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Applications are being accepted for the position of Maintenance Services Supervisor (Building Maintenance) with the City of South San Francisco in the Parks & Recreation Department. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026 OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.

The Department

The Parks and Recreation Department mission is to provide opportunities for physical, cultural and social well-being; protect and enhance the physical environment; and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open space. The Parks and Recreation Department is organized by program area, with each program administered by a supervisor, coordinator, or specialist. 

The Building Maintenance Division’s scope of duties includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Provides janitorial, preventative maintenance services, and necessary building and related equipment repairs to all of the City’s facilities, including interior and exterior work.
• Builds and/or installs items involving finish carpentry, painting, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other skilled crafts work.
• Manages contracts with vendors maintaining, repairing and upgrading building systems.
• Responds to emergency facility-related issues.
• Plans and executes minor maintenance projects, including tenant improvements, building system and energy efficiency projects, facility repairs and capital upgrades.
• Advises and supports the delivery of capital improvement projects.
• Maintains service records and time logs.
• Supports facilities for meetings and other special events.             

Applications will be accepted for this position until Friday, April 17, 2026

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing a City application.

Written Exam: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Oral Exam: TBA

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled gardening and turf maintenance duties in the development, maintenance and repair of landscaped areas; and related work as required.

Groundskeeper Gardener I is the entry-level class and Groundskeeper Gardener II is the journey-level class in the series. Incumbents in the Groundskeeper Gardener I class will progressively perform most of the duties required in the Groundskeeper Gardener series but are not expected to function at the same skill level and will usually exercise less independent direction and judgement on matters related to work procedures and
methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established pattern that has been explained before the work is started. Generally, changes in procedures or exceptions are explained in detail as they arise. Under the flexible staffing concept, Groundskeeper Gardener II positions that may become vacant may reasonably be filled at the Groundskeeper Gardener I or Utility Maintenance Worker level for training purposes.

Positions in the Groundskeeper Gardener II class are flexibly staffed and normally filled by advancement from the Groundskeeper Gardener I class, or when filled from the outside, require prior specific experience in gardening and general grounds maintenance. Appointment to this class requires the employee to be performing substantially the full range of gardening and general grounds maintenance duties and to meet the qualification standards for the class. This class requires the ability to work independently exercising
judgement and initiative. Duties will normally require the ability to operate the full range of mechanical equipment related to gardening and general grounds maintenance.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plant, cultivate, water, spray, and propagate plants, hedges, trees, flowers, and lawns and perform grounds maintenance work; operate hand and power machines; aids in keeping greenhouses and other structures in repair and free from plant diseases and pests; maintain equipment, tools, and supplies in proper condition and repair; do general laboring tasks related to grounds and garden maintenance work. Install, maintain, and
operate manual and automatic irrigation systems. Input and retrieve data and work orders from the computer system. May assist in supervising utility workers, temporary employees, court referrals and other subordinates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of: Approved methods of planting, propagating and caring for hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers; gardening materials, tools and equipment, and their use and care; the common plant diseases and insect pests and the approved methods and materials used in controlling and destroying them.

Ability to: Safely use hand and power gardening tools and perform heavy physical labor; follow oral and written directions; follow and abide by the City's Rules and Regulations of the Classified Service. Learn to use the computer system. Maintain an appropriate public service demeanor and positive customer service interactions. Interact positively and cooperate with co-workers, respond politely to customers, work as a team member, function under demanding time pressure, respond in a positive manner to supervision, and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Physical capability to: Perform sustained, strenuous manual labor; climb, lift, crawl, stoop and bend to reach work; may work outdoors in temperature extremes and inclement weather.

Experience:

• Groundskeeper Gardener I, entry level: one (1) year, full-time, paid experience in construction, maintenance or other semi-skilled, physical work.
• Groundskeeper Gardener II: two (2) years of full-time experience in gardening and general grounds maintenance work.

Education:

• Groundskeeper Gardener I, entry level: completion of the tenth grade. Graduation from high school or the equivalent is desirable and required to advance to Level II in the classification series.
• Groundskeeper Gardener II: A high school diploma or the equivalent.

License:

• Possession of a valid, Class C California Driver's License.
• Groundskeeper Gardener II: A current Qualified Applicator Certificate is desirable.

