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The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one (1) Senior Planner that will serve as the County of Santa Clara’s Agricultural Permitting Ally.

With 890 farms, over 288,000 acres of land, and over $310 million of produce, Santa Clara County’s vibrant community is composed of a diverse, multicultural population with agriculture that is driven by dedicated farmers and farmworkers who call Santa Clara County home. The County is seeking a new and key team player with general planning experience as well as a strong agricultural planning acumen to serve as an agricultural permitting ally (Senior Planner). A Senior Planner in this role would help farmers understand what rules and regulations apply to agricultural worker housing and would help applicants navigate the various permits and departmental approvals that are required. As an ally for agricultural permitting, this Senior Planner would focus on making the process of development more approachable and accessible and will explore options and alternatives with prospective applicants to provide housing on their farm or ranch, or establish new or expanded agricultural producing businesses, while maintaining the asset of agriculturally viable land throughout the rural unincorporated county areas. The agricultural permitting ally is a unique role that will be responsible for assisting farmers with agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting, including but not limited to: assisting farmers through the County of Santa Clara’s building permitting process; helping farmers resolve code violations and maintain compliance with land use and building codes and standards; identifying opportunities for streamlining agricultural worker housing; promoting and supporting the production of safe and livable housing inventory for agricultural workers through the County of Santa Clara; and, working with local, state, and federal partners to connect farmers with resources. This Senior Planner will also assist in public counter inquiries and day-to-day activities of the Department as needed. The County of Santa Clara is committed to addressing the challenges that impact farmworker housing shortages and conditions.

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.
• 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.
• Agricultural Permitting Ally: General requirements of building permit processing, resolving code violations, and maintaining compliance with land use and building codes and standards as it relates to agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting.

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 April 21st, 2025.

Under limited direction, to provide service to the public and permit applicants, to coordinate the review and analysis of development applications for cities, agencies and other county departments, to conduct planning studies, feasibility studies, master plans and concept plans, to research and analyze planning data, to make policy, ordinance and program recommendations, and to administer zoning, planning or parks and recreation development programs. The Senior Planner will be working for the Department of Planning and Development.

Typical Tasks

• Provides advanced level customer support for the preparation and processing of moderate to major development applications, re-zonings and plan amendments;
• Serves as a project manager for the preparation and review of master plans, concept plans, feasibility studies, development applications, zoning and plan amendments and annexations, and other planning-related documents by leading the process, supervising professional and technical staff, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final outcomes;
• Supervises consultants and negotiates, executes and administers third-party consultant contracts, including fiscal controls such as budget tracking and verification of invoices;
• Serves as a program manager for a specialized portion of the planning program such as zoning administration, architectural review, Stanford administration, surface mining, historic resources, agriculture and park and open space related projects, and airport land use;
• Develops and manages complex planning studies, master plans, concept plans or feasibility studies and reports on topics, such as land use, housing, historic resources, environmental impacts and economic development, in support of new or updated plan policies, regulations or programs;
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to planning projects and the development review process, to verify that development projects comply with approved plans or to initiate actions necessary to correct violations of regulations or project conditions;
• Enters development permit information and permit process workflow data in a central database;
• Abstracts information from aerial photographs, subdivision maps, census reports, building permits, etc., for analysis in planning studies;
• Analyzes geographic information systems data and creates maps;
• Prepares plans, maps, graphs and other visual aids;
• Leads or serves on advisory committees or boards such as Bay Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council South County Committee or zoning decision-making bodies, schedules and conducts meetings, assists elected officials and their staff with planning matters and constituent concerns;
• Prepares or manages personnel who prepare environmental documents in compliance with environmental laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);
• Conducts in-depth property specific research including the review of deeds and other legal documents; 
• Prepares recommendations and presents detailed written and oral reports on complex development applications, standards, zoning ordinances, General Plan amendments or local or regional planning initiatives to decision-making bodies such as Board of Supervisors, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Airport Land Use Commission, Historical Heritage Commission, Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee, and San Martin Planning Advisory Committee;
• Assists in the training and supervision of subordinate staff; Analyzes and reviews complex land development applications, site plans and building permit applications for completeness and conformance with policies, ordinances, master plans, concept plans, County General Plan, conditions of approval, and State and Federal regulations, prepares conditions of approval where necessary, and takes discretionary action on certain land development projects that reviewed at the staff level, making required findings;
• Prepares and delivers presentations to community organizations, clubs, planning seminars, homeowners groups, etc.;
• Participates in meetings, conferences and workshops at local, regional and state levels;
• Assists in the administration of a functional unit;
• Conducts advanced outreach to community organizations, government agencies, developers and the public to encourage participation, resolve problems or obtain input;
• Answers inquiries and provides general information to the public regarding land use projects, permitting procedures, development policies, plans, zoning ordinances and other regulations;
• Provides information to the public regarding the permitting and development review requirements of other County departments such as Fire Marshal's Office, Environmental Health, Land Development Engineering, Geology, Roads and Airports, and Building, and County programs such as Williamson Act, Historic Preservation, and the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan;
• Resolves issues and complaints from the public or neighbors and permit applicants;
• Attends evening meetings;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, natural resources, social science or related field;

