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SUPVERVISNG WATER QUALITY SPECIALIST
Utilities Department, Water Section 
$8,000.33 – $11,257.00 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.

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

ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated, and service oriented Supervising Water Quality Specialist to join our Utilities Department. This vital supervisory role supports the community by ensuring that Gilroy’s potable and recycled water systems meet the highest standards of safety, reliability and environmental compliance.

In this exciting opportunity, the Supervising Water Quality Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Water Systems Superintendent performing journey-level duties and will supervise a variety of work in the collection and testing of water samples, maintenance of records and generation of reports relating to water quality, and research and evaluation of existing and proposed regulations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal water quality regulations. The Supervising Water Quality Specialist will lead the development and implementation of the Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Control Programs and will perform work associated with the operation, construction, and maintenance of the water system. 

This is a non-exempt, supervisory position that is represented by AFSCME, Local 101, Supervisory Unit. 

This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in both field and office environments, enjoy mentoring others and value public service. You will play a key part in safeguarding public health, interpreting data, preparing reports, recommending corrective actions, improving operational practices and support the long-term sustainability of Gilroy’s water resources. 

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
This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional development by allowing you to gain advanced experience in water quality, distribution, treatment, and regulatory compliance. You will expand your leadership capabilities through supervisory responsibilities, training experience, and mentorship opportunities, while strengthening your technical knowledge in specialized areas such as backflow prevention, cross connection control and SCADA systems, telemetry and advanced water testing equipment. The role also provides access to City-supported professional training, certifications, and continuing education, helping you build expertise that directly supports long-term infrastructure improvements and the modernization of water systems. Altogether, this position establishes a strong foundation for growth into higher supervisory or managerial roles within municipal water operations. 

EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Refine improvements to water quality sampling schedules, workflows, and documentation process. 
• Completion of the Annual Water Quality Report, SWRCB Electronic Annual Report and the Annual Water Loss Audit. 
• Implementation of Gilroy’s Backflow Prevention Program. 
• Participate in updating and improving regulatory reporting templates and submission processes. 
• Support hydrant and valve maintenance programs including data tracking and field coordination. 

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

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

SENIOR PLANNER

Community Development Department, Planning Division

$10,495.08 - $14,415.83 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

The salary range listed above reflects the full compensation potential for this position. Initial placement in the salary range is typically within the first half of the range; however, in certain circumstances (i.e. an experienced lateral candidate) placement at or above the midpoint may be considered. The last 3% of the salary range requires five years of City of Gilroy service and strong work performance – see MOU for specific requirements.

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

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


ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting a Senior Planner position in the Community Development Department. In this exciting opportunity, the Senior Planner is poised to make a significant impact towards building a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city for all. The Senior Planner will be assigned full responsibility for a variety of complex planning projects and entitlement permits, performing high-level professional planning duties using independent judgement in analyzing work and making recommendations and important decisions. Additional tasks include aiding applicants and the general public. Related duties and functions include project initiation, preparation, analysis, stakeholder coordination, environmental review, presentations, and enforcement. The role offers the opportunity to influence policy, champion sustainability, create spaces that promote equity and accessibility, and ensure that all initiatives align with our community’s long-term vision. 

The Senior Planner is a mid-management position and may mentor junior level staff and supervise technical, professional, and administrative staff.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The City of Gilroy’s Community Development Department Planning Division is committed to developing and implementing programs to support the City’s General Plan. We promote sustainable development and encourage quality design and livability of resident neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones within the City’s urban sphere. We pride ourselves on providing superior customer service. Our team is dedicated, energetic, collaborative, solution oriented, and we support innovative strategies that enhance quality of life and foster economic growth. 

