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About the Department

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.
  
 The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which includes over 40  community centers, 10 regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds, and 65 miles of trail. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.
 
For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

Position Duties

The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Parks Manager vacancy in the Parks Division at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

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

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities

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

 

Ideal Candidate

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

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

Key Priorities

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

How to apply

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

Job Announcement URL

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

 

 

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

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

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

For more information, please visit activatesj.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tentative schedule for this position (subject to change):

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

Examples Of Duties:

A Bilingual Community Engagement Intern would be responsible for:

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

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will: 

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

Qualifications:

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

This is a full-time position requiring weekend work. 

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

Application/Examination:

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

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

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

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

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

City of San Mateo

Department of Parks & Recreation

A POSITION IS OPEN FOR:

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT I

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

Position:         Per Diem Maintenance Assistant I

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

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

Location:        Park Yard

                        2001 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403

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

Application:    Application process is open until filled

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

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Meadows Community Center - Therapeutic Recreation Unit- Serving youth, teens and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities

Part-Time position: variable hours; evenings and weekends

Pay Rate: starting at $17.62 an hour

Summary:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of custodial tasks and provides oversight of rental groups, in accordance with District policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist patrons and prospective participants on the phone and in-person
• Assist permit groups with set-up and breakdown of tables, chairs, and other equipment
• Promptly open and unlock facilities or close and secure facilities as scheduled
• Complete facility condition forms following permit group use and incident reports as needed
• Notify management concerning need for major repairs or additions
• Turn athletic field lights off and on for sports groups
• Sell and scan admission tickets special events and/or theater performances

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sweep floors, vacuum carpets, and dust or polish furniture, fixtures, and equipment
• Wash windows, clean restrooms, replenish supplies, and sanitize high touch areas often
• Empty waste receptacles and remove any trash or debris found throughout facility
• May assist with conducting recreation classes
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty* satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required:

Education and Experience:
Minimum age of 18 years old with a High School Diploma (or GED). At least 250 hours of experience in customer service or a related field preferred.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively in English in both written and oral form. Ability to write routine correspondence using correct spelling and grammar. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply common sense and exercise good judgement in solving problems. Ability to establish effective relationships with fellow employees, volunteers, and participants and/or parents/guardians.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Proof of negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test prior to first day of employment
• CA Driver’s License and Proof of Insurance
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED within 90 days of hire

Supervisory Responsibilities:
The employee may provide guidance or direction to other part-time employees and to volunteers.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

The noise level in the environment is moderate to loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, including wet or humid conditions. The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; potentially hazardous chemicals or airborne particles; or risk of electrical shock. Exposure to hazardous conditions may vary according to Unit assignment.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that should be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties* of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, or walk; use hands or fingers to touch, handle, or feel; use hands and arms to reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; the ability to adjust focus; and the ability to see well in poor lighting or at night. The employee is regularly required to lift up to 10 pounds, frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. Physical demands may vary according to Unit assignment.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

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

The Department

The Community Services Department plays a key role in enhancing the community and ensuring the citizens of Fremont receive excellent customer service through the management of recreation facilities, quality recreation and environmental programs, and park planning.

The Position

The Park Ranger/Naturalist will provide information and assistance to the public, as well as enforce laws, rules, regulations, and the Fremont Municipal Code. The primary focus of the position will be to assist with implementing the initiatives of the Homeless Task Force. Additionally, the incumbent may conduct natural resource protection and environmental education programs.

Examples of Job Duties

• Work in prescribed uniform and is responsible for general patrol and supervision of City of Fremont’s parks, plazas and trails.
• Interact and engage with unhoused populations on a daily basis, providing guidance and encouragement, enforcing laws and regulations and connecting community members with service providers.
• Perform homeless response strategies and mitigation efforts, such as posting notice to abate nuisance tags, collection on unattended property and removal of debris.
• Provide assistance and act as a liaison to the public, responding to questions concerning park and recreation facilities, programs, policies, and rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and enforce the Fremont Municipal Code or other rules, regulations and ordinances pertaining to park operations within the City, including the issuance of citations.

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Assistant Civil Engineer! In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on capital improvement projects in the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department or the Public Works Department. You will perform professional office and field civil engineering work related to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of these projects. This position requires a California PE license.

The Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department maintains more than 50 parks and operates the largest public marina on the Bay. Engineers in this department work on projects at parks, community centers, recreation centers, the waterfront, pools, camps, and related facilities and infrastructure.

The Public Works Department supports the City’s extensive network of public infrastructure. Engineers in this department work on projects across the city that advance City initiatives such as the Climate Action Plan, Pedestrian Plan, and Vision Zero. Program areas within Public Works include Facilities, Sanitary Sewers, Sidewalks, Streets, and Storm Drains.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering and two (2) years of professional civil engineering experience in design and construction work at a level equivalent to the City of Berkeley Junior Public Works Engineer classification.

Other requirements include:

• Possession of a California State Certification of Registration as a Professional Engineer
• Possession of a valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit a completed application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format. 

Pay rate: starting at $18.25 hourly 

Locations: Thousand Oaks, CA; Hiring Part-time, flexible hours for:

• Sports and Reservation unit - primarily Monday - Friday (may include evening and/or weekend hours)
• Thousand Oaks Community Center - variable hours (may include evening and/or weekend hours)
• Dos Vientos Community Center - variable hours (may include evening and/or weekend hours)

Summary:
Under general supervision, plan, conduct, and participate in recreational program activities according to established programs, schedules, and standards, in accordance with District policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop, conduct, and participate in various athletic, craft, social, cultural, and instructional activities
• Prepare facilities for programming, special events, or rental group usage
• Greet visitors, direct participants to the appropriate location, and respond to general inquiries
• Ensure safety of environment and equipment for staff, volunteers, participants, and visitors
• May open or close and secure facilities in compliance with District policies and procedures
• Issue and collect recreation equipment and supplies used by instructors, participants, or visitors
• Supervise special events, field trips, and other group activities

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and participate in promotional activities and community events
• Modify and adapt activities specific to specialized programs or populations, as appropriate
• May assist with transportation in specialized programs
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty* satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required:

Education and Experience:
Minimum age of 18 years old with a High School Diploma (or GED). At least 500 hours of experience in recreation with 15 units completed in recreation or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Certificates and Licenses:

• First Aid & CPR/AED within 90 days of employment with ability to maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of employment.
• Valid California driver’s license with a good driving record and current automobile insurance.
• Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Proof of a negative TB skin test.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively in English in both written and oral form. Ability to write routine correspondence using correct spelling and grammar. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply common sense and exercise good judgement in solving problems. Ability to establish effective relationships with fellow employees, volunteers, and participants and/or parents/guardians.

Fingerprint-Based Background Check:
All recreation employees are required to obtain fingerprint-based background clearance prior to their first day of employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
The employee may provide guidance or direction to other part-time employees and to volunteers.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a community center or office environment subject to frequent public contact and interruption and to intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion. The noise level is usually moderate. The employee frequently works in the field in outdoor weather conditions, subject to extreme heat or cold and where the noise level may be loud. Exposure to hazardous conditions in the environment will vary depending on unit assigned.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that should be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand or walk; use hands or fingers to touch, handle or feel; use hands and arms to reach; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. Vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision; depth perception; the ability to adjust focus; and the ability to see well in poor lighting or at night. The employee is regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Physical demands may vary according to unit assignment.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.