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About the Position: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking two Engineering & Construction (E&C) Interns in the Engineering & Construction Department. Under close guidance of seasoned project management staff (including licensed engineers and landscape architects), the E&C Interns will support professional level design and construction project management activities, including the design and implementation of capital improvement and natural resource preservation and protection projects; coordinate project related assignments with other Midpen staff, outside consultants, contractors and regulatory agencies; assist with bidding process and construction efforts; and perform related work as required.  The expected start dates for internships are in May or June 2026.  

Basic Requirements: Current enrollment or a recent graduate (within the last 12 months) in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program, or trade school in a relevant field. Successful candidates will have a background in civil or structural engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, or a related field, experience with Microsoft Office suite and AutoCAD; and demonstrated expertise/enthusiasm in project management, construction management, and environmental conservation. This position requires great attention to detail, excellent communication skills, the ability to work well both in team settings and independently, and the willingness to occasionally work in rugged, remote settings.  Knowledge of construction management, landscape design, cost estimating, permitting, utilities, Adobe Creative Suite and Sketchup is a plus. Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required. 

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

Working Conditions/Schedule: This position will be divided between on-site work, remote office work, and field visits for construction field observations and coordination. Interns will be expected to be in the field anywhere between 3 to 5 days per week.  They will be able to work from home up to 2 days.  Personal protective equipment (hardhat, eye protection, and boots) will be required at construction sites. This position will operate in the E&C Department at Midpen offices in Los Altos, California. Fieldwork is conducted in rural or mountainous Midpen open space areas, which may involve working alone in wild land areas and traversing rough, difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak and dense vegetation. Work may take place during inclement weather conditions. Field work will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in temperatures ranging from cold and blustery to hot and dry. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment. Hours of work are flexible and can be designed around academic schedule requirements. This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, and will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 3-9 month period. This is a non-benefited position. 

Ready to apply?  Great!  We welcome your application online at CalOpps.org  (To avoid missing email communication regarding your status in this recruitment, please add mpropenspace@calopps.org to your contacts or list of safe senders) 

 Application deadline is Sunday, March 8, 2026. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
4. Supplemental question responses

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

 Virtual Interviews are planned for Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules.

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!

At San Mateo County's Department of Emergency Management, we're building something different. Our vision is audacious: become the most resilient county in the United States by 2030. We coordinate the full cycle of emergency management across 20 cities and 775,000+ residents. And we do it with a team that operates more like a startup than a bureaucracy – entrepreneurial, innovative, and relentlessly focused on what works.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

When disaster strikes—earthquake, wildfire, atmospheric river, or cascading crisis—the difference between lives saved and lives lost often comes down to one thing: communication. Did the alert reach the right people? In the right language? At the right time? Did it actually motivate action?

As our Alert & Warning Coordinator, you will own this mission. You'll architect the systems, craft the protocols, and build the partnerships that ensure every resident – from Half Moon Bay to Redwood City, from tech executives to farmworkers – gets the information they need to prepare, survive, and recover.

WHAT YOU WILL ACTUALLY DO

Build & Innovate:

• Lead the implementation of the Five Elements Framework—an evidence-based framework developed with leading researchers – in all our alerts and warning initiatives.
• Design multilingual alert systems that reach every community, including those often left behind.
• Integrate cutting-edge technologies: IPAWS, Genasys Protect, AI-powered monitoring, and tools that don't exist yet.
• Develop dashboards and systems that give our partners real-time situational awareness.

Coordinate & Connect:

• Serve as the nexus point between local, state, and federal emergency communication systems.
• Coordinate with 20 cities, 18 unincorporated areas, fire districts, law enforcement, healthcare systems, and community organizations.
• Build relationships with trusted community messengers who can amplify our reach.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts for emergency notification platforms.

Respond & Adapt:

• Maintain 24-hour readiness and participate in on-call rotation.
• Staff the Emergency Operations Center during activations—from Blue Sky preparedness to Dark Sky crisis.
• Lead after-action reviews that turn every incident into institutional learning.
• Troubleshoot systems under pressure when everything depends on them working.

WHO YOU ARE

You're not just checking boxes—you're solving problems nobody's solved before. You bring:

The Foundation:

• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, public administration, communications, or related field (Master's preferred but not required).
• 5+ years in program planning, emergency management, or crisis communications.
• FEMA ICS courses (100, 200, 700, 800) and IPAWS certification (IS-247, IS-251)—or willingness to complete.