Continuous goals of this department are to provide current and long-range community planning services in conformance with the Gilroy 2040 General Plan and consistent with City Council direction. The Planning team is responsible for implementation of Gilroy’s General Plan / Housing Element, Zoning Ordinance, adopted specific plans and other associated policies and ordinances. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Responding to public inquiries related to land-use and property development regulations. 
• Providing solution-oriented customer service to support economic development opportunities whenever possible. 
• Reviewing land-use entitlement applications (e.g. tentative map, conditional use permit, annexation, general plan amendment, architectural & site review permits) for conformance with adopted policies and regulations. 
• Administering the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for environmental review related to planning and development proposals. 
• Implementing and updating the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. 
• Providing staff support for the Planning Commission, as needed
• Resolving land-use related violations through Code Enforcement. 

FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

• Complete Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update 
• Complete Historic Resource Inventory Update and create Mills Act monitoring procedures 
• Manage a range of the more complex applications, including subdivisions, architectural and site review applications, and General Plan/Zoning amendments
• Build subject matter expertise in ADU development, housing policy, CEQA compliance and equity-based community development

The Department: 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) constructs, maintains and improves various components of the City’s infrastructure and provides quality, cost-effective, timely services to the residents and businesses of Santa Clara. DPW is responsible for a wide variety of programs throughout the City which include implementation of solid waste and urban run-off pollution prevention programs, design, construction management, inspection and maintenance of City streets, bridges, storm drain systems, traffic signal systems, building facilities, fleet, street trees, landscaping and the closed landfill. The Mechanical Maintenance Position is in the Facilities Division of the Public Works Department.

The Position: 

The Mechanical Maintenance Worker is a journey level technical classification. This classification operates, lubricates, cleans, adjusts, and makes repairs to heating, ventilating, refrigeration, emergency generators, solar systems, and other stationary building equipment, and installs and troubleshoots electrical systems up to 480 volts. The Mechanical Maintenance Worker is distinguished from the Mechanical Maintenance Foreman/Forewoman in that the latter is a supervisory position responsible for supervising Mechanical Maintenance Workers and Utility Workers in the maintenance and repair of the mechanical equipment found in City buildings.

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 1) Resume 2) Upload HVAC/Refrigerant certification and 3) Answer all supplemental questions. 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. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of January 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

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.

The annual salary range for this position is $104,936.40 - $133,560.72. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range. 

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance, operation, installation and troubleshooting of diesel and gas engines, centralized heating, ventilation, emergency generators and air conditioning units, related mechanical equipment and electrical systems (up to 480 volts) found in heavy duty machinery or large buildings, such as manufacturing plants, office buildings, or public buildings.

Acceptable Substitution: 

None. 

License/Certifications: 

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required at time of appointment and for the duration of employment.
• California State issued Forklift Certification by the end of the probationary period.
• HVAC/Refrigerant certification required at time of appointment and for the duration of employment.

Desirable Qualifications: 

Experience with building management systems, such as Direct Digital Control (DDC), Variable Air Volume (VAV), and other related electrical control systems is desirable.

Other Requirements:  

• May be required to work odd and unusual hours in the performance of duties and in emergency situations.
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.
• Applicants appointed to this position must possess the ability to differentiate primary colors.

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. 

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) 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. 

Do you have a passion for protecting and preserving open space? Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking a skilled and motivated Property Management Specialist (PMS) I/II to join our team of professionals dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural environment within Midpen’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Peninsula. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in project management, real estate principles and practices, and laws pertaining to property and asset management, including the administration of land use, rental and leasing agreements, property easements, and encroachments. A basic working knowledge of construction and water systems is also important. The selected individual will demonstrate strong communication and excellent customer service skills, keen attention to detail, sound judgement, effective problem-solving abilities, and the ability to collaborate professionally with stakeholders while managing multiple priorities. The start date for this position is April 2026.

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 more than 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! 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.

About the Position:   The Property Management Specialist I/II position is responsible for managing rental and communication leases, as well as leased land programs, including coordinating work of contractors, tenants and staff, on maintenance and construction of infrastructure on District lands. This position also supports agricultural rentals and historical leases.  Key responsibilities include preparing Requests for Proposals, selecting tenants, negotiating and drafting leases, and coordinating and managing the installation of infrastructure including but not limited to fencing and water systems.  The role also involves ensuring compliance with lease terms, collecting rent, and handling day-to -day general tenant communication.  The Property Management Specialist is expected to have the skills to trouble shoot and repair minor maintenance issues, as well as addressing larger infrastructure projects by overseeing contractors, lessees, or staff to ensure timely and effective completion of repairs. 

