Search Jobs

The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one Senior Planner vacancy:

This Senior Planner will play a crucial role in reviewing complex professional-level tasks related to land use and planning laws, zoning, housing, discretionary entitlements with associated report writing for consideration by the County Zoning Administrator and/or Planning Commission, and the review of building permits and environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Senior Planner will also serve as the lead on assigned projects, which may include overseeing a number of programs (examples include: County General Plan & Housing Element, Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, Santa Clara Valley Ag Plan, and Habitat Plan) and works independently, assuming responsibility for more complex projects (such as Stanford master planning), and must be resourceful and responsive to specialized assignments from Executive Management or the Board of Supervisors. The Senior Planner may also be responsible for reviewing development and parcel maps/subdivision proposals, as well as building plans, and permits. The County will be embarking upon a comprehensive General Plan Update, and other various vision plans and may be expected to oversee and manage these efforts. The County also processes large and complex private development applications for large private institutional uses, new quarries, places of worship and agricultural processing campuses. A Senior Planner with areas of expertise related to long-range/comprehensive planning and/or major project development processing experience, coupled with strong CEQA experience is desired. 

In addition to meeting the employment standards for a Senior Planner, candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and working experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:

• Preparing advanced California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents (e.g., Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports).
• Experience in complex medium- to large-scale development entitlement projects such as campus planning, industrial, commercial, housing, agricultural housing or processing developments, or similar projects requiring advanced CEQA processing, staff report writing, data management and analysis, public outreach and public hearings.
• Experience in the management of CEQA and technical consultants, including meeting coordination, reviewing work products, and contracting/billing. Experience in managing consultants to ensure the project is completed within the approved timeline and budget with the proper deliverable is required.
• General requirements of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), preparation of annual surface mining inspection reports, and review and approval of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE), Reclamation Plans, and Mining Plans (desired, not required).
• Analytical understanding of State laws and regulations impacting land use and local government, with directly related work products that include major ordinance revisions and creation and processing of new programs. This would include preparation of professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations.
• Have conducted as a lead project manager or co-project manager long-range, comprehensive planning projects; e.g., general plan updates, major zoning ordinance amendments, specific plans, vision plans, etc., with working knowledge of the principals and practices of such working documents.

Filing Period and Application Procedure

Final Filing Date: Open until filled. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after the issue date.  You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

The first review of applications is tentatively scheduled for the week of August 04, 2025.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, PLEASE CLICK THE JOB ANNOUCEMENT URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

Midpen is seeking an Engineering and Construction Manager who is passionate about our mission, brings strong technical expertise, and thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is a results-driven, technically proficient leader with extensive experience in project management, engineering, landscape architecture, and contract administration. They will have a strong technical background in delivering complex capital projects related to public buildings and park infrastructure and the ability to adapt to and effectively work in a wide range of open space environments and natural resource conditions. With an eye for innovation and practicality, the candidate must be able to assess technical challenges, navigate regulatory environments, and ensure projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Beyond technical ability, the ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who excels at working across departments and building strong internal and external partnerships. A track record of improving service delivery, aligning departmental operations with community needs, and incorporating best practices into organizational workflows is essential. They will bring a demonstrated ability to coach and mentor staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and performance excellence. Strong emotional  intelligence and communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical issues to stakeholders are also keys to success in this position.

Click on the brochure link below to learn more about this outstanding opportunity and how to apply!   The complete job description can be found here: Engineering & Construction Manager.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Principal Development Services Inspector classification is a single position classification allocated to the Development Services Division of the Department of Planning and Development.

The Principle Development Services Inspector is distinguished from the Senior Building Inspector and Supervising Construction Inspector in that the Principal Development Services Inspector is assigned continuing full supervisory responsibilities over the Senior Building Inspector and Supervising Construction Inspector, professional, technical and support staff; coordinates the activities of inspection operations across the Building, Land Development Engineering and Fire Marshal sections of the Development Services Division; whereas the Senior Building Inspector is responsible to supervise a phase of the inspection program and to perform the more difficult or more specialized inspections. The Supervising Construction Inspector is responsible for a major segment of a program area of construction projects and for supervising staff.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, PLEASE CLICK THE JOB ANNOUCEMENT URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

Are you an experienced and highly motivated Senior GIS Technologist with a solid background in enterprise geographic information system (GIS) technology and also have a passion for preserving open space?  If so, then we have an outstanding opportunity for a top-level Senior GIS Technologist to join our award-winning team of geospatial professionals working to create innovative solutions that provide insight and geographic context to all business operations. Bring your professional expertise to support our mission!

