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The Lead Open Space Technician position is an excellent career opportunity for a skilled and motivated individual who enjoys working outdoors while building and maintaining trails, working on open space construction projects, and providing technical and functional supervision to assigned staff on open space preserves. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, have experience across a broad range of construction, maintenance and resource management projects, and enjoys working collaboratively with others.

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

Assigned Location: Midpen is currently seeking to fill two Lead Open Space Technician positions, reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor. These assignments are scheduled to begin in September 2026, and based in the following locations:

Foothills Field Office (FFO) - Cupertino (Address: 501 Rancho San Antonio Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014)

Skyline Field Office (SFO) – La Honda (Address: 21150 Skyline Blvd., La Honda, CA 94020) MAP

In addition to filling this position, we intend to create a pool of highly qualified candidates to fill future opportunities at Midpen for the position of Lead Open Space Technician. Assigned work locations may be at any of these offices:

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

About the Position: The Lead Open Space Technician performs a wide variety of tasks in the construction, maintenance, and repair of assigned areas.  This role requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. Key responsibilities include inspecting District properties and facilities to identify construction and maintenance needs, recommending appropriate actions, leading maintenance crews and performing complex duties to ensure that District lands and facilities are well maintained and provide the highest level of safety for public and staff use.  For additional information about the Lead Open Space Technician position, see the Job Description page on 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 Land Stewardship & Trails Department assigned to a primary field office and will visit other Midpen field sites. This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must wear prescribed District uniform and adhere to strict safety procedures and work habits. Depending on the exposure, employee is required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, face, hand, and full protection equipment. Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and poison oak. Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations, may be eligible for the flexible work program which includes 9/80 schedules.

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

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 the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in park maintenance, resource management, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in construction, maintenance, and/or repair of parks, open spaces, and/or related facilities, and/or resource management.

Licenses & Certifications Required:    

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

certification within six (6) months of employment.

• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class A Driver’s

License and required endorsements within twelve (12) months of employment.  

• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade I Water Treatment

Operator Certificate and Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California

Department of Public Health (CDPH).

• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a California Qualified Applicators

Certificate with Landscape Maintenance (Category B) for pesticide application within twelve (12) months of

employment.

• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a District approved Fire Suppression Certification within twelve (12) months of assignment into the District’s fire program.

Benefits:   Midpen provides an excellent benefits package including health, life & disability insurance as well as CalPERS pension.

How to Apply: apply online at CalOpps.org.

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

Application deadline is Sunday, July 19, 2026.  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. Supplemental question responses

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

Upon receipt of a conditional employment offer, candidate must provide a current DMV report (request report by submitting form INF 1125 to the DMV). Employment offers are conditional upon the results of a DOJ/FBI fingerprint background check and a pre-employment physical.

Recruitment Timeline: We recommend applicants be available for interviews on the following dates for panel interviews (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules):

First interview (virtual): Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Skills Assessment (in-person): Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Final interview (in-person): Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at

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

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

The Department:
The Parks Division provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of City parks and open spaces. The Recreation Division provides classes and programs for all ages and abilities. We aim to promote the use of safe, clean, and attractive facilities for enjoyment and quality of life for all ages and abilities. The Cemetery Division maintains 33,000 internment sites in a peaceful public park. 

The Position:
Recreation Leader I
The Recreation Leader I is an entry level classification in the Recreation Leader series designed for high school students whose skill level in several broad types of recreational activities is sufficient to assume responsibility for an entire recreation program or area. Under immediate supervision, an incumbent is responsible for the promotion, organization, and leadership of a variety of recreation activities.   The Recreation Leader I is distinguished from the Recreation Leader II in that the latter is designed for college level students.

The Recreation Leader II will supervise children, youth, teens, and other program participants in many facilities, including but not limited to the Reed & Grant Sports Park, Youth Soccer Park, Youth Activity Center & Teen Center, and Community Recreation Center. In this role, the successful incumbents will help conduct health and safety checks, open/closing facilities, serve as Disaster Service Worker while adhering to COVID-19 protocols.  Recreation Leader IIThe Recreation Leader II is an intermediate-level classification in the Recreation Leader series.  This classification is designed for high school graduates whose skill level in several broad types of recreational activities and is sufficient to assume responsibility for an entire recreation program or area. Under general supervision, an incumbent is responsible for the promotion, organization, and leadership of a variety of recreation activities. This class is distinguished from the Recreation Leader III in that the latter holds responsibility for planning and developing recreation activities. 
 Recreation Leader IIIThe Recreation Leader III is an advanced-level classification in the Recreation Leader series designed for college students who are skilled in several broad types of recreational activities.  Under general supervision,  an incumbent in this classification is responsible for the planning, organization, development, and leadership of a specific recreation activity or group of several closely related activities in specialty areas such as athletics/sports, aquatics, drama, arts and crafts, music, dance, therapeutics, nature, and camping . The Recreation Leader III may oversee the work of lower-level personnel and may lead and/or conduct clinics, programs, seminars, and similar gatherings in the specialty area.   The Recreation Leader III is distinguished from the Recreation Specialist in that the latter  exercises a higher degree of independence and holds greater overall program responsibility. 