Responsibilities

The Property Management Specialist I performs most of the duties required of the position at an entry-level, providing support to more experienced Property Management Specialists and the District’s property management programs. Work is typically assigned on smaller scale projects or as support for larger projects managed by more experienced property management staff.

The Property Management Specialist II performs the full range of duties and is typically assigned to medium and large-scale projects which may be managed independently or in support of larger interdisciplinary, interdepartmental project teams as a property management subject matter expert. Successful performance requires coordinating work with other District departments and public agencies, as well as frequent interaction with tenants, landowners, contractors, consultants, and the general public. At this level. staff receive only occasional guidance for new or unusual situations  and are fully knowledgeable of operating procedures and policies.

The PMS I/II job description, can be found on our job description page at www.openspace.org.

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: The PMS I/II is a full-time position within the Facilities & Fleet Department at Midpen’s office in Los Altos, California, reporting to the Senior Property Management Specialist and the Facilities & Fleet Manager.  Midpen offers a hybrid office/telecommute work schedule for this position following successful onboarding, and it may also be eligible for a 9/80 schedule.  To meet service needs, three on-site workdays per week are required– set days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the office.  In addition to office work, the PMS I/II may perform fieldwork, including hiking through steep terrain and wildland areas. Fieldwork will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in temperatures ranging from cold and blustery to hot and dry, with exposure to poison oak, ticks and other wildlife. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in these types of field conditions, as well as in an office environment.  

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.

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:

Property Management Specialist I: equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in real estate, real estate law, property or asset management, business administration or a related field.  One (1) year of experience in real estate or property management that includes significant public contact, preferably with a public agency or land trust is highly desirable. 

Property Management Specialist II: equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in real estate, real estate law, property or asset management, business administration or a related field.  Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in real estate or property management that includes agricultural lease management and significant public contact, preferably with a public agency or land trust. 

Licenses & Certifications Required:  

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of an International Right of Way Association (IRWA) Right of Way Agent Certification relevant to assignment and an IRWA Right of Way Asset Management Certification is highly desirable.

How to Apply: Apply online at CalOpps.org.

Application deadline is Sunday, February 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.

Interview Schedule: (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules) 

First Interview (virtual): Tuesday, February 24, 2026 

Written Exercise/ Final Interviews (in person): Wednesday, March 4, 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.

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!

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has an excellent career opportunity for an experienced and motivated Conservation Grazing Program Manager who will plan, organize, manage, oversee, and participate in the implementation of objectives outlined in the conservation grazing program and the agricultural land management projects within the District’s Coastside mission.  The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge base of resource management principles focused on rangeland ecology, rangeland vegetation management, rangeland plant physiology, and rangeland animal management and can provide a high level of lease oversight to assist tenants with incorporating resource protection measures as part of their grazing practices.  The start date for this position is April 2026. District housing for rent will be available in April 2026 for the selected individual.

About the Position: The Conservation Grazing Program Manager is responsible for monitoring compliance with lease terms, coordinating with grazing tenants to complete annual work plans, preparing contracts for infrastructure improvements, and soliciting proposals for grazing services, vegetation management, and infrastructure enhancements. This position is housed within the Facilities & Fleet Department and works closely with the Natural Resources department on predation issues, pond management and water supply enhancement projects, and cultural resource protection. The role also collaborates with the Land Stewardship & Trails department on the maintenance and repair of roads and culverts located on grazing properties. As the single point of contact for Midpen’s conservation grazing program, the position is expected to enhance and expand customer service support for grazing tenants and agricultural partners on the coast. Successful performance in this role requires a strong working knowledge of a broad range of resource management and property management principles, contract and project management practices, and effective program management and strategic planning skills, as well as the ability to provide guidance to multi-disciplinary teams.  This position works regularly with staff, public agencies, community groups, contractors, scientific study representatives, easement holders and grazing tenants. Candidates with experience managing grazing properties, agricultural leases, and project management are desirable. For additional information about the Conservation Grazing Program Manager position, see the RMS III Job Description.