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 more than 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! Midpen aims to recruit and retain employees who embody professionalism, accountability, and respect, who value working in a purpose-driven agency that aspires to contribute to an inclusive, diverse and equitable community.             

About the Position:  The incumbent will be part of a cohesive team of 15 in the Information Systems and Technology Department, which is part of the Administrative Services business line. The GIS Program is comprised of five fulltime staff, including this position, and an intern. The position serves as a technical leader within the department and advisor to field and office staff on data management, mapping tools, and web applications.

The ideal candidate has knowledge of and proven experience performing the most complex and varied technical tasks related to enterprise GIS operations, including:

• Installing, designing, configuring, maintaining, troubleshooting and upgrading GIS databases, applications, tools, and software across disparate platforms, servers, mobile devices, and related technologies.
• Designing relational databases and executing administrative procedures to manage database availability, security, schema, versioning, replication, and performance.
• Planning, developing, and deploying web mapping applications, dashboards, and other enterprise solutions that meet high standards and satisfy specialized user needs.
• Publishing and maintaining a large catalog of services, data stores and warehousing systems.
• Authoring Python scripts to support systems integration and automate data extraction, normalization and geoprocessing procedures.
• Ensuring data integrity and applying advanced data management theory, principles, and practices.
• Performing complex spatial analysis, data management, modeling, cartography, and visualization services to support a wide variety of District projects, programs and operations.
• Managing multiple complex projects and serving as technical lead for assigned projects, including developing project plans, schedules, and budgets, gathering user and systems requirements, researching, evaluating, and recommending solutions and technologies, working with vendors, contractors, and other project staff.
• Diagnosing and solving problems that require analysis of unique issues without precedent and/or structure.
• Writing and maintaining user and technical operating instructions and documentation, including training materials, presentations, and how-to videos.
• Providing specialized and complex technical support and training to users and advise on best practices.
• Principles and techniques of cartography and publication-quality map production using ArcGIS software.
• Familiarity with natural resource management issues and the principles and practices of open space and/or park planning.

Qualities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative and enthusiastic team player.
• Tactful judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Innovative and practical problem solver.
• Self-directed.
• Organized.

Highly Desired

• Experience in the public sector.
• Experience with the ArcGIS Enterprise platform.
• Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Arcade programming languages.

For additional information about the position, see the Senior Technologist job description our website. 

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)

Work Environment: This position is part of the Information Systems and Technology (IST) Department at Midpen’s office in Los Altos, California.  Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute work schedule for this position following successful onboarding. In addition to working in an office setting to complete project tasks, the Senior GIS Technologist may sometimes work in the field and hike steep terrain with poison oak and wildlife.

Education and 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 an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in geographic information systems, computer science, geography, environmental science, or a related field and
• five (5) years of increasing responsible experience in information and technology management.

Licenses & Certifications Required:   Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Benefits:   Midpen provides an excellent benefits package including health, life & disability insurance as well as CalPERS pension. Please see the Benefits page on our website for details.

How to Apply: apply online at CalOpps.org

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

Application deadline:  July 27, 2025.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Cover letter 

3. Resume

4. Cartography example

5. Supplemental question responses

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

Interview Schedule: (dates subject to change)

First Interview (virtual): August 7, 2025

Second Interview (in person): August 14, 2025

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: before committing to the application process, and if you haven’t done so already, we suggest evaluating the feasibility of relocation. We recommend researching the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost to relocate, and typical commute times to Los Altos from outlying areas.

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. Information can be found in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Section 4.13 Off-Duty Employment and Business Ownership.

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 hr@openspace.org.   

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position Assistant/Associate Engineer to join the Toll Systems and Traffic Engineering Department within Engineering and Program Delivery. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative initiative shaping the future of mobility in Santa Clara County. As an Assistant or Associate Transportation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge transportation infrastructure projects with lasting regional impact.

The Toll Systems and Traffic Engineering Department is responsible for day-to-day operations, management and maintenance of VTA’s Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program.  The Department is also responsible for Transportation Technology (also known as Intelligent Transportation Systems), traffic engineering and traffic operations analysis for VTA. A key part of the Department’s Transportation Technology effort is to serve as the lead on Traffic Operations System (TOS) and ramp metering coordination with Caltrans.  The traffic engineering and traffic operations functions include leading VTA’s traffic and transportation engineering efforts with member agencies as part of VTA’s Congestion Management Program which includes running the Intelligent Transportation Systems Working Group and the Systems Operations and Management Working Group (which reports to the VTA Technical Advisory Committee).

