Search Jobs

Child Care Instructor II (Preschool)

Full-Time (35 hours per week)

$3,231 - $3,928 per month

Plus excellent benefits

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Applications reviewed on a weekly basis

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $120 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE POSITION:

The Library and Recreation Department (Child Care Division) is recruiting for a full-time Child Care Instructor II position in their Preschool Programming at Parkside Preschool.  Under the supervision of the Child Care Center Director, this position will provide developmental care and supervision to children enrolled in the childcare program; implement age appropriate curriculum for children; establish and maintain supportive relationships with children and parents; and other related duties as assigned.

This position performs the following essential job duties:      

• Plan, implement and supervise developmental preschool programs.
• Develop age-appropriate curriculum and activities to stimulate children’s cognitive skills, abilities and development.
• Evaluate needs of children, staff and site in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children and staff.
• Supervise the activities of children and records observations of children’s behavior and activities; monitor behavioral patterns and develops assessment and profiles.
• Schedule parent conferences to discuss children’s development and concerns; work with family to devise learning and development strategies as necessary.
• Maintain accurate attendance and enrollment records; maintain appropriate confidential records.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of subordinate childcare staff.
• Monitor and order classroom supplies and materials as needed.

To be eligible for this position you must have knowledge of: 

• Early Childhood Development
• Curriculum models such as CLASS and Pyramid training
• Classroom management techniques
• Appropriate disciplinary techniques
• Oral and written communication skills
• Group leadership and teaching skills

To be eligible for this position you must possess the ability to:

• Plan and implement curriculum based on principles of Child Development.
• Supervise and coordinate staff and children.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships.  Work cooperatively to achieve program goals.
• Interact and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with children, parents, staff, host school and community members.
• Manage time, activities and resources effectively.
• Work as scheduled.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Completion of twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses.     
• One year working with children in a Preschool setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Department of Justice and FBI fingerprint clearance
• Prefer possession of a valid California Driver’s License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

Must be able to perform physical activities such as but not limited to:  lifting or carrying children or heavy items (up to 40 lbs.) unassisted, reaching, bending, standing, or walking.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:   

City of San Rafael application is required.  A City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application.  Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application since this information will be used to determine who will be invited to participate in the next phase of the examination process.  The examination process may include the following:  application appraisal and oral board interview examination.  The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%.  Prior to appointment, candidate must pass a pre-placement physical examination, drug screen, a background check, and fingerprinting.  To file an application, go online to www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”.  Follow this link to submit an application for this position:   https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20363710 

Reasonable Accommodation: The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the interview process to accommodate disabled applicants. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022 to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption.  Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that employees are required to be vaccinated with the entire recommended initial series of a COVID-19 vaccine (two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine). 

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. 

 

The San José Fire Department is recruiting to fill (3) three Hazardous Materials Inspector II positions in the Bureau of Fire Prevention Division. The Hazardous Materials Inspector II’s may be assigned to Hazardous Materials Development Services group to perform plan reviews and inspections, or to Hazardous Materials Code Enforcement group to conduct detailed field inspections at facilities storing, handling, or using hazardous materials including highly hazardous materials unique to Silicon Valley. Both group activities do cross over, as required for back up and special demands and for cross training, as needed.

 

The Hazardous Materials II inspector inspects, reviews, and enforces commercial and industrial facilities for compliance with the San Jose Fire Code, California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) regulations, CSFM adopted sections of the California Building Code Series, San Jose Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Ordinance, S and applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) nationally recognized standards.

 

Duties for this position include, but may not be limited to:

 

• Providing technical assistance to facilities, consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, department officers/staff and the Fire Marshal on the application and/or interpretation of fire safety codes/regulations and on resolution of fire safety and hazardous materials issues identified in the design, construction or operations of buildings and integrated systems;

• Reviewing and analyze hazardous materials inventory statements for chemical classification;

• Reviewing and analyze hazardous materials business plans, construction documents, monitoring and treatment system plans for compliance with codes and regulations;

• Inspect commercial and industrial facilities and construction sites including reviewing facility maintenance records and document finding in inspections reports.

• Conducting enforcement as necessary including preparing citations and other administrative orders, conducting compliance meetings,

• Preparing enforcement cases for the City Attorney and District Attorney including the preparation of analytical data, reports, assisting in interpreting laws and regulations and providing court testimony, as required;

• Responding to complaint investigations for alleged violations of the aforementioned codes and standards.

• Assisting outside agencies and other City Departments including, Code Enforcement, Building Department, Planning Department, Public Works, and Environmental Services-Wastewater Pretreatment.