 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESDIES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARENTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

Typical Duties

Recreation Leader I
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under immediate supervision:

• Leads and conducts diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, low organized games, team games, sports, and dramatics,• Assists in organizing, promoting, and directing special event activities such as athletic events, Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and Art and Wine Festival• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed in assigned activities and free play• Administers first aid as required• Reports to supervisors orally and in writing on activities, groups or individuals, plans and problems• Applies Department policies and recommends changes as required;  recommends action and carries out policies in dealing with specific groups• Prepares athletic field; opens, closes, and secures activity facilities• Receives and oversees the use of equipment and materials; cares for and maintains equipment• Keeps official activity scores, times, and records• Announces events using public address equipment• Performs other related duties as assigned
Recreation Leader II
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general supervision:

•  Leads and conducts diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, low organized games, team games sports and dramatics
• Assists in organizing, promoting and directing special event activities such as Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt or Art and Wine Festival
• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed in assigned activities and free play
• Administers first aid as required
• Reports to supervisors orally and in writing on activities, groups or individuals, plans and problems
• Prepares athletic field
• Opens, closes, and secures activity facilities
• Recommends action and carries out policies in dealing with specific groups
• Issues, receives and oversees the use of equipment and materials
• Cares for and maintains equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned 

Recreation Leader III
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general supervision:

• Promotes recreation programs and activities in a specialty area; explains rules and regulations
• Organizes and leads groups in the particular recreation activities making up the specialty area
• Consults with recreation staff to coordinate the specialty area with the overall recreation program; incorporates the recreation specialty into a Department-approved total philosophy of recreation; interprets philosophy to participants and the public
• Advises and assists other recreation leadership staff members involved with the specialty activity to meet the specific needs and interests of the people involved
• Demonstrates and explains techniques, procedures, materials, equipment, and supplies used in the activity field
• Keeps records and accounts of attendance, inventory, financial charges and receipts, personnel, special events, accidents, and other matters requiring systematic recording
• Reports to supervisors on groups or individuals, plans, and problems; recommends action and carries out departmental policies in leading the special activity
• Issues, receives, and oversees the use of equipment by individuals and groups in the activity; recommends the acquisition or disposal of such equipment and materials
• Ensures all appropriate safety precautions are observed in the activity
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications

Recreation Leader I

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements

• Education equivalent to completion of the tenth grade; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
• In accordance with State of California law, a valid California Work Permit is required at time of appointment for candidates under the age of 18 who have not graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

 

Recreation Leader II

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
 Minimum Requirements: 

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
 Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• In-service training and orientation may be required prior to performance of full job duties
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

 

Recreation Leader III

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
 Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of forty-five (45) semester units of coursework, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, preferably with an emphasis in Recreation, Physical Education or a related field; or
• Six hundred (600) hours of recreation leadership experience equivalent to the level of Recreation Leader II with the City of Santa Clara; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
 Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

 

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admittance into the examination process.  Only the most qualified candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to test.   Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.
 
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.   

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Recreation Leader I 
Knowledge of:

• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games• Recreation hazards and safety precautions
Ability to:• Lead and conduct several broad types of recreation activities• Learn and apply activity rules and regulations•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children• Provide and follow oral and written instructions• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing 

Recreation Leader II

Knowledge of:• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games• Recreation hazards and safety precautions
Ability to:• Lead and conduct several broad types of recreation activities• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children• Provide and follow oral and written instructions• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing 

Recreation Leader III

Knowledge of:• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games• Recreation hazards and safety precautions
Considerable ability to:• Demonstrate proficiency in a specialty recreation activity• Promote, organize, lead and conduct a specialty recreation activity for participants of all skill levels• Instruct and coach participants in a specialty activity• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Physical ability to:• Assist participants in and out of wheelchairs• Restrain and/or lift program participants 

Additional Information: 
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”)  To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) City Application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov.  This position is continuous or open until filled: If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the position is closed.
 
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

The Department:
The Recreation Division provides classes and programs for all ages and abilities. We aim to promote the use of safe, clean, and attractive facilities for enjoyment and quality of life for all ages and abilities. 

The Position:
The Recreation Specialist is the highest classification in the Recreation Leader series.  An incumbent in this class possesses technical expertise in a specialty such as cultural arts, physical fitness, drama, older adults, athletics, therapeutics, music, pre school, day camp, teen activities, and youth sports and is responsible for the planning, development, and supervision of a specialized activity phase of recreation programs .  With general policy and departmental philosophy guidance from a supervisor, an incumbent exercises sound independent judgment in the performance of duties. The Recreation Specialist is distinguished from the Recreation Instructor in that the former has an emphasis on developing and supervising large groups of children in specialized recreation activities while the latter is responsible for developing class curriculum and teaching classroom activities.

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants.

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESDIES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARENTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under direction:
• Plans, initiates, organizes, and supervises an extensive program of recreation activities in an area of expertise
• Investigates, recommends, demonstrates, and explains techniques, procedures, materials, equipment and supplies used in the special activity program
• Prepares program instructions and materials ; develops projects for inclusion in the community wide recreation program
• Receives and reviews reports, suggestions, and complaints from staff and program participants
• Maintains records and accounts of attendance, inventory, financial charges and receipts, personnel, special events, accidents, and other matters requiring systematic recording
• May supervise and train lower-level personnel in the activities comprising the specialty
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements
• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• One thousand (1000) hours of experience in recreation leadership at the level of Recreation Leader III in general recreation programs such as day camp, sports, teens, older adults, and theater; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

Possible Substitutions
• Completion of sixty (60) semester units of coursework, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, preferably with an emphasis in Recreation, Physical Education, or a related field may be substituted for the required experience

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following is desirable:
• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admittance into the examination process.  Only the most qualified candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to test.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of:
• The technical fundamentals of a specialized recreation activity such as athletics, cultural arts, or music
Considerable ability to:
• Plan, organize, and lead a special recreation activity
• Analyze and adjust the special activity to suit participant recreation needs
•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Physical ability to: 
• Assist participants in and out of wheelchairs
• Restrain and/or lift program participants

Additional Information:
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”)  To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter that states relevant experience as a Recreation Specialist, 2) Resume, and 3) Supplemental Questions. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous or open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position.   If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.
 
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.