-AND -

Three (3) years of professional planning experience. A Master's degree in planning may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.

Possession of license, registration or certification in a related field, such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), is desirable.

The Ranger is a sworn peace officer who provides visitor services and resource protection on MRCA owned and/or managed parkland.

Para ver la versión de PDF en español, por favor desplácese hacia abajo.

This position performs a wide variety of duties including park maintenance, law enforcement, first aid, wildland firefighting, and public safety patrol. The Ranger assists the public in natural resource interpretation and performs other duties as needed.  

This is a professional position that requires a highly motivated, responsible, and organized individual. Candidate must be a self-starter who can handle an array of tasks, has good judgement, and can work independently or as part of a team.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, at-will position.

This position reports to a Supervising Ranger. Assorted tasks may be supervised directly by Division Chief or other Executive Staff. The position may provide technical and/or functional direction to volunteers and other groups.

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.

• Provide a wide range of law enforcement and public safety services including, but not limited to wildland firefighting, search and rescue, and first aid.
• Respond to emergency situations on parkland to protect life and property.
• Make physical arrests, issue citations, and write reports.
• Conduct criminal and administrative investigations.
• Perform traffic control.
• Use, wear, and maintain protective equipment which includes various types of firearms, batons, chemical agents, body armor, and handcuffs.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on agency vehicles and various equipment.
• Perform a variety of maintenance, restoration, and repair duties.
• Remove graffiti as necessary, empty trash cans, clean restrooms, clean up litter, and remove illegal dumping.
• Conduct interpretive programs, such as leading hikes, kayak trips or campfire programs.   
• Operate with substantial independence and coordinate work with others in completing assignments.
• Coordinate with organized public groups utilizing park facilities.
• Coordinate with vendors and other government entities.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls and correspondence, as well as 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. 

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 to hike, run, bend, lift, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb, lift and carry items weighing up to 60 pounds for a distance up to 50 feet both indoors and outdoors, constantly work in outdoor weather conditions, and frequently move about work sites.

Incumbents should have physical strength, endurance, and agility; be mentally alert and physically sound; and have hearing and vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

40 hours per week or in an alternative schedule (9/80 or 4/10 program), must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays and overtime. Must be available to work at various locations.

As public parklands, the majority of MRCA properties are open to the general public during operating hours. This position is likely to have physical contact with members of the public in public areas such as parking lots and shared public/office restrooms and during in-person public meetings. The MRCA is committed to protecting its staff by ensuring appropriate physical distancing and proper infection control while supporting equitable access to services. Our requirements are based on current County of Los Angeles guidance and are subject to change as the County updates its policies.  

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.

PATHWAY A:

1. Possession of High School Diploma conferred by a US Department of Education recognized High School OR General Education Certificate.

AND

2. Possession of a certificate showing graduation from a California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Regular Basic Academy.

PATHWAY A CANDIDATES WILL BEGIN THE RANGER TRAINING & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (RTAP) UPON HIRE.

PATHWAY B:

1. Possession of High School Diploma conferred by a US Department of Education recognized High School OR General Education Certificate.

AND

2. Current or previous employment by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority as a Seasonal Ranger Assistant or Public Officer pursuant to California Public Resources Code § 5786.17.

PATHWAY B CANDIDATES WILL BE APPOINTED AS A TEMPORARY RANGER ASSISTANT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY CAN BE ENROLLED IN A POST BASIC ACADEMY.

• Common Windows-based programs including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. 
• Proficiency in basic mathematics; basic grammar and spelling as required in preparing reports and records. 

