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The Park Development Project Manager (Class: Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III) will manage park development, landscape improvement and/or watershed planning projects. The projects will be related to MRCA's capital improvement projects, which include urban river restoration, public access, open space conservation, master planning, and park development. Projects may consist of design and construction of new park amenities, creation of parkland in urban neighborhoods, renovation of infrastructure and buildings, acquisition of land, and planning in a watershed context. Capital projects include renovation of existing facilities, new construction by contractors and force account, and fee acquisition of land interests.

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This is professional and technical work pursuant to the terms of grants, contracts, and applicable regulations, involving frequent communication with others, for a flexible person at an entry or intermediate level. Project managers must also build community support, seek funding opportunities, actively cooperate with other government agencies and non-profit organizations, and keep abreast of related planning processes. The work performed will support MRCA’s capital Workprogram for improvements, land acquisition, and major maintenance projects in nature parks within greater Los Angeles, and other MRCA efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development.

Ability to speak Spanish is required.

This position may report to the Deputy Chief of Park Development, Chief of Watershed Planning, or other Executive-level staff depending on MRCA's needs. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position supervises no other staff. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Implement multiple projects simultaneously: The project manager is the central point of contact on all issues concerning assigned projects and will be responsible for project quality. Perform project tracking, scheduling, and budget management.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, manage contracts, coordinate project team and collaborate with coworkers to ensure that the project scope is completed according to grant agreements, schedules, and cost limits. Assist in selection of consultants/contractors.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements.
• Cooperate with other team members to accomplish project goals.
• Produce written materials including staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Manage project budgets with funding from multiple sources, keeping abreast of status and expense eligibility requirements, identifying solutions to shortfalls, and keeping up to date as projects evolve.
• Assist with coordination of construction. Coordinate with others to monitor progress of in-house staff (force account) and subcontractors, assure compliance with plans and specifications, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals/Requests for Bids, and review bids. Select and manage contractors and consultants in conjunction with other staff. Ensure bidding process meets applicable regulations. Assist with estimating and selection of vendors for best value.
• Maintain files, including documentation and authorization for expenses, project progress, contracts and grant agreements, project budgets, contacts, board actions and all other items related to a project’s development.
• Manage the CEQA compliance process for potential projects.
• Provide support to coworkers on other projects.
• Analyze, verify and obtain payment approvals for invoices.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls, correspondence, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Perform related duties as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.
• Quantify and describe the greenhouse gas emissions benefits of potential projects based on latest accepted science, research, and generally accepted methodology.
• Represent the agency in public forums.

Depending on the MRCA's needs, landscape architecture may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Produce landscape improvement plans, details, and specifications, at conceptual design, schematic design, and construction document phases with both hand-drawn graphics, computer graphic programs (e.g. Adobe graphic suite, sketch-up, rivet, and/or any other 3D digital rendering programs), and CAD techniques.
• Produce irrigation designs utilizing Land F/X software.
• Research new construction/architectural products and technologies.
• Perform assessment of architectural barriers and analyze options for barrier removal. 

Depending on the MRCA's needs, watershed planning may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Analyze various planning documents and processes for consistency and impacts on MRCA's watershed planning priorities. Write formal comment letters and and informal memoranda.
• Participate in planning processes related to the Los Angeles River and other local watersheds, at both regional and individual project scales.
• Identify potential projects and assess feasibility.
• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.

Depending on the MRCA's needs, management of maintenance funding sources may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Analyze proposed expenses for eligibility and determine appropriate funding sources for expenses.
• Assist with budget development and monitoring for multiple locations and funds.
• Liaison frequently between operations and maintenance staff and finance staff to ensure smooth administrative processes.
• Distinguish between maintenance and capital expenses and providing documentation for full reimbursement.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required remain in a stationary position, occasionally move about inside the office to access supplies and office machinery, frequently communicate and exchange information, review handwritten, electronic and facsimile documents, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

During project site surveys, the employee is regularly required to position self to perform measurement and inventory tasks, frequently move about work sites, operate a mobile system to complete checklists, travel to various park sites, frequently operate measuring tools to record measurements indoors and in outdoor weather conditions, transport tools between vehicles and work sites on a daily basis, and occasionally ascend/descend a ladder to access areas of work.