• Conduct public record request record searches

• Participate in the review of plans submitted for development projects for verification of code compliance with municipal codes.   

• Provide written plan review comments to development project applicants identifying discrepancies identified after compliance reviews.

• Conduct Hazardous Materials system installation and closure inspections for code compliance verification. 

• Assist with training of staff as requested.

 

Salary

Hazardous Materials Inspector II: $106,950.48 - $129,948.00 annually. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this department. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this department. 

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. 

The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) is currently recruiting to fill multiple Code Enforcement Inspector (CEI) I/II positions in the Code Enforcement Division.

The Code Enforcement Division is looking for self-motivated individuals with experience working in an inspection, regulatory, or enforcement environment with strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Perform inspections and complaint investigations of moderate difficulty involving code violations on residential, commercial, industrial, vacant, or other private property to ascertain and gather facts related to applicable ordinances, codes, laws, rules, and regulations, and determine and institute proper enforcement action with conclusive results.

- Issue administrative citations and notices. Researches and prepares cases for review by quasi-judicial board. Utilizes administrative remedy process to conduct enforcement. May participate in civil proceedings.

- Manage caseload and related tasks; respond timely and in compliance with internal procedures, policies, and target inspection response times.

- Explain, interpret, and make presentations of ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations to customers, residents, community groups, agencies, businesses, and other entities. Participates in community meetings or events.

- Prepare notices, orders, reports and correspondence for review and approval by supervisor.

In addition, Code Enforcement Inspectors may be required to work a flexible schedule that may include working evenings or weekends. Applicants with bilingual skills are encouraged to apply.

For more info visit our Code Enforcement Website

This classification requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, and income and business positions. Incumbents will be required to complete Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests.

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.

Salary

Code Enforcement Inspector I: $79,191.84 - $96,183.36 annually

Code Enforcement Inspector II: $91,728.00 - $111,493.20 annually

These amounts include an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.  Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

• Ability to perform routine inspection, investigation, and enforcement of applicable codes and ordinances of an environmental, blight, zoning, housing, solid waste, building construction, land use, and sign enforcement nature.

• Ability to perform routine arithmetic calculations.

• Knowledge of the San Jose Municipal Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, California Building Standard Code, the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code, and the National Electric Code

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of public health sanitation as applied to inspection and investigation of buildings occupied as living quarters.

Coaching – Provides guidance, opportunities, and motivation to develop and strengthen knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve employee’s capabilities.

Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

Conflict Management – Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people, by presenting the facts, analysis, and conclusions or solutions that show command of content and perspectives and interests of the audience.

Customer Service – Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers’ needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Problem Solving – Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem(s); collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Multi-Tasking – can effectively handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

The City of Menlo Park is currently accepting applications for Child Care Teacher I/II.   

These positions are part-time (20 hours a week) and provide a flexible work schedule. We are looking for candidates that enjoy teaching & working with preschool and school aged children. The working hours are Monday through Friday.

The Position

Under the direction of the Youth and Family Services Administrator, the Senior Program Coordinator plays a unique role overseeing the early childhood mental health program, providing direct counseling services and supervising several staff counselors and interns.

The Senior Program Coordinator typically has specialized experience, training and qualifications that enable the position to work effectively with children 0-8 years, parents and youth caregivers.

The Senior Program Coordinator works closely with the division’s Clinical Supervisors and Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure that clinical services comply with all policies, procedures and legal regulations, and that client services are delivered at the highest standards. The position also coordinates with other key positions in the Human Services Department to help clients have easy and timely access to coordinated services throughout the Human Services Department and/or with other partner agencies.

Examples of Duties

- Oversee and coordinate the direct services under the early childhood mental health program, working closely with the counselors and interns assigned to the program.
- Provide administrative and clinical supervision and consultation to YFS counselors and interns/trainees who are providing direct counseling services to children 0-8 years, parents, and family members, while maintaining close cooperation with the Youth and Family Services Division’s Clinical Supervisors and Quality Assurance Specialist.
- Provide direct counseling and early childhood consultation services to children 0-8 years, parents, and family members.
- Together with the YFS Administrator, understand policies and trends related to the provision of early childhood mental health services; and represent the division at County and/or school district meetings.
- Ensure direct service staff and interns are familiar with and fully utilize client Electronic Health Record System and becomes a key user representative on system implementation team.
- Oversee clinical documentation and compliance with State Medi-Cal documentation standards in partnership with Clinical Supervisors and Quality Assurance Specialist.
- Manage the client intake and referral process for the early childhood mental health program.
- Ensure that staff meet contractual and quality assurance goals and audit requirements.
- In partnership with YFS Administrator, Clinical Supervisors, and the Human Services Department’s Fund Development Officer respond to requests for proposals, develop grant work plans, narratives, and budgets.
- Oversee early childhood grant deliverables and reporting for the division.