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Work independently to handle multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Revise work approach and/or tactics to address changing conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Maintain the ability to possess, carry, and qualify with agency issued firearms.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English is required.
• Bilingual skills in English, and other locally common language, such as Spanish, Korean, Farsi, Chinese, Armenian, Yiddish, or Tagalog is desired.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.
• Emotional maturity; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence.

• A thorough background check including submission of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and FBI, including a firearm background check, and a record clean of violent crimes or felonies. 
• Psychological examination. 
• Successful completion of a physical examination including a drug test. 
• Meet requirements of the Government Sections 1031 for employment as a California Peace Officer.
• Written Test.

The starting hourly rate for Ranger Trainee is $22.58 – $27.45 per hour.  At the completion of all training requirements and upon appointment as a Ranger by the Executive Officer, the wage increases to a range of $33.47 - $40.69 per hour.

Existing MRCA employees may be compensated at a higher rate if they can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Chief Deputy Executive Officer, that appropriate additional duties will be performed in addition to the position’s essential duties. This provision does not apply to applicants who are not currently employed by MRCA and may be exercised only at MRCA’s discretion and as budget allows.

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.

Please click the Job PDF button below to view the full job announcement.

The City of San José (CSJ) , the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top ten cities in which to live, work, and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural, government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the values of: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Celebration. Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about San José.

The City's Public Works Department ( D PW) is seeking Electricians whose values align with the values of the City's employees. DPW Electricians enjoy a regular 40-hour work with opportunity for overtime hours, and include medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits. The Public Works Department i s responsible for delivering capital improvement projects for a wide variety of City facilities and infrastructure, m aintaining City facilities and fleet assets, f acilitating and regulating development activities, and providing animal care and services. The Department is committed to high-quality service, partnering with the community, and providing an excellent environment in which to work.

Benefits & Compensation

The City offers a variety of benefit options to employees, including health, dental, visio n, and life insurance. Employees in the Electrician I/II classification are represented by the bargaining unit, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 332 (IBEW) . Explore a comprehensive list of benefits by visiting CSJ's Human Resources Benefits webpage . Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Regular W ork hours of 40-hours/week + overtime opportunity
• Annual P aid H oliday T ime - off : 15 days
• Accrued a nnual P aid T ime - off: approx. 10 days (first 5 years of service)*
• A ccrued a nnual P aid S ick - time
• Medical , D ental , and V ision insurance
• Retirement /Pension
• Employee Assistance Program & Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care)
• Commuter Benefit & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Long Term Disability (LTD) & Personal Accident Insurance (AD&D)
• Long Term Care(for existing subscribers only)

* (2080 hours worked = 1 year)

Salary ranges for this classification are:

• Electrician I: $ 110 , 313.84 - $ 134 , 228.64 approximate annual pay
• Electrician II: $115,861.20 - $140,955.36 approximate annual pay

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

The City of San José , Public Works Department is seeking to fill five ( 5 ) full- time Electrician vacancies . The department's tight-kn i t team of E lectrician s work collabo ra tively and intra-departmentally to ensure electrical components and systems are installed and m aintained throughout city facilities such as community centers, l ibraries and public park s.

Electrician I is the entry-level class in the Electrician series. Incumbents are provided with training and experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the full range of installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems and equipment.

Electrician II is the journey level class in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment, working independently under general supervision.

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining , testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and operating high and low voltage/amperage electrical components, systems and equipment including locating problems; determining appropriate courses of action; and coordinating repairs with affected parties. They design, fabricate, and install electrical systems and components and install wiring and electrical equipment, ensuring code compliance. Electricians review work orders, maintain activity logs, prepare requisitions and obtain approval for various projects. Duties may also include purchasing electrical supplies, including filling out paperwork; coordinating purchases; and, choosing vendors. They are responsible for responding to occasional emergencies, evaluating and taking required actions and determining if support is needed. Public Works electrician duties also include:

• N ew construction, remodels, small tenant improvement projects ;
• L ighting retrofit projects ;
• M aintenance of pump stations (includes motor controls and PLC's and computerized alarm and monitoring of pumps, etc. ) ;
• Maintenance of E mergency generators, fire alarm systems, vehicle gate operators, badge access controls, lighting control systems ;
• E lectrical building distribution systems and equipment up to and including 12kv ;
• I nstalling cat 5 and fiber optic networks and maintenance of all City buildings ; and
• Setting up t emporary power for special events and public address setups.