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. Occasional overtime work in evenings or weekends upon prior approval by supervisor. The position will work out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens and will be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors. Remote working or a hybrid schedule may be allowed, subject to supervisor approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• B.A. or B.S. degree. Relevant course studies include landscape architecture, environmental design, natural resources, engineering, planning, environmental science, geography, biology, or related fields.  An Associate's degree may be substituted with at least two (2) years of highly relevant experience.
• One (1) year of highly relevant experience performing project management duties that include: creative problem solving, working on an interdisciplinary team, coordinating consultants, technical writing, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Experience desired in public speaking, community outreach/engagement, identifying and applying for project specific funding, and construction trade or construction management.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

• Must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record at the time of hire.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to complete within 6 months).

• Intermediate proficiency with Office 365 and email, with particular emphasis on word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Office practices and procedures.
• Basic understanding of native plants, animals, and ecosystems of Southern California.
• Basic understanding of design and landscape construction processes (or ability to learn within 6 months).
• Basic understanding of California Environmental Quality Act requirements (or ability to learn within 6 months).
• Office practices and procedures.

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Work independently, or as part of a team.

• Must be organized with meticulous attention to detail.

• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Consistently follow agency procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Prepare written and graphic materials for a variety of audiences.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about Agency projects and objectives.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.

The selected candidate may be hired as a Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III, depending on experience. A Project Analyst II will perform the functions with a moderate to high level of supervision, and is not expected to make many judgments independently. A Project Analyst III will perform the functions with a low level of supervision and less frequent check-ins to verify tasks and decision support. A Project Analyst III shall have the ability to advance into a team leadership role and determine project direction. 

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

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 Instructor is responsible for planning, instructing, and supervising a specialized class or program.  With general policy and departmental philosophy guidance from a supervisor, the incumbent exercises sound independent judgment in setting a class curriculum and schedule in a specialized area of instruction such as aquatics, arts and crafts, athletics, cultural arts, dance, drama, physical fitness, music, older adult programs, preschool, and therapeutics.  

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 instructs a class in a specialized recreation area
• Explains and demonstrates activity techniques to class or program participants
• Prepares and orders instructional materials and supplies
• Keeps attendance and class records
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements
• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• Six (6) months of experience teaching preschool, therapeutic recreation, or a specialized area in a classroom setting; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license is desirable

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:
• Instructional techniques appropriate to various age groups
• The technical fundamentals of a specialized recreation activity such as athletics, cultural arts, or music
Considerable ability to:
• Plan, organize, and instruct a specialized class or program
• Explain, demonstrate, and clarify information to others
• Demonstrate sensitivity, tact, and excellent customer service while interacting with others
• 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 Instructor, 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.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

The department will review applications and only contact the applicants that best meet the needs for their current opening.

This position is an as-needed, non-benefitted position and has an hour limitation of 999 hours in a fiscal year.

The Instructor-Lifeguard functions as both a swimming instructor and a lifeguard at a City swimming pool.    An incumbent conducts classes at all participant skill levels (beginning through advanced) and supervises the conduct of swimmers in City pools in order to maintain a safe environment.   This class is distinguished from the Lifeguard in that the latter has a sole focus on lifeguard responsibilities.  This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. 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.   

 

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 general supervision:
• Conducts swimming instruction classes at various participant age and skill levels
• Administers practical swimming tests to determine participants' skill levels
• Maintains class participant attendance, activity, and progress records
• Observes swimmers at a City operated swimming pool; warning those who violate pool safety rules, and expelling them, if necessary, for willful disobedience
• Maintains a safe but enjoyable poolside atmosphere for participants by continuously monitoring  pool facility for potential problems or dangerous situations
• Rescues swimmers who are in distress;  administers first aid and artificial respiration, if necessary, according to prescribed methods
• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains the pool, pool decks, overflow gutter, shower rooms and other pool facility areas
• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

Minimum Qualifications

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
Possession of the following is required:
• A valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate or Completion of City of Santa Clara Learn To Swim Instruction Program; and
• A valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate; and
• 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

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: 
• Swimming techniques
• Principles and techniques of  swimming instruction appropriate for various age groups
• Approved lifesaving and safety methods and procedures  necessary to ensure public safety in and around a pool facility
Considerable ability to: 
• Teach to others the theory and application of swimming techniques
• Swim skillfully, rescue submerged victims, and safely remove them from pool
• Immediately evaluate emergency situations and respond decisively and effectively
• Administer first aid and artificial respiration according to prescribed methods
• Instruct in the techniques of swimming and lifesaving
• Maintain poolside discipline and safety
Ability to:
• 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
• Learn the proper placement of all safety equipment and its proper use
• Learn the location and proper use of the emergency telephone numbers list
• Become familiar with the basic mechanical operation and maintenance program of the City pools

Please click on the Job PDF below to view the full announcement.

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.