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

About the Position:

The start date for these positions is early-December 2026. For additional information, see the Ranger Recruit and Ranger specifications on our job description page at OpenSpace.org.

There are two types of Ranger Assignments:

1. Ranger with a primary assignment - Generally works at a primary reporting location with regularly occurring consecutive days off.
2. Ranger with a flexible assignment - Will be assigned initially to a primary reporting location with regularly occurring consecutive days off, however Rangers with a flexible assignment may work a varied schedule across multiple reporting locations based on operational needs. They may be assigned to cover both planned and unplanned shift vacancies, including extended leaves of absence and promotional vacancies. During these assignments, rangers with a flexible assignment may be required to report to alternate field offices and/or adjust regular days off.

The Ranger Recruit is a training-level position for individuals who do not possess a Ranger Academy certificate or equivalent, and valid PC 832 certificate.  Upon commencement of employment, new Ranger Recruits will participate in pre-academy instruction on the duties of a District Ranger, receive orientation to District lands and operations and complete additional required training.  Upon completion of pre-academy instruction, new Ranger Recruits will participate in a district approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy based out of the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Center in San Jose, CA located on Bailey Avenue with the nearest cross street on Santa Teresa Avenue.  The 14-week long academy begins in January 2027 and will include California Penal Code 832 training.  The academy’s full course and tuition are paid for by Midpen. Upon successful completion of the academy and the District’s required robust 12-week Field Training Program and final review by the Chief Ranger, a Ranger Recruit may be appointed as a probationary Ranger.

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

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact.  If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!  At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

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

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

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

• South Area Office (SAO) – Campbell (Address: 240 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA 95008)
• Foothills Field Office – Cupertino (Address: 501 Rancho San Antonio Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014)
• Skyline Field Office (SFO) – La Honda (Address: 21150 Skyline Blvd., La Honda, CA 94020) MAP
• Coastal Area Outpost (CAO) – La Honda (Address: 5710 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, CA  94074)

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Midpen offers a housing program with reduced rental rates for staff subject to after-hours call outs to support the protection and maintenance of Midpen lands.

Basic Job Requirements: Must have the ability to enforce pertinent laws and regulations; administer first aid and CPR; demonstrate and maintain the physical fitness and mobility to meet District fitness standards, and to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to respond to emergency situations to provide emergency medical services, perform fire suppression, and to gain control of a situation for self-defense or in defense of others; operate and maintain various power tools and equipment; operate emergency patrol vehicles and two-way radios; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Pre-employment and annual fitness test required consisting of walking 2 miles while carrying a 25lb pack in 30 minutes or less.

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

Peace Officer Standards for Rangers: Ability to satisfy the selection standards for peace officers in California as set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1030 and 1031, and by the District. Ranger Recruits must complete Midpen’s requirements for training of Peace Officers by attending and successfully completing a Midpen approved law enforcement academy upon hire, unless they have recently successfully passed an equivalent academy, and possess a California Penal Code 832 certificate. 

Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Ranger Recruit

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

• Certificates and Licenses: A valid California Class C driver’s license (or ability to obtain one upon appointment for candidates possessing an out of state license).

Ranger

• Meet all qualifications for Ranger Recruit, plus:

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

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

How to Apply:  

Apply online at CalOpps.org.   The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 5, 2026

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

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Resume 

3. Supplemental question responses

(A cover letter is highly desirable).

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

INTERVIEW DATES & HIRING PROCESS:

First interviews (In-Person; Administrative Office – Los Altos):  Mon, April 27th, Tues, April 28th and Wed, April 29th (Candidates will be scheduled on one of three days)

Skills assessment (In-Person; Foothills Field Office - Cupertino): Friday, May 8, 2026

Final interviews (In-Person; Administrative Office – Los Altos): Thursday, May 21, 2026, and Friday, May 22, 2026 (Candidates will be scheduled on one of two days)

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

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

The academy is held at the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training campus in South San Jose.  To successfully complete the academy, recruits must pass the physical agility test. Information about this test is available at Pre-Employment Testing and Training - The Academy.   The academy also offers optional practice sessions for a small fee; available dates are listed on the web site. Attending a practice session is strongly recommended, as it allows potential candidates to gauge their ability to pass the physical agility test by the end of the academy.