Assistant Transportation Engineer
Definition
Under general supervision, an Assistant Transportation Engineer performs professional engineering duties in connection with the location, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of transportation systems and related projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the second professional transportation engineering level. Incumbents perform moderately complex assignments and exercise some latitude for independent judgment. Incumbents at this level may be assigned specific projects with minimal supervision. Additionally, incumbents may direct the work of lower level engineers, technicians, and others who assist in specific project assignments. Incumbents may occasionally lead smaller, short-term projects or studies of limited scope.

This class is distinguished from the entry level class of Junior Transportation Engineer in that incumbents of the latter class perform entry level professional engineering duties under close supervision.

Associate Transportation Engineer
Definition
Under direction, the Associate Transportation Engineer supervises and performs responsible professional, field and office engineering work in connection with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of transportation systems and projects; and to participate in a variety of services and special studies requiring the application of professional knowledge and skills.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the journey-level class in the professional transportation engineer series. Associate Transportation Engineers typically perform more difficult or complex engineering work, using independent judgment, and typically serve as the project lead, providing lead supervision to lower level professional and technical staff on a project basis.

The Associate Transportation Engineer is distinguished from the next higher level of Senior Transportation Engineer in that the latter class has full supervisory responsibility over staff and consultants of a major unit or program.

In addition to the duties below, the Assistant/Associate Engineer will have the opportunity to: 

• Manages contractors and/or solution providers to deploy transit signal priority (TSP) systems. This includes assigning and tracking work activities and schedules, as well as delegating tasks.
• Coordinates with local agency staff in charge of traffic signal systems in the deployment of TSP systems, including during the operations and maintenance phase to address identified operational issues and required maintenance.
• Participates in the development and selection process for requests for proposals (RFPs) for new or expansion of TSP systems, including request for bids (RFB) for constructing supporting elements such as the installation of new traffic signal controller cabinets.
• Participates in the development of system engineering management plan (SEMP) for TSP systems, including for work tasks in the deployment phase. During the deployment, participates in ensuring system requirements and procedures for the verification plan meet the highest quality standards.
• Provide guidance in the development of project deliverables, such as scopes of work, technical approach, schedule, civil design collaboration, and deployment of TSP systems.
• Assist in the inspection of construction elements (e.g. traffic signal controller cabinet installations), integration tests, field tests, and performance evaluation for an expansion of an existing or a new TSP system.
• Prepare Board memos and presentations, as well as regular monitoring reports.

Salary
This position may be filled at different levels depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and business needs. Title and compensation will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s background.

• Assistant Transportation Engineer: $58.30 - $70.90 Hourly / $4,664.08 - $5,671.68 Bi-weekly / $10,105.50 - $12,288.64 Monthly / $121,266.02 - $147,463.72 Yearly
• Associate Transportation Engineer: $67.85 - $82.44 Hourly / $5,427.84 - $6,595.28 Bi-weekly / $11,760.33 - $14,289.78 Monthly / $141,123.92 - $171,477.40 Yearly

This classification is eligible for a 4% professional incentive pay for maintaining a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the State of California. The incentive will end if the incumbent leaves the classification or fails to maintain the required license.

Essential Job Functions:

Assistant Transportation Engineer
Typical Tasks:

• Performs drafting, engineering computations, research report writing, direction of field operations involved in the gathering and compiling of data for the planning, design, and construction of transportation systems and projects;
• Performs technical reviews of design plans and contracts specifications, engineering cost estimates, construction schedules and engineering studies of transportation systems and projects;
• Assists in the planning for and design of new, or improvements to, fixed guideways, transit, highway, bicycle, airport and other facilities by preparing plans, profiles, cross sections, making quantity estimates, computing stresses and strains and performing other professional engineering tasks;
• Prepares and review maps, right of way deeds and legal descriptions;
• Inspects the construction of projects;
• Takes field tests, and gather samples for laboratory tests of materials;
• Writes engineering specification;
• Makes cost and quantity estimates;
• Reviews and approves DBE work progress, contractor's payroll, contract compliance reports and extra work reports;
• Composes and reviews Request for Proposal (RFP), or similar documents, for vendor selection;
• Utilizes AutoCAD and other appropriate software;
• Performs related work as required.