The Opportunity

The County of San Mateo’s Sustainability Department seeks a dynamic and experienced leader for the position of Assistant Director of Sustainability. This role supports the County’s vision to build sustainable communities that meet the needs of both present and future generations.

The Assistant Director will partner closely with the Director to manage a $40M dollar budget and a high-performing team of approximately 35 professionals to lead efforts to combat and adapt to climate change, ensure access to clean energy, water, and air, and conserve natural resources.

Why this Role Matters

The County of San Mateo is at the forefront of advancing climate action and sustainability through innovative programs and policies that directly impact County operations, residents, businesses, and future generations.

As the Assistant Director, you are the "engine" of the department. While the Director focuses on broad policy and external regional alignment, you will ensure the department’s internal operations, financial health, and program delivery are world-class.

This position helps translate vision into action by aligning resources, managing the Department’s administration and communications functions, mentoring a high performing team, fostering a culture of innovation and professional growth, strengthening partnerships and programs to address inequities, and delivering measurable outcomes.

As the Assistant Director of Sustainability, you will be a primary lead to:

• Transform Systems: Create systemic change by leading policy development and planning, influencing and aligning with state and federal mandates.
• Catalyze Regional Climate Solutions: Advance regional climate solutions by forming impact networks, securing funding, and adopting strategies for economic efficiency.
• Empower Community Leadership and Action: Enable communities to lead and act on climate issues, fostering resilience and adaptability.

What You Will Do

This position supports and leads key operational and strategic functions for the Sustainability Department, including but not limited to:

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Director to set strategy and turn sustainability goals into actionable plans while driving performance and continuous improvement.

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee daily operations and lead sustainability programs, ensuring resources, workflows, and timelines align with priorities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and support a multidisciplinary team through coaching, performance management, and a collaborative work environment.

Partnerships & Public Engagement

• Build partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders while representing the department to leadership and the community.

Policy, Budget, & Administration

• Support budgets and policy development while ensuring compliance with procurement and regulatory requirements.

Communication & Organizational Impact

• Communicate key initiatives and outcomes to strengthen impact and serve as Acting Director as needed.

Who Thrives Here

Successful candidates bring strong executive leadership experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for sustainability and public service. The ideal candidate is:

• An Experienced Public Sector Leader: Brings approximately 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience, ideally in sustainability, public administration, or related fields, with a strong understanding of California local government.
• A Strategic & Innovative Thinker: Able to identify emerging opportunities and develop practical, forward-thinking solutions.
• A Collaborative & Influential Partner: Skilled at building relationships across departments, agencies, and communities to drive alignment and results.
• Politically Astute & Organizationally Savvy: Comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments and public sector dynamics.
• A People-Centered Leader: Committed to developing staff, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating a high-performing and engaging workplace.
• Strong in Financial & Program Management: Experienced in managing large budgets, allocating resources effectively, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• An Effective Communicator: Able to clearly articulate vision, influence decision-making, and engage diverse audiences.
• Grounded in Equity & Community Impact: Integrates equity, inclusion, and social justice into program design and implementation.

Qualifications

Executive Management & Leadership

• Ability to lead strategic and operational planning in a large organization
• Experience managing programs, budgets, and organizational performance
• Commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into sustainability efforts

Program Management

• Knowledge of public procurement, contracting, and compliance requirements
• Experience managing complex programs and mentoring program staff
• Familiarity with sustainability practices (e.g., climate, energy, waste, transportation, community engagement)

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong team building collaboration and relationship-building abilities
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Public Process

• Experience managing public processes and community engagement efforts
• Ability to work effectively with agencies, boards, and the public

How to Apply

Apply online at jobs.smcgov.org  by April 17, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

• Resume
• Cover Letter, no more than 2-pages, answering the supplemental questions in the job announcement
  • Please describe in detail how your background and experience qualify you for the position of Assistant Director of Sustainability. In particular, please include an overview of your executive management and leadership experience; your experience working in the public sector, working with elected officials, and with the community; your financial and budgetary management experience including the size and scope of the budgets; and your experience and approach to managing and developing teams along with the number of people managed. 
  • Provide detailed information regarding your management experience working in climate change, sustainability, climate resilience, waste management, energy/water conservation or resource protection. Describe how you built capacity in your direct reports and the organization for successful program management. 

Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Opens: March 26, 2026
• Deadline to Apply: April 17, 2026
• Application Screenings: April 24, 2026
• Phone Screenings: April 30, 2026 and/or May 1, 2026
• Panel Interviews: May 6, 2026

The City of Burlingame is accepting applications for the position of part-time (casual) Building Attendant. 

This is a casual part-time position under general supervision will work in the Burlingame Community Center to support its operations.  

Our diverse family of employees welcomes you to apply. We are a small city that gets a lot done, and each member of our team is vital to our success as an organization.

We asked our employees what they enjoyed most about working for the City of Burlingame, and their responses fell into five general categories:

• Colleagues
• Community
• Location
• The Work
• The Benefits

Browse the Burlingame Welcome Brochure for more information about why employees love  working here. 

Welcome Brochure 

Ideal Candidate

DEFINITION 

As a Building Attendant, you will be responsible for the daily upkeep and maintenance of the Burlingame Community Center, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all occupants. This role requires a hands-on individual with excellent attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Hours: (Average 10-20 hours per week). Hours depend on rentals and special events. Shifts may include, but are not limited too:

Monday-Thursday: 2:30pm-9:15pm

Friday: 2:30pm-5:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: 7:30am-1:15pm
Saturday/Sunday: 12:45pm-5:30pm
As needed: Private rentals as late as 2:00am. Shifts will vary week to week. There is no set schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  (include but are not limited to the following)
Opens and closes the building, provides excellent customer service, and maintains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Performs regular cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning windows and mirrors, restocking and sanitizing restrooms, emptying trash and recycling, and wiping down surfaces. Assists with event and class setup and takedown of tables, chairs, and equipment, operates audiovisual equipment, and ensures renters follow facility policies, completing final walk-through reports as needed. Staffs the front desk to greet visitors, answer questions, answer phones, take messages, and process registrations and sales.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS:  
Knowledge of: Operation of a community center; department rules and policies; availability of current classes; basic mathematical functions; janitorial work (including but not limited to: glass and wall cleaning, dusting, trash pickup, restroom clean up, emptying of trash cans, cleaning of kitchen, etc.).

Ability to: Work independently, learn quickly, perform heavy manual labor; work extremely well with others, including customers, staff, contractors, and volunteers; explain policies and procedures clearly and concisely; read and understand English;

Skills: Ability to use office equipment including copy machine, calculator and personal computer, and keyboarding skills.

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:
Sufficient experience and education to perform the above duties, which is typically obtained through sufficient maturity to perform these duties in a trustworthy manner.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Perform heavy manual labor, including bending and stooping; ability to explain recreation programs and policies with tact; calmly deal with difficult people and with people of different cultures.  Minor analysis of situations and adopting effective courses of action.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit a completed on-line employment application.  Resumes in lieu of a completed application will not be accepted.  Applications can be obtained on-line at https://www.calopps.org/burlingame/job-20723222.

Faxes will not be accepted.  This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed daily for neatness, accuracy, completion, relevant education, experience and training.  The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a department interview.  

PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT

Candidates will be required to:  

• Pass a fingerprint check submitted to the Department of Justice
• Comply with The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States at date of hire

The City of Burlingame is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its employment actions, decisions, policies, and practices. The duties described in this job announcement are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  This job announcement does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits

Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act of 2014 Paid Sick Leave Benefit. This benefit accrues at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked to a maximum benefit of 24 hours per year. There is no cash value associated with benefit.

Vacation Pay. This benefit is for part-time casual employees who work 30 or more days within a year from the beginning of employment with the City of Burlingame, and accrues at the rate of one hour for every 52 hours worked to a maximum benefit of 16 hours per year.  No employee shall be allowed to have an accumulation of more than two years’ worth of vacation accrual to their credit at any one time.