The San José City Attorney’s Office is looking for senior level trial attorneys with substantial civil experience in state and federal court, excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.

Job Description
The City’s litigation portfolio includes a broad range of substantive legal issues arising under both state and federal law. As Sr. Deputy litigator, under supervision of a Chief Deputy, you will have primary responsibility for all aspects of assigned cases, including pleading, litigation strategy, client communication and coordination, discovery and document review, motion practice, settlement evaluation and negotiation, and trial. The City’s varied and novel legal issues require excellent research, analytical, and writing skills as well as the ability to vigorously defend complex matters.

Minimum Qualifications
• Licensed to practice law in California.
• Ten years civil litigation and jury trial experience.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022, to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption. Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that an employee is not only "fully vaccinated," but has also obtained any booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccination for which they are eligible, within 15 days of first becoming eligible.

The City of San José, Office of the City Attorney is seeking an attorney with California municipal law and government experience, or transferable legal skills and a commitment to public service.

As an attorney in our Office, you will serve as trusted counsel to the Mayor and City Council, City Manager, administrative departments, and boards and commissions. You may be called upon to advise as the general counsel to departments regarding their respective duties, powers, functions and obligations in areas including public works, city-wide procurements, employment, land use planning, environmental services, public safety, utilities and housing. Responsibilities also include preparing opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents. Two years of minimum experience in one or more of these areas of law is desirable but not required.

The successful candidate should possess a strong work ethic, analytical depth, superior interpersonal skills, good judgment, and can communicate clearly and effectively. Admission to the California State Bar is required for this position.

Per the City’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022, to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption. Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that an employee is not only "fully vaccinated," but has also obtained any booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccination for which they are eligible, within 15 days of first becoming eligible.

Please send a cover letter and resume including complete employment history to: Nora Frimann, City Attorney, 200 East Santa Clara Street, 16th Floor Tower, San Jose, CA 95113, or e-mail to atty.res@sanjoseca.gov. Application review is ongoing, and the most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. EOE

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Per the City’s COVID19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the City requires all employees starting on or after February 11, 2022, to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment absent a documented medical and/or religious exemption. Proof of vaccination means that employees are required to be “up-to-date” with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order issued on December 28, 2021, "up-to-date" means that an employee is not only "fully vaccinated," but has also obtained any booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccination for which they are eligible, within 15 days of first becoming eligible.
 
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers.
 
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is recruiting for the Environmental Services Specialist (ESS) series which includes three levels/classifications: Assistant ESS, Associate ESS, and ESS. ESD intends to use the candidate pool developed from this recruitment to fill current vacancies, as well as future ESS series vacancies. Depending on your qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications below), the application you submit may be considered for an Assistant ESS, Associate ESS, or ESS position.
 
General Overview of the Environmental Services Specialist (ESS) Series Job Classification:
 
ESS employees play a critical role in providing the many vital services that help protect our environment and improve the lives of San Jose residents!
 
Employees in the ESS series perform highly technical and specialized functions to preserve environmental resources and provide public protection in the area of environmental sciences. ESS employees develop, organize, and coordinate assigned plans, programs, and/or special projects for the City and its environmental services; and act as a primary resource to City officials, the community, and businesses.
 
Typical duties for ESS positions across the department include:
• Developing and evaluating assigned environmental program goals and policies
• Developing, monitoring, and overseeing contract terms and negotiations, grant proposals, and project budgets
• Analyzing and interpreting data to prepare presentations and written reports
• Assisting the public with environmental compliance issues and City provided environmental services through coordinating environmental outreach events and programs, as well as preparing public education material regarding environmental services information
• Providing project or program-level environmental compliance support, serving as a liaison to outside agencies and regulatory bodies
• Performing duties in the field, such as outreach, inspections, etc.