The Technical Credentials:

• Deep knowledge of IPAWS protocols and alert & warning best practices.
• Fluency with emergency notification platforms, GIS, and communication technologies.
• Coding ability (Python, Java, or C++) to build tools, automate workflows, and solve problems.
• Understanding of radio communications systems and redundant infrastructure.

The Mindset That Sets You Apart:

• Insatiably curious. You read the research. You ask why. You're never satisfied with "that's how we've always done it."
• Agile under pressure. You don't just tolerate rapidly changing, demanding environments—you thrive in them.
• A team multiplier. You add value wherever you can, not just where your job description ends.
• Resilient. You bounce back. You adapt. You're ready for whatever comes next.
• An exceptional communicator. You write clearly, speak persuasively, and translate complexity into action.
• Equity-minded. You're committed to reaching every community, especially those historically underserved.

OUR CULTURE: NOT YOUR TYPICAL EM SHOP

We're breaking the emergency management mold. Our approach integrates:

• Growth mindset: Challenges are opportunities. Failures are learning.
• Agile structure: Swift, decentralized decision-making. No permission culture.
• Human-centered design: Solutions built around people, not bureaucracy.
• Our 3C Framework: Connection, Capability, Communication – the lens through which we approach everything.

We pair veteran emergency managers with data scientists, social scientists, and human-centered designers. We operate across Blue Sky (preparedness), Grey Sky (heightened readiness), and Dark Sky (crisis) conditions. And we're building something that will outlast all of us.

READY TO JOIN US?

Submit the following via email:

• Resume
• Cover letter responding to these questions (max 2 pages):

1. Describe your experience developing and managing alert & warning systems. What technologies have you worked with and what have you learned in the process?
2. Tell us about a time when communications went wrong during a crisis. What happened, how did you respond, and what systems did you build to prevent it happening again?
3. You are coordinating emergency response and your virtual EOC system fails. Walk us through your troubleshooting process.

Please craft the answers to these supplemental questions yourself.  If you use a tool such as AI, please customize your responses. We need to know how you think and what your experiences have been.  

Include the words "DEM Coordinator – Alert & Warning - Unclassified" in the subject line of email submission. 

Please submit the required materials electronically via email to: 

Rick Reed, DEM Coordinator

Email: rreed1@smcgov.org

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received and qualified candidates will be contacted by the department for an interview.  

APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submissions that do not include all required elements (a resume and a cover letter with responses to supplemental questions) will not be considered.

The mission of the Department of Emergency Management is to advance community resilience through a proactive and comprehensive approach to emergency management, involving the whole community in every phase of disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

To learn more about the DEM please visit https://www.smcgov.org/dem

About the County 
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
 
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (01232026) (Department of Emergency Management Coordinator - Q002)

WATER OPERATOR – Two Positions Available

Utilities Department, Operations Division, Water Section
$6,238.33 – $8,777.83 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

The final three steps (Step F, Step G, and Step H) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F), ten years of service (Step G), and 15 years of service (Step H), one year at the prior step, and a good performance evaluation. Initial salary placement is typically at the entry point of the range unless the candidate has prior lateral work experience which may warrant initial placement at a higher step. 

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. 

To foster teamwork and collaboration in the department, organization wide, and in the community, this full-time position works on-site/in-person. 

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team! 

ABOUT THE POSITION
Are you passionate about public service and protecting one of our community’s most vital resources – clean reliable drinking water? The City of Gilroy is seeking a skilled and motivated Water Operator to paly a key role in operating, maintaining, and improving the City’s water distribution and treatment systems. 

In this hands-on and highly impactful role, you will work under the general supervision of the Water Systems Superintendent, perform and lead journey level duties associated with the operation, construction and maintenance of the water system. The Water Operator has advanced understanding of operating the water system in a safe and sustainable manner, including the use of Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems as well as an understanding of water quality requirements. The Water Operator may also take direction from a Senior Maintenance Worker. This is a non-exempt classification represented by the AFSCME, Local 101, General Unit. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced water professional who values safety, teamwork, and excellence in service, and who wants to make a real difference every day for the residents and businesses of Gilroy. 
 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU’LL MAKE

As a Water Operator, your work directly safeguards public health, fire protection, and quality of life for the Gilroy community. You will ensure safe, high-quality drinking water for thousands of residents and support sustainable water system operations and regulatory compliance. Additionally, you will respond to emergencies and service needs that keep the City running smoothly and help maintain critical infrastructure that supports growth and resilience. Your expertise and dedication will be visible in every hydrant that flows, every meter that reads accurately, and every system that operates safely – often behind the scenes, but always essential.