No other benefits are offered. This position is at will and is not part of the City's Civil Service System. There is no guarantee of hours and employment may end at any time.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone: 

(650)558-7310

Contact email: 

cconefrey@burlingame.org

The Senior Manager of Human Resources leads the organization’s HR function, managing the daily activities of the Manager, HR and partnering with senior leadership to build a compliant, high-performing, and engaging workplace. Reporting to the Director of Operations, with close collaboration with the CEO, this role oversees talent strategy, employee relations, HR policies, compensation and benefits, performance management, and organizational development for our team of ~65-70 employees in a hybrid work environment. This role will supervise the HR team, build infrastructure for a scalable team, and be hands-on when needed.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy Open Positions - Senior Manager of Human Resources 

The ideal candidate for Plan Check Engineer with our Office of Building Safety will possess strong technical background in structural engineering and/or building life safety in a wide range of residential and commercial projects.  This candidate will be proactive, customer service-oriented, and a team player and demonstrates effective communication skills.  Analytical skills, initiative, independent judgment, along with strong time management and attention to detail, are key attributes for success in this role.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

At San Mateo County's Department of Emergency Management, we're building something different. Our vision is audacious: become the most resilient county in the United States by 2030. We coordinate the full cycle of emergency management across 20 cities and 775,000+ residents. And we do it with a team that operates more like a startup than a bureaucracy – entrepreneurial, innovative, and relentlessly focused on what works.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

When disaster strikes—earthquake, wildfire, atmospheric river, or cascading crisis—the difference between lives saved and lives lost often comes down to one thing: communication. Did the alert reach the right people? In the right language? At the right time? Did it actually motivate action?

As our Alert & Warning Coordinator, you will own this mission. You'll architect the systems, craft the protocols, and build the partnerships that ensure every resident – from Half Moon Bay to Redwood City, from tech executives to farmworkers – gets the information they need to prepare, survive, and recover.

WHAT YOU WILL ACTUALLY DO

Build & Innovate:

• Lead the implementation of the Five Elements Framework—an evidence-based framework developed with leading researchers – in all our alerts and warning initiatives.
• Design multilingual alert systems that reach every community, including those often left behind.
• Integrate cutting-edge technologies: IPAWS, Genasys Protect, AI-powered monitoring, and tools that don't exist yet.
• Develop dashboards and systems that give our partners real-time situational awareness.

Coordinate & Connect:

• Serve as the nexus point between local, state, and federal emergency communication systems.
• Coordinate with 20 cities, 18 unincorporated areas, fire districts, law enforcement, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
• Build relationships with trusted community messengers who can amplify our reach.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts for emergency notification platforms.

Respond & Adapt:

• Maintain 24-hour readiness and participate in on-call rotation.
• Staff the Emergency Operations Center during activations—from Blue Sky preparedness to Dark Sky crisis.
• Lead after-action reviews that turn every incident into institutional learning.
• Troubleshoot systems under pressure when everything depends on them working.

WHO YOU ARE

You're not just checking boxes—you're solving problems nobody's solved before. You bring:

The Foundation:

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, communications, or related field (Master's preferred but not required).
• 5+ years in program planning, emergency management, or crisis communications.
• FEMA ICS courses (100, 200, 700, 800) and IPAWS certification (IS-247, IS-251)—or willingness to complete.

The Technical Credentials:

• Deep knowledge of IPAWS protocols and alert & warning best practices.
• Fluency with emergency notification platforms, GIS, and communication technologies.
• Coding ability (Python, Java, or C++) to build tools, automate workflows, and solve problems.
• Understanding of radio communications systems and redundant infrastructure.

The Mindset That Sets You Apart:

• Insatiably curious. You read the research. You ask why. You're never satisfied with "that's how we've always done it."
• Agile under pressure. You don't just tolerate rapidly changing, demanding environments—you thrive in them.
• A team multiplier. You add value wherever you can, not just where your job description ends.
• Resilient. You bounce back. You adapt. You're ready for whatever comes next.
• An exceptional communicator. You write clearly, speak persuasively, and translate complexity into action.
• Equity-minded. You're committed to reaching every community, especially those historically underserved.

OUR CULTURE: NOT YOUR TYPICAL EM SHOP

We're breaking the emergency management mold. Our approach integrates:

• Growth mindset: Challenges are opportunities. Failures are learning.
• Agile structure: Swift, decentralized decision-making. No permission culture.
• Human-centered design: Solutions built around people, not bureaucracy.
• Our 3C Framework: Connection, Capability, Communication – the lens through which we approach everything.