Current ESS Series Vacancies
Currently, there are a number of exciting ESS series opportunities in the department’s Integrated Waste Management, Watershed Protection, and Sustainability and Compliance divisions! To learn more about the great work we do in these divisions, please go to sjenvironment.org. Overviews of these teams and their ESS series positions are below:
 
Watershed Protection Division’s Stormwater Management Group – Trash Load Reduction Team
 
The Trash Load Reduction Team is responsible for coordinating, supporting, reporting, and implementing the Trash Load Reduction C.10 provision of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit (Permit). This position coordinates the implementation of projects in collaboration with other City departments and external partners. Key projects of the Trash Team include trash capture projects, the Direct Discharge Trash Control Program, creek assessments, cleanup coordination, grant and contract management, and reporting. 
 
Watershed Protection Division’s Stormwater Management Group – Monitoring and Pollutants of Concern Team
 
The Monitoring and Pollutants of Concern (MPC) Team focuses on reducing pollutants to storm drains from routine municipal operations; implementing control methods for pollutants of concern, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, trash, pesticides, etc.; and assessing exempted and conditionally exempted non-stormwater discharges. The MPC Team works collaboratively with internal and external partners to address these regulatory requirements, and team members frequently support one another in various stormwater management activities to ensure compliance with the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit.
 
Integrated Waste Management Division’s Residential Services Team
 
Residential Services oversees San José’s Residential Garbage and Recycling Program, which provides curbside garbage and recycling, yard trimmings, garbage processing, household hazardous waste drop offs, and junk pick up to approximately 331,000 households and over 140 City facilities through four contracted service providers with an annual budget in excess of $150 million. This ESS helps co-manage contractor agreements, perform data management and analysis for reports and presentations, and implement Senate Bill 1383 requirements and other state and local solid waste regulations.
 
Responsibilities include:
• Monitoring and evaluating contractor operations and performance to continuously improve service delivery and provide excellent customer service
• Providing public education and environmental advocacy

Sustainability and Compliance Division’s Sustainability & Policy Team 
The Sustainability and Policy team implements initiatives that support vital utilities for the community. This position assists the Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance (BPO), which requires owners of large buildings in San José to benchmark energy and water use and make improvements if standards are not met. BPO staff annually assists more than 2,000 local building’ owners with compliance. The ideal candidate possesses  database, analytical, and technical writing skills, and expertise in building benchmarking or utility efficiency. Learn more at sjenvironment.org/benchmarking.
 
Responsibilities include:
• Maintaining databases, noticing, and providing customer service for benchmarking and invoicing compliance
• Conducting data quality control, data analysis and visualization to prepare technical reports and presentations
• Coordinating program implementation with other ESD groups, City Departments, Local and State Agencies

Sustainability and Compliance Division’s Municipal Environmental Compliance Group
 
The Municipal Environmental Compliance group provides technical support in the assessment, investigation, and cleanup of environmentally impaired or potentially impaired City properties/projects. Projects include fuel leak investigations, closed landfill compliance, and property acquisition investigations.
 
Responsibilities include:
• Performing Phase I Environmental site assessments and technical report writing
• Soil and groundwater sampling and field inspections.

As vacant positions may change based on internal movement, we will provide updated and detailed position information prior to interviews.
 
Salary Information
The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Environmental Services Specialist Series classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay. 

The annual salary range for the positions are presently as follows:
Assistant Environmental Services Specialist: $75,260.64 – $91,465.92
Associate Environmental Services Specialist: $87,207.12 – $105,967.68
Environmental Services Specialist: $96,139.68 – $116,844.00

Please note that the above salary ranges are inclusive of the five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.
 
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.

Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.
 
You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response.

1. Please describe your experience working on environmental services programs or projects in air quality, integrated waste management, biology, agriculture, energy, forestry or parks, habitat restoration, wastewater, water resources, archaeology, geology, resources conservation, land use planning, environmental regulatory permitting/compliance, or any program emphasizing environmental sustainability. In your response, please provide specific examples of how you promoted, developed, and implemented environmental services programs. Include your role(s), employer(s), and dates of employment.
2. Describe your experience with compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating information. Include your experience with report writing and presenting data to an audience. Specify the subject, audience, recommendations or findings, and the outcomes achieved.
3. Describe an experience working with a variety of stakeholders, such as members of the public, commercial businesses, engineering staff, contractors/consultants, regulators, advocacy groups, or similar. In your response, describe the project you were responsible for coordinating/managing and how you were able to work with these stakeholders to successfully accomplish a project or task.
 
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.
 
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Phil Dunbar at Phillip.Dunbar@sanjoseca.gov.

The City of Redwood City’s invites you to apply for the position of Pre-School Teacher (Bilingual Preferred).

• Please click on the job announcement file below to review the recruitment flyer.
• A complete application is required.
• Applications will be reviewed continuously as they are received. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.