THE TEAM AND DEPARTMENT
The Water Section is dedicated to providing high quality water and reliable services to our customers in a safe and timely manner. We promote smart, long-term and sustainable use of water resources. We accomplish this by managing our resources, utilizing practical technologies and providing employees with opportunities for growth and achievement.

CANDIDATE PERSPECTIVE
The City of Gilroy is committed to developing it’s employees. As a Water Operator, you’ll have opportunities to expand your certifications, technical expertise, and receive ongoing regulatory, safety, and leadership training. You will learn advanced SCADA, telemetry, and water quality technologies, gain experience in budgeting, contract oversight, and plan review. Whether you’re strengthening your technical mastery or building leadership skills, this role offers meaningful professional growth in a supportive public service environment. 

Working for Gilroy means being part of a collaborative organization that values integrity, respect, and teamwork. The City invests in it’s employees through training, career development, and a supportive work environment where your expertise is recognized and your contributions matter. With a strong focus on safety, infrastructure reliability, and customer service, Gilroy empowers its Utilities professionals to take pride in their work and make decisions that positively impact the community every day. 

EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Learn Gilroy’s water distribution and treatment systems, including wells, reservoirs, pump stations, SCADA operations. 
• Support the development of Gilroy’s valve exercising and hydrant flushing program, including record keeping. 
• Assist with Gilroy’s Steel Service Replacement program and keep the project on schedule for completion by July 1, 2028
• Complete required training and work toward Grade I Water Treatment Operator certificate and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate (if not already possessed). 

The City of Brisbane is currently accepting applications for Recreation Leaders. Under direct supervision, the Recreation Leader implements and facilitates well-rounded programs in youth after-school programs, pre-school programs, day camps, sports leagues, and special events at designated recreation facilities. This position involves face-to-face leadership and considerable contact with youth ages 5 to 12 years. A full job description is available at www.brisbaneca.org.

We invite applications for the position of:
Per Diem Recreation Program Specialist

$27.43-$32.72/hour

Open Until Filled

The City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department is looking responsible, enthusiastic, and team-oriented individuals to join our Senior Center Team!

The Position:

Are you seeking a meaningful career serving older adults in a diverse, multicultural community?
Join our team and make a positive difference every day. The Senior Lunch Program Coordinator will oversee the daily operations of two senior lunch programs, ensuring high-quality service and a welcoming environment for participants. This role provides leadership and guidance to per diem staff, Title V workers, and volunteers of all ages, serving as a coach and mentor to support their success. Strong attention to grant-related requirements and food safety compliance is essential to maintaining program excellence and accountability.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a valid State of California driver’s license and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This position requires the ability to work independently while receiving direction from a supervisor, as well as the capacity to train, oversee, and collaborate effectively with volunteers and older adults. Strong attention to detail is essential, including the ability to maintain accurate records and submit documentation as required. Proficiency with computers, including experience using Microsoft Word and Excel, is required. Upon hire, the candidate must successfully obtain a State Food Handler Safety Certificate and pass all required background checks. A bilingual pay differential may be available for candidates fluent in identified languages.  Must be available Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm.

Recreation Program Specialist Example Duties:

• Follow reservation protocol/procedure for patrons.
• Review menu provided by caterer, submit nutritional component breakdown to County for grant compliance, and prepare flyers for patron.
• Submit documentation/information associated with County nutrition grant to supervisor.
• Schedule and implement nutritional education for seniors and in-service training for staff and volunteers.
• Serve as liaison with caterer, grant provider and staff/volunteers.
• Implement food safety practices as outlined by the Health Department.
• Prior nutrition experience is desired, but not required. Training will be provided.

Are You Interested? Apply!
Applications can be found on our website at www.cityofsanmateo.org, on-line at www.calopps.org or at City facilities to e-mail to TCook@cityofsanmateo.org. If you have any questions, contact Community Services Supervisor, Tommy Cook via email or 650.522.7453.