Associate Transportation Engineer
Typical Tasks:

• Performs professional engineering activities related to planning, design, construction maintenance and operation of transportation facilities including fixed guideways, transit, highway, bicycle, airport and other facilities;
• Reviews technical reports on transportation systems design submittals, reviews design submittals from contractors for contract compliance and recommends changes to existing planning and design criteria;
• Reviews documents prepared by subordinates, consultants, and other parties;
• Determines route alignments;
• Makes analyses to determine best design;
• Develops routes and schedules for transit system facilities;
• Supervises the design and construction of transportation system facilities;
• Directs other engineering personnel in preparing final plans and maps;
• Supervises the preparation of detailed drawing and specifications;
• Writes reports and makes estimates of a specialized nature in connection with various transportation projects;
• Makes preliminary designs and estimates for determining budgetary needs for construction and maintenance activities;
• Performs related work as required.

When assigned as a project manager, subject to general review:

• Responsible for technical details of an entire project, such as planning, design, and contract documents, typically involving project coordination and administration;
• Resolves technical problems concerning the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of transportation facilities;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Employment Standards

• Assistant Transportation Engineer 
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in engineering or possession of a valid Engineer-In-Training certificate and two years professional engineering experience on transportation systems or projects.
• Associate Transportation Engineer
  • Development of the required skills, knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in engineering, plus four years of increasingly responsible experience in the performance of professional engineering work in design, estimating, construction, and contract administration, with a strong emphasis in design and construction of transportation systems and projects.

Classification Bargaining Unit: TAEA

Recruitment Timeline
Application Deadline: July 21, 2025 at 11:59pm
Tentative Interview: Week of August 18, 2025

Overview:

Do you want to assist in driving IT excellence and make in impact in your community?  Are you ready for a new career? If so, review this opportunity.

We are seeking a Senior Information Systems Analyst (Sr Network and Systems Cybersecurity Analyst) to join Valley Water’s Information Technologies team. The Sr. Information Systems Analyst is responsible for advanced networking and server virtualization in both our Corporate and Industrial networks. They are expected to have advanced analytical/problem solving skills, perform highly complex configurations, extensive experience in advanced networking/server deployments, SaaS deployments, PaaS deployments, and advanced cybersecurity experience. They should also have extensive experience with maintaining highly complex environments in a variety of infrastructures including OT systems. 

Our Commitment: 

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Test, implement, and maintain highly complex configurations/gear for core network switches, routers, firewalls, PaaS, and monitoring devices.
• Test, implement, and maintain highly complex configurations/gear for virtualized, physical servers, and SaaS environments.
• Perform Monitoring of advanced Networking and Server based devices, evaluate cybersecurity concerns, perform critical vulnerability patching, maintain our systems to avoid impacting operational uptime, and perform security upgrades.
• Perform cybersecurity testing and upgrades to resolve vulnerabilities in both Corporate and OT environments.
• Perform research into new highly complex technologies to increase the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness including POCs of these technologies.
• Support in the administration, maintenance, and day-to-day management of the SIEM platform to support effective threat detection, log analysis, and incident response efforts.
• Act as project manager and technical lead for in the design, development, and maintenance of the most complex Valley Water applications.
• Confer with end user and define application requirements; recommend and develop solutions; conduct cost/benefit analyses; prepare justification for new or enhanced modifications; ensure that recommendations comply with Valley Water standards and conventions; Research and evaluate systems for technical fit and fit for purpose and fit for use for the business.
• Develop written technical documentation, internal operating procedures, and user manuals and instructions; develop instructional materials and conduct training programs on new or enhanced applications; update technical and training manuals as required.
• Serve as a technical resource for maintaining, enhancing, and upgrading the department’s current and long-term computer system operations.

Ideal Candidate’s Background Includes:

