• Perform assessment of architectural barriers and analyze options for barrier removal. 

 

Depending on the MRCA's needs, watershed planning may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Analyze various planning documents and processes for consistency and impacts on MRCA's watershed planning priorities. Write formal comment letters and and informal memoranda.
• Participate in planning processes related to the Los Angeles River and other local watersheds, at both regional and individual project scales.
• Identify potential projects and assess feasibility.
• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.

 

Depending on the MRCA's needs, management of maintenance funding sources may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Analyze proposed expenses for eligibility and determine appropriate funding sources for expenses.
• Assist with budget development and monitoring for multiple locations and funds.
• Liaison frequently between operations and maintenance staff and finance staff to ensure smooth administrative processes.
• Distinguish between maintenance and capital expenses and providing documentation for full reimbursement.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

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.

Required Hours and Location

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. Occasional overtime work in evenings or weekends upon prior approval by supervisor. 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.

Education and Experience

• B.A. or B.S. degree. Relevant course studies include landscape architecture, environmental design, natural resources, engineering, planning, environmental science, geography, biology, or related fields.  An Associate's degree may be substituted with at least two (2) years of highly relevant experience.
• One (1) year of highly relevant experience performing project management duties that include: creative problem solving, working on an interdisciplinary team, coordinating consultants, technical writing, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Experience desired in public speaking, community outreach/engagement, identifying and applying for project specific funding, and construction trade or construction management.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Training and Certification

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

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate proficiency with Office 365 and email, with particular emphasis on word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Office practices and procedures.
• Basic understanding of native plants, animals, and ecosystems of Southern California.
• Basic understanding of design and landscape construction processes (or ability to learn within 6 months).
• Basic understanding of California Environmental Quality Act requirements (or ability to learn within 6 months).
• Office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Work independently, or as part of a team.

• Must be organized with meticulous attention to detail.

• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Consistently follow agency procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Prepare written and graphic materials for a variety of audiences.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about Agency projects and objectives.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.

Competencies:

• 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.

 

Classification Level

The selected candidate may be hired as a Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III, depending on experience. A Project Analyst II will perform the functions with a moderate to high level of supervision, and is not expected to make many judgments independently. A Project Analyst III will perform the functions with a low level of supervision and less frequent check-ins to verify tasks and decision support. A Project Analyst III shall have the ability to advance into a team leadership role and determine project direction. 

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wildfire Resilience Coordinator will manage projects related to the overall MRCA efforts regarding wildfire resilience, including tracking and analyzing existing funding sources related to wildfire preparedness and response, supporting staff project as defined by the early action wildfire resilience plan, coordinating with other MRCA and SMMC staff members working on wildfire related projects and programs, preparing and documenting further regional needs.

 

This position requires a highly motivated, responsible, organized and self-starting individual who can handle an array of tasks at the same time as part of standard workload, has good judgment and can make decisions, and works well independently and as part of a small team.

 

This is professional and technical work pursuant to the terms of grants, contracts, and applicable regulations, involving frequent communication with others. Project managers must also build community and political support, seek funding opportunities, actively cooperate with other government agencies and non­profit organizations, and keep abreast of related planning processes. The work performed will support MRCA’s capital Workprogram for wildfire resilience including improvements, workforce development, ignition prevention and suppression, inspection and monitoring and structure hardening and other MRCA efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development. Special projects assigned or led by the Chief of Staff will be supported by this position.

 

Type

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

 

Supervision

This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Staff. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff.

 

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.

 

• Implement multiple projects simultaneously: The project manager is the central point of contact on all issues concerning assigned projects and will be responsible for project quality. Perform project tracking, scheduling, and budget management.
• Coordinate between MRCA divisions to track agency-wide wildfire resilience efforts and guide the agency towards accomplishment of big picture wildfire resilience priorities.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements. Analyze, verify and obtain payment approvals for invoices.
• Interagency coordination: Coordinate with Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy grantees to perform tracking and data management on wildfire resilience grants.
• Coordinate with Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, its grantees, and regional stakeholders to advance wildfire resilience efforts in Southern California.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Demonstrate proactivity to initiate and drive projects, leveraging past experiences, consulting with colleagues, and referencing relevant documentation to successfully launch and manage projects without established precedents.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, manage contracts, coordinate project team and collaborate with coworkers to ensure that the project scope is completed according to grant agreements, schedules, and cost limits. Assist in selection of consultants/contractors.
• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for wildfire resilience and workforce development related planning efforts.
• Cooperate with other team members to accomplish project goals; provide support to coworkers on other projects.
• Produce written materials including staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Write comprehensive reports based on samples, summarizing and analyzing information to provide clear conclusions in the sample's format and style
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner's associations, and the public at large.
• Other projects as directed by Chief of Staff.
• Perform related duties as required.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

 

Physical Demands

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 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, observe site conditions, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. Occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions and move between multiple work sites. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

 

Required Hours And Location

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. Occasional overtime work in evenings or weekends upon prior approval by supervisor. The position will work remotely and out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens but may be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors.

 

Public Contact

As public parklands, the majority of MRCA properties are open to the general public during operating hours. This position will have contact with members of the public in public areas such as parking lots and shared public/office restrooms, and during public meetings.

 

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.

Education and Experience

• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in preferably environmental studies, education, project management, landscape architecture, or related field. Experience may substituted for academic degree.
• Two (2) years of highly relevant experience performing project management and administration duties that include: creative problem solving, working on an interdisciplinary team, coordinating consultants, technical writing, scheduling, and budgeting.
   

Knowledge of:

• Windows-based programs including word processing and spreadsheets, Office 365, iCompass.
• Office practices and procedures.

 

Ability To:

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work independently, or as part of a team.
• Possess excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.

Competencies:

• 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.
• Bilingual skills in English and another locally common language, such as Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Chinese, Armenian, Yiddish, or Tagalog is highly desired.

 

Othe Requirements

Candidates must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record. Employees must be willing to participate in agency emergency response.

All employment offers are contingent upon the following:

 

• Background check including submission of fingerprints to Department of Justice, and a record clean of violent crimes or felonies.

• Successful completion of a physical examination including a drug test and TB test.

• Verification of the right to work in the United States.

 

COMPENSATION

Wages
The range of hourly rates for a Project Analyst III is $32.09 to $39.01.

Classification Level
The selected candidate will be hired as a Project Analyst III

ABOUT MRCA

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) was created in 1985 with a mission to protect and preserve park and open space lands surrounding Los Angeles and is a joint powers authority between the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. These public agencies work together to preserve open spaces, natural wilderness and wildlife habitat of the Los Angeles and Ventura County metropolitan regions and to make these lands accessible to all residents of Southern California.

The MRCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, medical condition, including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency, where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. The MRCA strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply for open positions.

Connect with us:     www.mrca.ca.gov

www.facebook.com/LAMountains.com

www.instagram.com/mrcaparks

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.