Important for applicants outside the San Francisco Bay Area: Compensation in California often reflects the region’s significantly higher cost of living. Before applying, and if you haven't done so already, we strongly encourage you to assess whether relocation is practical for you. Please research housing costs, relocation expenses, and commute times to the different field offices for this position.

Midpen reserves the right to limit or deny off-duty employment or business ownership which creates a conflict of interest or an incompatibility with District employment. Additional information can be found in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Section 4.13 Off-Duty Employment and Business Ownership.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200.

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

About the Position:  The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) Seasonal Ranger Aide is an entry-level position, which provides the opportunity to learn and perform some duties of a ranger under the guidance of experienced ranger staff.  Ranger Aides provide visitor information and assistance, travelling by non-emergency Midpen vehicles and on foot throughout an assigned geographical region. Ranger Aides perform a variety of customer service duties such as educating and informing the public about Midpen land use regulations, public relations and provide general information services, but do not have law enforcement authority.  Ranger Aides will assist with routine maintenance work on Midpen land and facilities and may respond to assist with emergency calls. Seasonal employees are provided with a uniform.  The start date will be in June  and the selected individuals will continue working through December 2026.   See Job Description for additional information.

Work Location may be at one of the following field offices (there is no seasonal housing available): 

• South Area Office (SAO): Located at 240 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA 95008
• Skyline Field Office (SFO): Located at 21150 Skyline Ranch Rd, La Honda, CA 94020 MAP

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!

Requirements: Must have the ability to learn Midpen lands, pertinent laws and regulations and contact, educate and inform the public about the lands and regulations; administer first aid and CPR; operate and maintain various power tools and equipment; operate two-way radios; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; and other duties as assigned.

Certificates Needed: A valid California driver license is required upon appointment; valid professional rescuer CPR certificate and basic First Aid certificate (Midpen will offer training to candidates who do not possess CPR/First Aid certificates upon appointment).

Education & Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from high school. Six months experience working in a customer service-related field.  Some experience or training in a parks settings is desirable.

Schedules:  This is a full-time position. Employees are expected to work full-time (40 hours during the work week); however, school schedules may be accommodated around regular days/hours of operations.  Weekend work (Sat/Sun) is required, with two consistent days off each week (either Mondays/Tuesdays off OR Thursdays/Fridays off), depending on the field office operational needs. Incumbents will work an 8-hour workday (plus a 30-minute unpaid meal break). Daily start and end times will be the same for most workdays, typically scheduled within the range of 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Must be willing to work weekends, nights, holidays, or extended shifts and work with exposure to difficult circumstances, including exposure to challenging situations and upset individuals. Seasonal assignments will not exceed 950 hours or 7 months, whichever comes first, and do not include benefits.

Working Conditions: Most work is outdoors within Midpen’s open space lands with exposure to inclement weather conditions. This requires the ability to patrol on foot, off trail, and in rugged terrain.  Also requires the ability to perform related emergency services and maintenance and construction work on Midpen lands. Once trained, Ranger Aides may work alone for parts or all of their shifts. Must wear prescribed District uniform and adhere to strict safety procedures and work habits.

How to Apply:  Application Deadline: Sunday, April 12, 2026

Apply online at CalOpps.org.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for interviews. Answers to supplemental questions must be submitted with the application. Please submit a resume with your application. 

Employment offers are conditional upon the results of a fingerprint background check and a pre-employment physical.  Candidates who advance to reference checks must provide a current DMV report. Midpen only accepts the DMV report the candidate receives by submitting form INF 1125 to the DMV.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE (estimated dates are subject to change):

• Virtual Interviews – Thursday, April 23, 2026 (Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules)
• Reference Checks – Week of April 27, 2026 (select individuals who advance in the process should be prepared to provide professional references upon request).
• Fingerprinting – Week of May 11, 2026
• Pre-employment Physical – Week of May 18, 2026
• Start Dates – June 2026

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation

by contacting the Human Resources department at

(650) 691-1200 or via email at hr@openspace.org.

 Put your passion for Open Space to work!

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UTILITY WORKER
Golf Operations Division
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity 

The final filing date is Wednesday, April 08, 2026, at 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified applicants, whichever is first.

 

We build community trust by delivering exceptional services. Our Core Values of Public Service: Integrity, Leadership, and Respect. 