Fine Print Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including  reference checks, a Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Live Scan fingerprint background check, and Tuberculosis (TB) clearance. The policy of the City of San Mateo is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual preference, marital status, or national origin.  It is the intent and desire of the City of San Mateo that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants requiring accommodations for any part of the testing or recruitment process must notify wleopoldino@cityofsanmateo.org or (650) 522-7265 seven (7) days in advance of the deadline for the part of the process requiring accommodations.  Do not upload any documents related to your request for accommodation in CalOpps.  The City of San Mateo complies with employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The San Mateo Police Department is accepting applications for Police Officer Lateral Candidates Only!

This is continuous recruitment.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, a Lateral Candidate must have:

a)  Possession of a California Basic POST Course Certificate written exam certificate with a preferred T-score of 52 or above. Possession of a California Post Course Certificate (as noted above) of at least 800 hours issued within 3 years of the date of application. A copy of your certificate with your application is required in order for you to continue with the process.

AND

b)  Currently employed or previously employed within the last 12 months with a California Law Enforcement Agency as a Peace Officer. A copy of your certificate with your application is required in order for you to continue with the process.

Those applicants meeting the minimum qualifications and have submitted the required documentation, will be added to the employment list. Please email them to joinsmd@cityofsanmateo.org.

Failure to attach and/or submit your certificate, your application will not move forward in the process.

The Position: Police Officers perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; control traffic flow and enforce state and local regulations; perform investigative work; participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs and do related police work as assigned. Duties and hours will vary with assignments.

The Department:  Consists of a diverse and outstanding group of men and women who have dedicated themselves to public service. Our staff is devoted to protecting and serving the citizens of San Mateo professionally, while providing outstanding customer service.  The department is dedicated to providing creative and long-term solutions to ongoing issues that may arise from time to time.

The City of San Mateo is currently taking applications for the position of Dispatcher. Being a police dispatcher is an exciting career opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments. As the critical link between the public and law enforcement, dispatchers play a vital role in ensuring community safety by coordinating emergency responses and providing essential support to officers in the field. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives every day while developing valuable skills in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving. If you are looking for a rewarding career that challenges you to stay calm under pressure and be a part of a dedicated team, consider becoming a police dispatcher.

This is a continuous recruitment. Applicants are added to the employment list if they meet the minimum qualifications. 

The Department:

The Santa Clara City Library is a department of the City and has positioned itself as a dynamic community hub, providing access to information, literacy resources, educational programming, and promotes civic engagement in Santa Clara. The Library Department is organized into seven divisions: Administration, Adult Services, Branch Services, Customer Services, Facilities, Technical and Technology Services and Youth Services. Santa Clara City Library is in the process of finalizing and implementing its new Strategic Plan that will support the direction of future library services.

The Position:

This is the entry-level class within the literacy series responsible for helping raise community awareness of the library’s adult and family literacy services. The Literacy Advocate does community outreach, facilitates information meetings for new learners and volunteers and supports the involvement of adult learners in the Read Santa Clara program, connecting them to helpful library and community resources.  Read Santa Clara is the adult and family literacy program of the Santa Clara City Library. 

The position being filled is a 0.5 FTE position. Benefits for this position will be prorated to a half-time position. The annual salary range for this position is $34,966.38 - $44,692.20, this is a prorated amount. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a Resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a bi-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.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE.  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 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 OR INTERVIEW. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Experience Requirements:

Minimum of one year experience as a learner in an adult literacy program is required.

Acceptable Substitution:

None

License/Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license is required.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with a diverse group of adults.
• Experience doing community outreach with adults or families. 
• Knowledge of adult literacy issues.

Other Requirements: 

• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb and walk up and down stairs as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Walk or stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift and carry library/literacy materials weighing up to 25 lbs
• May be required to work evenings and weekends
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

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

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points.  Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.

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.

Salary

$141,065.60 Annually

Position Summary

Under general supervision, performs repair, maintenance and alterations of electrical equipment including toll equipment and facilities on the bridge, shops, roadways, administration building and other District offices.

Essential Responsibilities

• Performs routine maintenance on all electrical and related equipment, according to established maintenance schedule, for bridge facilities and buildings and for other divisions as requested.
• Inspects and repairs electrical motors, transformers, switch gear, heating, ventilating and air conditioning controls, alarms, signal systems, navigation aids, roadway lighting.
• Performs alteration work and other duties, as direct or requested, on all District offices, terminals and facilities.
• Knows and follows the safety and health rules and safe working practices applicable to his or her job.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with District employees, customers, vendors and all others contacted during the course of work using principles of excellent customer service.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance and performance is required.