The Engineering Group Manager – Facilities will oversee a diverse and talented team responsible for managing the planning, design, and construction of capital projects at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). This individual will lead the delivery of high-impact projects ranging from transit infrastructure upgrades to the improvement and rehabilitation of maintenance yards and other critical facilities. The role includes overseeing staff, consultants, and stakeholders in the successful execution of these projects, while also ensuring compliance with VTA’s overall objectives and community needs.

"TO REVIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE CLICK THIS BROCHURE. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE."

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

About the Department

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards.  This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: 

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities 

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements 

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods 

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives.  This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.  

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions: 

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division. 

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division. 

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division. 

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website. 

Position Duties

To review the full job description please click here

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams. 
  

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.  

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.  
 

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.  

Essential areas of responsibility include: 

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives. 

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects. 

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability 

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division. 

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them. 

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations. 

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff. 

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts. 

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve 
   its economic development, quality of life, and other goals. 

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. 

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include: 

• Housing Crisis Action Plan 

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2 

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation 

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning 

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates 

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative 

• Historic Preservation 

• Regional Policy 

Are you an experienced and highly motivated Ecologist with a solid background in biology/ecology and have a passion for protecting and preserving open space?  If so, then we have an outstanding opportunity for a top-level Ecologist to join our team of resource management professionals working to protect and restore the natural environment within Midpen’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Peninsula.  Bring your professional expertise to Midpen to support our mission! 

About the Position:  This position oversees aspects of Midpen’s vegetation management programs; advises and monitors field and office staff and contractors on vegetation management; leads a multi-department team in reviewing and setting priorities for all vegetation management activities on approximately 72,000 acres according to Midpen policy; train staff in ecologically sensitive vegetation management and safety; conducts field inspections; recommends appropriate treatment methods; monitors work; and reports on the progress of the programs to the General Manager, Board of Directors, and public.

Highly qualified candidates have knowledge and proven experience in the following areas:

• IPM principles in the management of invasive, weedy and flammable plants and pest animals in natural park environments and facilities.
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and natural community ecology.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to vegetation management and plant collecting.
• Ability to identify plants (including special status plants), pests and sensitive environments with the Santa Cruz Mountains region.
• Analyzing the impacts of projects on native plant species and sensitive natural communities.
• Managing complex large-scale projects.
• Conducting botanical field surveys, or experience conducting such botanical field surveys under the direction of an experienced botanical field surveyor.
• Hiring and oversight of consultants and contractors.
• Project management.
• Report writing.
• Supervision.
• Must have, or be able to obtain within one year of hire date, a California Pest Control Advisor license, Qualified Applicator License, or Qualified Applicator Certificate.

Qualities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative.
• Proactive problem solver.
• Possess excellent judgment.
• Self-directed.

Highly Desired

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in the public sector.

For additional information, see the description of Midpen’s Integrated Pest Management Program, Wildland Fire Resiliency Program, and job description on Midpen’s website.

Licenses & Certifications Required:  

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. 
• Must have, or be able to obtain within one year of hire date, a California Pest Control Advisor license, Qualified Applicator License, or Qualified Applicator Certificate.

Work Environment:  This position is part of the Natural Resources Department at Midpen’s administrative office in Los Altos, California.  Fieldwork is seasonally dependent, project-driven, and is an integral part of this position. Therefore, in addition to working in the office, the Ecologist III will sometimes work in the field. Fieldwork will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in all weather conditions, and hiking through steep terrain and wildland areas. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment.

Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations, the Ecologist III will be eligible to work a hybrid schedule (work from home 2 days per week and in the office 3 days per week). 

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 natural resource management, ecology, biology, environmental design, or a closely related field and:

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in natural resource management preferably in parks or open space, and
• At least one (1) year of supervisory and administrative responsibility.

Benefits:  Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life and disability insurance, CalPERS pension and paid leaves. Detailed information is available on the Benefits page of our website.

How to Apply:  Apply online via CalOpps.org.  The deadline to apply is July 13, 2025.

The following four application items are required to be considered for the position:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application*

2. Resume

3. Cover letter

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

Recruitment Timeline:

(Dates are subject to change.  We are unable to accommodate individual schedules).

First Interview (virtual): July 24, 2025

Written Exercise (virtual): July 28, 2025

Second Interview/Field Exercise (in person): August 1, 2025.

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.  

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.

Put your passion for Open Space to work!