We pair veteran emergency managers with data scientists, social scientists, and human-centered designers. We operate across Blue Sky (preparedness), Grey Sky (heightened readiness), and Dark Sky (crisis) conditions. And we're building something that will outlast all of us.

READY TO JOIN US?

Submit the following via email:

• Resume
• Cover letter responding to these questions (max 2 pages):

1. Describe your experience developing and managing alert & warning systems. What technologies have you worked with and what have you learned in the process?
2. Tell us about a time when communications went wrong during a crisis. What happened, how did you respond, and what systems did you build to prevent it happening again?
3. You are coordinating emergency response and your virtual EOC system fails. Walk us through your troubleshooting process.

Please craft the answers to these supplemental questions yourself.  If you use a tool such as AI, please customize your responses. We need to know how you think and what your experiences have been.  

Include the words "DEM Coordinator – Alert & Warning - Unclassified" in the subject line of email submission. 

Please submit the required materials electronically via email to: 

Rick Reed, DEM Coordinator

Email: rreed1@smcgov.org

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received and qualified candidates will be contacted by the department for an interview.  

APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submissions that do not include all required elements (a resume and a cover letter with responses to supplemental questions) will not be considered.

The mission of the Department of Emergency Management is to advance community resilience through a proactive and comprehensive approach to emergency management, involving the whole community in every phase of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

To learn more about the DEM please visit https://www.smcgov.org/dem

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.

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (01232026) (Department of Emergency Management Coordinator - Q002)

This Internship is offered as part of a Regional Internship Partnership to introduce and encourage current students and new graduates to local municipal governments. The Town of Los Altos Hills hopes that internships like this will serve as a platform to connect a diverse student population with agencies that recognize their value and provide important opportunities for applicants to bring fresh ideas while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the public sector.

The Town of Los Altos Hills has four rewarding, non-benefited summer internships to begin June 1, 2026 through August 28, 2026.

Job Description:

The Town of Los Altos Hills is recruiting a college intern to work in the Community Development Department. The intern will split time between the planning and building divisions of CDD. The role for planning will include support of both short range and long range planning.  Interns working on long range planning will work primarily as a research aide for the Town’s 2023-2031 certified Housing Element implementation.  For short range planning and the building division support interns will be focused on day to day permit activities, but may also work on other more general department duties as needed.

Examples of Duties:

• Conduct research and analysis of State Law and Fair Housing requirements for the Town’s 2023-2031 certified Housing Element implementation
• Conduct field investigations as necessary
• Prepare and conduct surveys in association with the Housing Element implementation progress and reporting
• Creating illustrative graphics, flyers and informational handouts
• Providing planning customer support at the public counter/virtual counter
• Other general Department tasks to include but not limited to: research, response to inquiries, assisting staff, filing, data entry, and record keeping

Qualifications:

• Completion of at least two (2) years and current enrolment in a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate degree program with major course work in urban planning, geography, architecture, environmental studies and/or related field.

Or;

Recent graduation from a program listed above.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Community Development Department 

32 hours per week Seasonal Position (11 weeks)

$16.90 - $18.84 per hour – Bachelor’s Intern

$19.56 – $21.74 per hour – Master’s Intern 

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team! 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for a driven and enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate-level Community Development College Summer Intern for the summer of 2026! This is more than just an internship – it’s an opportunity to step inside the world of local government and make a real impact in a thriving community. As a valued member of the Community Development Department (CDD), you’ll gain hands-on experience in local government operations and exposure to multiple CDD divisions including Planning, Building, Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, and Housing and Community Services. If you’re ready to build practical skills, expand your professional network, and contribute to projects that directly serve the community, this internship offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. 

ABOUT THE TEAM 
The Community Development Department is a vital part of the City of Gilroy, dedicated to shaping a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving community. Our team is close-knit, collaborative, and deeply committed to serving Gilroy residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. We value innovation, teamwork, and forward-thinking solutions. We actively collaborate, exchange ideas, and continuously look for strategic ways to improve processes, programs, and community engagement. You will work in a dynamic, multifaceted environment where no two days are the same—one that challenges you to think critically, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally. This is a unique opportunity to support impactful community development initiatives while gaining valuable, career-launching experience in local government.