Full Job Description and Apply URL: Electrician | Job Details tab | Career Pages  

Do you have a passion for outdoor recreation and open space planning? Do you seek an opportunity to work on planning projects that focus on land use, public access improvements and staff facilities?  Midpen has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Planner III who will manage complex planning projects facilitating public access and outdoor recreation in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.  The ideal candidate will be an organized, creative, and energetic self-starter with excellent communication, leadership and project management skills, and enjoys working with people. Top-level candidates are experienced with environmental review processes, feasibility studies, public outreach and engagement, design project management, and local, state, and federal land use laws and permitting processes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHP), etc.

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with over 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact.  If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!  Midpen aims to recruit and retain employees who embody professionalism, accountability, and respect, who value working in a purpose-driven agency that aspires to contribute to an inclusive, diverse and equitable community.

About the Position:  The Planner III focuses on a wide variety of planning and capital improvement projects that include long-range planning; land use planning; site design; and environmental review to increase public access, outdoor recreation, and enjoyment of Midpen’s lands. The Planner III is tasked with performing complex professional level planning, analysis, and design; developing and administering project scopes, schedules and budgets; analyzing project risks and environmental issues related to public access and natural and cultural resources; directing the feasibility and early design phase of capital improvement projects that include trails, trailhead staging/parking areas and staff facilities; developing recommendations for land use policies; preparing long-range plans to guide the use and management of Midpen lands; conducting public outreach and engagement; preparing requests for proposals; assisting in development of grant applications; preparing environmental review documents; and obtaining planning permits and initial approvals for projects. The Planner III also provides project presentations to senior management, the Board of Directors, and Committees, and at public meetings, that may be held in the evenings and weekends. The Planner III also oversees and participates in the work of junior staff and has experience providing a high level of customer service with the public, vendors, contractors, and Midpen staff.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who works independently with some supervision; possesses supervisory experience over other staff; communicates well and collaborates closely with internal team members from other departments to complete project requirements; works with local jurisdictional agencies to coordinate planning and permitting efforts; directs multidisciplinary teams of consultants; coordinates with in-house designers; prepares and presents clear and concise oral and written communications to senior staff and management, the Board of Directors and public; keeps projects on schedule and on budget while remaining flexible to adjust priorities as needed; maintains well-organized and complete project documentation; and builds trust with peers, community members, stakeholders, and Midpen leadership. Beneficial skills for this position would include experience in collaborative team environments; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and tribal relations; Coastal land use planning and permitting; and computer-based and/or other systems such as GIS for management and analysis of data regarding Midpen lands, facilities, natural and cultural resources.

For additional information about the position, see the Job Description page on Midpen’s website. The position receives direct supervision from a Senior Planner.

A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment and contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team of bright, energetic, and motivated professionals with a passion for the outdoors, trails, and preserving open space
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment:  This position is part of the Planning Department at Midpen’s office in Los Altos, California.  The Planner III will be expected to be available to provide project presentations in the evenings and sometimes on weekends. In addition to working in the office, the Planner III will sometimes work in the field and hike through steep terrain and wildland areas.  Field work will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in temperatures ranging from cold and blustery to hot and dry. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment. Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute work schedule for this position in addition to a 9/80 schedule.

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 urban or environmental planning, landscape architecture, natural resource management, community development, environmental sciences, public administration, or a closely related field and
• At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in planning project management preferably in parks, open space, or a closely related field.

Licenses & Certifications Required:   Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Benefits:   Midpen provides an excellent benefits package including health, life & disability insurance as well as CalPERS pension. Please see the Benefits page on Midpen’s website for details.

How to Apply: apply online at CalOpps.org.

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

The deadline to apply is February 15, 2026. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application 

2. Cover letter 

3. Resume 

4. Supplemental question responses

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

Interview Schedule:   (dates are subject to change)

First Interview (virtual): February 26, 2026

Second Interview & Written Exercise (in person): March 3, 2026

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: before committing to the application process, and if you haven’t done so already, we suggest evaluating the feasibility of relocation. We recommend researching the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost to relocate, and typical commute times to Los Altos from outlying areas.

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. Information can be found in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Section 4.13 Off-Duty Employment and Business Ownership.

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

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!