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

Ideal Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasing responsibility of enterprise grade networks, virtualized server infrastructure, Cybersecurity, PaaS, or SaaS software applications programming and analysis experience.
• Expertise in supporting networking and server virtualization solutions. Expertise in system configurations and maintaining complex infrastructure across corporate and industrial networks adept at handling SAAS and PAAS deployments. Versed in Cybersecurity.
• Proficient in configuring and maintaining core network switches, routers, firewalls, PaaS, and monitoring devices.
• Proficient in Cybersecurity toolsets, systems, and applications including SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, and remediation best practices. 
• Extensive experience with virtualized and physical server configurations, including SaaS and PAAS environments.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, with a track record of monitoring and patching vulnerabilities to ensure system integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to research and evaluate new technologies, including conducting proof-of-concept projects to enhance organizational efficiency.
• Proven project management skills, with experience leading the design, development, and maintenance of complex applications.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to analyze complex issues, perform root cause analysis, and develop effective solutions to address them.
• Ability to perform highly complex configurations for core network infrastructure, virtualized and physical servers, SaaS environments, and monitoring devices.
• Ability to lead and manage projects, from design and development to maintenance, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Ability to act as a technical lead, providing guidance and direction to project teams and serving as a resource for technical problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability researching and evaluating new technologies, including conducting proof-of-concept projects, to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and environments, staying updated on industry trends and best practices through continuous learning and professional development.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Knowledge and expertise in advanced networking and network gear configurations.
• Knowledge and expertise of configuring switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Knowledge and expertise in network monitoring devices and their configurations.
• Knowledge and expertise of network protocols and technologies. 
• Knowledge and expertise of configuring virtualized and physical servers.
• Knowledge of quality control standards of managed application projects.

• Knowledge and experience with SaaS (Software as a Service).
• Knowledge and expertise with PAAS (Platform as a Service).
• Knowledge and expertise of cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Knowledge and expertise in performing patching and security upgrades.
• Knowledge and expertise in vulnerability remediation including implementing new cybersecurity policies and toolsets.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, information systems or a related field.

Substitution:

Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

 

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

Infrastructure Services Unit (Position Code 27) 

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 20% remote and 80% onsite, after completion of the probationary period  (one year).

Overview:

Champion Collaborative Solutions – Empower Positive Change at Valley Water

At Valley Water, we believe that strong labor relations are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. As a Labor Relations Specialist II, you will play a key role in supporting our employee-employer relations program, helping to foster a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace.

In this role, you will assist the Labor Relations Program Administrator and Labor Relations Assistant Officer in delivering a comprehensive and proactive labor relations strategy. You will provide expert guidance to staff and bargaining unit representatives, support contract administration, process grievances, assist in disciplinary actions, and promote effective labor-management relationships.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and conduct labor relations investigations, including investigatory meetings and detailed written reports; develop analyses and draft confidential communications.
• Interpret and apply MOUs, policies, procedures, regulations, and labor laws to ensure consistent and compliant application across the organization.
• Serve as a key point of contact for Valley Water management, providing guidance on performance management, disciplinary matters, and grievance resolution; collaborate with bargaining units to proactively resolve concerns.
• Develop and maintain labor relations data reports to identify trends and training opportunities; make informed recommendations and deliver training to staff.
• Partner with internal HR units including EEO, Talent Acquisition & Career Pathways, Workforce Development, Recruitment, and Total Rewards to align labor strategies with broader HR goals.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

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

Ideal Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in:

• Conducting workplace investigations with a strong understanding of labor/union contracts.
• Interpreting and applying MOUs, state and federal labor regulations, and employment law.
• Advising and coaching managers and supervisors on employee and labor relations matters.
• Supporting MOU negotiations through research, data analysis, and documentation using tools like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Handling sensitive issues with the highest level of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.
• Researching workforce and compensation trends and translating findings into actionable insights.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to navigate complex employee relations matters with tact and professionalism.
• Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including bargaining units, staff, and leadership.
• Conflict resolution and mediation expertise with a customer-focused approach.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing dynamic and sensitive work environments.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Public sector employee relations principles and practices.
• Union/labor contract administration and negotiation processes.
• Applicable state and federal labor and employment laws.
• Grievance procedures and dispute resolution methods.
• The role and function of unions in the public sector workplace.
• Investigative methodologies and best practices for employee relations cases.

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in:

• Human Resources Management
• Organizational Development
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Public or Business Administration
• Or a related field.

Substitution:

Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement on the basis of one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.

 

Labor Relations Unit (Position Code 834) 

Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite, after completion of the probationary period  (one year).

The Officers are generalists who typically handle cases from the first response, through investigation, and onto final disposition. In addition, Officers frequently assist the Chief of Police with administrative duties and consult closely with him in the formulation of Departmental policies, procedures, and tactics. The Department is well-equipped and well-trained. The Reserve Officer is assigned to one of four patrol shifts or other duties as assigned. Officers frequently work alone and may be required to make decisions regarding appropriate courses of action without direct supervision. The Department is committed to providing a high level of training to those Officers who desire to increase their level of proficiency.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT, CLICK JOB URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.