The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s (Midpen) mission is “to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.” On the San Mateo County Coastside, the mission is expanded: “to acquire and preserve agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve a rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.”
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has an excellent career opportunity for an experienced and motivated Area Manager who will plan, organize, manage, oversee, and participate in all activities of the Land Stewardship & Trails Department. This position reports to the Land Stewardship & Trails Manager and oversees 19 staff with four direct reports and seasonal employees. This position will be assigned to the Skyline Area of the District. The Area Manager primarily works in a field office setting, and will attend various meetings and visit District field sites, which may require hiking through steep terrain and wildland areas and driving in remote areas on dirt roads. General responsibilities include oversight, coordination, and reviews of staff performing maintenance and repair of Midpen’s lands. This position will play a key role in supporting work culture initiatives to foster a positive, inclusive and engaged workplace.
The ideal candidate is a technically strong, results-driven leader with broad experience in land stewardship, project management, and the operations and maintenance of parks, open space preserves, forests, and public recreation areas. This individual has a proven ability to manage complex land protection, public access, land use, and site management projects, balancing resource conservation with safe, welcoming, and high-quality recreational opportunities for the public.
A hallmark of the ideal candidate is exceptional skill in working with people and building strong, productive relationships. This Area Manager is a collaborative leader who excels at bringing teams together, building consensus, and fostering a respectful, inclusive, and solutions-oriented work environment. With a robust communication style, they listen actively, communicate expectations clearly, and navigate differing perspectives with professionalism and diplomacy. Their ability to collaborate across departments and with partners supports effective decision-making and smooth project delivery.
The successful candidate is also an effective people manager with demonstrated experience supervising staff, improving job performance, and developing cohesive, high-performing teams. They are intentional about mentoring and coaching employees, promoting accountability, and supporting continuous improvement. Through strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative leadership approach, the Area Manager inspires staff, strengthens organizational alignment, and advances Midpen’s stewardship and public access goals in a manner consistent with its long-term vision.
Click on the brochure link below to learn more about this outstanding opportunity and how to apply! The complete job description can be found here: Area Manager. Here is the Link to Apply.