WORK SCHEDULE 

The Internship is for 11 weeks and can start as early as May 26, 2026, and end as late as September 30, 2026. This paid internship is offered at 32 hours per week. The official start and end date of the internship will be determined at the time of hire. Work hours are generally Monday – Thursday between 8:00am – 5:00pm. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

• Assist Planning with Greenhouse Gas Reduction/Climate Action Plan, including research and community outreach
• Capture project photos for department’s year-end video 
• Create a housing portfolio of Below Market Rate (BMR) properties for office use 
• Support the Building Division by developing permit examples for website 
• Assist Fire Prevention with entering firework code cases and processing booth permits
• Research and collect data for Public Records Act (PRA) requests 

POTENTIAL PROJECTS: 

• Grant Funding Research for Housing and Community Services Division
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction/Climate Action Plan for Planning Division 
• Website Improvements for all divisions

About the Department

The San Mateo County San Mateo County Emergency Management (SMC EM) is not your typical government agency. We operate more like a startup within the public sector – building innovative programs, forging cross-sector partnerships, and redefining what modern emergency management looks like for a county of 775,000 residents across 20 cities and 18 unincorporated areas.

Our mission is to advance community resilience through a proactive and comprehensive approach to emergency management, involving the whole community in every phase of preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

To learn more about SMC EM, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/dem

 

About the Role

This is not a desk job. This is not a new position we are trying to figure out. And this is not a role where you sit behind a screen waiting for the next alert to go out.

For over a year, SMC EM has been deliberately building a countywide Alert and Warning (A&W) program that brings coherence, consistency, and credibility to how San Mateo County communicates with the public before, during, and after emergencies. We have developed training curricula, created frameworks, established partnerships, and advanced the conversation across the Operational Area. Now we need someone to carry that work forward – externally.

The Alert and Warning Coordinator is fundamentally an external-facing role. There are 32 agencies within the San Mateo County Operational Area that hold alerting authority and sending rights. Each has its own protocols, staffing models, and levels of experience with alert and warning systems. Your job is to be the connective tissue—socializing our approach to A&W with operational area partners, building alignment across jurisdictions, and ensuring that when an alert goes out in this county, it is timely, accurate, actionable, and drives protective action.

You will brief city councils, law and fire chiefs with equal confidence. You will sit with an Incident Commander during a fast-moving wildfire and translate urgency into a message that saves lives. You will train authorized users on alerting platforms and hold the line on quality when others want to cut corners. And you will do all of this while representing a department that is changing the culture of emergency management in one of the most complex operational areas in the state.

 

What This Role Actually Involves

Partnership and Coordination (Primary Focus)

• Serve as the primary liaison to the 32 agencies across the Operational Area on all matters related to alert and warning, building relationships and driving alignment toward consistent A&W practices countywide.
• Brief alert and warning programs, standards, and best practices to diverse audiences—from city councils and boards of supervisors to law and fire chiefs, emergency managers, and community organizations—adapting your message for each.
• Coordinate monthly and recurring touchpoints with Operational Area partners to advance shared A&W goals, identify gaps, and troubleshoot challenges collaboratively.
• Represent SMC EM at stakeholder meetings, advisory committees, work groups, tabling events, and public-facing engagements at all levels of government.
• Facilitate training seminars and hands-on workshops for authorized users across jurisdictions on alerting platforms, protocols, and message crafting.

 

Alert Crafting and Operational Readiness

• Develop, review, and issue emergency alerts that drive protective action – messages that are clear, accurate, geographically targeted, accessible across languages, and calibrated to the threat. This includes understanding what makes an alert effective, not just how to press “send.”
• Maintain fluency across multiple alerting platforms including IPAWS, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), mass notification systems, and reverse 9-1-1.
• Participate in a weekly on-call rotation, maintaining 24-hour readiness and responding to the field or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies or disasters.
• Conduct regular testing and evaluation of A&W systems to ensure functionality, reliability, and interoperability across jurisdictions.
• Participate in after-action reviews and improvement planning to refine protocols based on lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents.