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 more than 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! 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.

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: The Conservation Grazing Program Manager reports to the Facilities & Fleet Manager. This position operates in a hybrid work environment with approximately 60% of the time spent working in an administrative or field office, 10% work from home, 30% conducting field work.  Available housing is located on the San Mateo coast just south of Pescadero, CA on the coastal side of Cloverdale Open Space Preserve, which is approx. 1 hour and 15 min driving time from the Midpen’s administrative office in Los Altos. The District currently has 12,000 acres under lease for conservation grazing along the Pacific Coast extending from Half Moon Bay to Pescadero. Field work requires driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in temperatures ranging from cold and windy to hot and dry, and hiking through steep terrain and wildland areas. District vehicles are available for use for travel to the grazing properties. Poison oak is present on several grazing properties and exposure is possible.  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, may be eligible for the flexible work programs which includes 9/80 schedules.

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.

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 environmental design, natural resource management, ecology, biology, geology or a related field, and three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in natural resource management preferably in parks, open space, or related field, including at least one (1) year of supervisory and administrative responsibility. Bi-Lingual in Spanish is a plus, but not required.  A Master’s Degree is desirable.

Licenses & Certifications Required:    

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Certified Rangeland Manager Certification is highly desirable.

How to Apply: Apply online at CalOpps.org.

Application deadline is Sunday, February 1, 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: (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules) 

First Interview (virtual): Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Written Exercise/ Final Interviews (in person): Thursday, March 5, 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.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at

(650) 691-1200 or via email at hr@openspace.org.   

Put your passion for Open Space to work!

About the Position: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking three interns in the Natural Resources Department: one Water Resources Intern and two Conservation Biology Interns.  Under the guidance of our professional biological staff, these subject-matter focused internships will provide training in a broad range of common natural resource management techniques and environmental analyses.  Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months).  The expected start date for these positions is in April 2026. 

Water Resources Intern 

• The responsibilities of the intern will focus on a long-term aquatic habitat assessment and restoration project. Additional smaller projects may be assigned in other natural resource subject areas. Responsibilities will include scientific literature reviews, GIS mapping and modeling, data analysis, organizing and performing field work, writing reports, and science communication.  Successful candidates will have an understanding of the hydrologic or ecological principles of wetlands and streams, experience with ArcGIS Pro, the ability to collect, organize, and interpret data, and written communication skills.  Experience with data analysis in R, Python, or Microsoft Excel is preferred, and supplemental training time will be available. Experience with field work in remote areas is desirable.

Conservation Biology Intern (2 positions)

• The responsibilities of the intern include identifying plants in the field following plant survey and collection protocols; providing biological monitoring during construction and other ground-disturbing activities; GIS mapping, researching and preparing written summaries of local species, and collecting and organizing data in spreadsheets and databases. Requires the ability to identify plants and common wildlife of California as well as the skill of interpreting scientific reports and writing summaries. 

Basic Requirements: Current enrollment in a post-secondary education (e.g., associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree) program in a relevant field or a recent graduate. Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Successful candidates will have a background in biology, botany, ecology, geology, environmental studies or another related field; and some experience with field survey techniques. Experience with ArcGIS software and mapping natural resources with GPS equipment are a plus. Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required. For additional information about the position, see the job description on our website.

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 remote office work, on-site office work and field visits to survey, map, and collect field data. This position will operate in the Natural Resources 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 wildland areas and traversing rough, difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak, ticks and dense vegetation. Work may take place during inclement weather conditions. The selected individual will be required to work a minimum of three days on-site per week, and work may vary between field and office work. This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, which will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-9 month period (school schedules can be accommodated within regular business days/hours). Regular business is conducted Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  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, February 1, 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: (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules and dates are subject to change) 

Virtual Interviews: Two separate interview sessions will be held the week of February 16th. Dates are anticipated to fall between February 17th and February 20th (one interview date dedicated to each focus area). 

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

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