The City of Sunnyvale is looking to fill the Utility Worker position with a team member that believes the impossible is possible. This person is driven to continuously make a positive impact in the organization and believes that as a team we accomplish more. As an organization, we are motivated to produce the highest level of service possible.

Sunnyvale Golf Course is a par 70 regulation 18-hole course with numerous bunkers, dog legs and water holes. Sunnyvale is a well-manicured test of the player's skill stretching out to 6,255 yards. Sunken Gardens Golf Course is a 9-hole, 1,502-yard executive course. Sunken Gardens is ideal for the beginner golfer with ample practice facilities and shorter length holes.

Working in the Public Works Department for the City of Sunnyvale as a Utility Worker provides an opportunity to improve the golf courses in the community and see the results of your work. All of this, plus a generous benefits package which includes a competitive salary, career development and training opportunities make the City of Sunnyvale a great place to work.

You will be required to possess and present a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment.

Under general supervision performs a variety of semiskilled and some skilled manual tasks in the construction, repair and maintenance of public works and parks facilities; does related work as required.
 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are distinguished from those in maintenance worker by the requirement of the efficient operation of a dump truck, front end loader, light tractor with mower attachment or similar equipment on a production basis and requires a knowledge of the methods, tools and equipment of the department and/or division to which assigned.

 

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operates various equipment involved in the maintenance of golf courses.
• Operates a light tractor with gang or sickle mower attachment, small roller or comparable attachment.
• Operates light equipment such as mowers, aerators, spray rigs, utility vehicles, backhoes, front-end loaders and dump trucks.
• Prunes small trees and shrubs
• Edges ground cover.
• Repairs irrigation, installs plant material, performs landscape construction duties.

General:

• Operates various equipment involved in the maintenance of street, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water distribution system, parks, street trees, or golf course.
• Operates equipment such as air compressors, pneumatic hammers, power activated hammers, chain saws, concrete saws, pipe cutters, sprayers, compactors, forklifts, painting and spraying equipment and rollers.
• Operates power tools such as air compressors, jack hammers, wet tapping machines and painting and spraying equipment;
• Loads, unloads and operates pick-ups and trucks to transport maintenance supplies and materials.
• Places traffic control flags, signs and cones to direct traffic around work sites; may direct traffic.
• Uses general carpentry and mechanical hand tools such as brooms, rakes, shovels, ladders, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, saws, drills and wrenches.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair of hand and power tools.
• Tactfully responds to questions and comments from the public.
• Responsible for the safe operation of equipment and tools used.
• May prepare and keep written records and make material and equipment requests.
• May perform some tasks regularly assigned to senior level classes, particularly on a training basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the field and the office. The ability to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 70 pounds, such as a jackhammer, is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat, and cold. The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, dust chemicals, biohazard materials and air contaminants. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, work in confined spaces, drive motorized vehicles and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The base salary for this classification includes pay for potentially hazardous duties as listed in the essential job functions. 

Education & Experience

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

Graduation from high school or tested equivalent; AND

Two years of maintenance experience equivalent to the level of Maintenance Worker I.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

• The basic techniques, equipment and materials used in the maintenance of water systems, sewers and/or streets, as required by the program to which assigned.
• The safety procedures for operating equipment and power tools.
• The proper use and care of common hand tools.
• Work practices governing the maintenance and construction of municipal facilities such as streets, sewers, water lines, golf courses, and landscaped areas;
• Landscaped maintenance practices

Ability to: 

• Work effectively alone and as a member of a crew.
• Operate a dump truck or like mover vehicles requiring comparable skills.
• Operate pneumatic and power tools
• Locate utilities and understand Underground Service Alert (USA) procedures as required by the specific position.
• Safely perform heavy manual labor.
• Learn the operation of power tools and equipment and the performance of a variety of semi-skilled tasks.
• Learn to safely handle toxic materials.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work effectively as a member of a crew.
• Act in a courteous and diplomatic manner with members of the public.

Willingness to:

• Wear a uniform
• Perform on-call duty assignment and call-back work as required.

License/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience. 

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Wednesday, April 08, 2026, at 5:00pm.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an Oral Examination scheduled for the Monday, April 27, 2026(Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).  Those candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies.

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an on-site selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of May 11, 2026.Selection interviews will typically take place in-person, please plan accordingly. 

Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history.  A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. 

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.