 

Program Development and Standards

• Advance the County’s A&W program by developing and refining emergency notification standards, protocols, templates, and processes that serve as a model for the Operational Area.
• Assess existing community alert and warning programs for effectiveness, identify service gaps, and recommend evidence-based improvements – incorporating research on protective action decision-making, message design, and crisis communications.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure A&W system integration and interoperability, including IPAWS compliance and alignment with emerging federal guidance.
• Manage vendor services and contracts related to alerting platforms and notification systems.
• Review and update Operational Area alert and warning plans on a regular basis.
• Prepare reports, briefing materials, presentation decks, and other professional documents as needed.

 

Who We Are Looking For

The right person for this role is not just technically proficient in alerting systems – they understand the weight of what an alert means and the responsibility that comes with it. They know that a poorly crafted message can erode public trust, cause unnecessary panic, or worse, fail to prompt the protective action that saves lives.

We are looking for someone who combines operational skill with judgment, presence, and the relational ability to be credible across a complex Operational Area.

 

Mindset and Character

• Growth mindset. You are insatiably curious, always learning, and never satisfied with “the way we’ve always done it.”
• Willingness to ask for help when uncertain and to verify information before acting. In this work, getting it right matters more than getting it fast.
• Thrives under pressure. You can pivot, adapt, verify, and make sound decisions in rapidly evolving, high-consequence situations.
• Comfort with ambiguity. Emergency management rarely offers a clear playbook. You can operate effectively when the situation is messy, the information is incomplete, and the stakes are high.
• Integrity and courage. If you believe an alert is inaccurate or could cause harm, you speak up – even when it’s uncomfortable.

 

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of IPAWS protocols and the broader alert and warning ecosystem, including WEA, EAS, and mass notification platforms.
• Demonstrated fluency using alerting platforms—not just awareness of them, but hands-on operational experience issuing, testing, or managing alerts.
• Understanding what makes an effective emergency alert: message design principles, protective action messaging, audience considerations, and the science behind how people receive and act on warnings.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations governing public alerts and emergency communications.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders including elected officials, public safety leaders, community organizations and adapting communications to the audience.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience with reports, briefings, proposals, and professional presentations.
• Familiarity with the five Emergency Management Sections (Management, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Admin) and the Incident Command System.
• Completion of ICS Courses 100, 200, 700, and 800, or ability to complete within first 90 days.
• Completion of IS-247.C (IPAWS for Alert Originators) and IS-248 (IPAWS for the American Public), or ability to complete within first 90 days.
• A valid California Driver’s License.
• Ability to work across a wide variety of settings (field, office, EOC) and disciplines (law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical personnel).

 

Preferred but Not Required

• Master’s degree in emergency management, public administration, public affairs, crisis communication, homeland security, or a related field.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions or within a complex multi-agency operational environment.
• Knowledge of information technology related to emergency management, including radio communication systems and interoperability standards.
• Experience with grant writing, program budgeting, or contract management related to emergency communication systems.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify:

• Education: Bachelors and Masters (preferred) degree from an accredited college or university in emergency management, public administration, communications, homeland security, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of experience in alert and warning operations, emergency communications, or emergency/disaster planning and management in a public, military, or private organization.

 

Application/Examination

How to Apply

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit the following materials via email:

• Resume
• Cover letter with responses to the Supplemental Questions below (maximum 2 pages)

1. Describe your hands-on experience with alert and warning systems and platforms. What role did you play in developing, issuing, or managing alerts and what did you learn about what makes an alert effective at driving protective action?
2. This role requires building alignment across 32 agencies with different levels of A&W experience and capacity. Describe a time you had to bring multiple organizations or stakeholders together around a shared standard or practice. What was your approach, and what did you learn?
3. Tell us about a time when you identified that information being communicated during an emergency or high-pressure situation was inaccurate or incomplete. What immediate steps did you take, and what did you put in place to prevent it from happening again?

Please include “SMC EM Coordinator – Alert & Warning - Unclassified” in the subject line of your email submission. Submit required materials electronically to:

Rick Reed, SMC EM Coordinator

Email: rreed1@smcgov.org

Important: APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application materials will be reviewed as received, and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. This posting is open on a continuous basis and a selection may be made at any time. Submissions that do not include all required elements will not be considered. Application materials are only accepted via email.

About San Mateo 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, serving 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.

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