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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 Energy Department is looking to fill two (2) Part-Time Marketing and Communications Graduate Student Intern (Unclassified) position.

The Marketing and Communications Intern’s primary responsibility will be to assist SJCE with day-to-day communications and improving customer experiences. Projects could include:

• Help maintain and expand SJCE’s program webpages (electric vehicles, solar and storage, electric homes, etc.)
• Assist with developing online tools to help customers navigate the electric vehicles, home electrification, and rooftop solar and increase adoption.
• Write clear and engaging content for web pages, blogs, articles, emails, social media and marketing materials.
• Research, coordinate, and attend community events to increase awareness of SJCE programs and services, particularly in diverse communities. Pitch community events for the marketing team to attend, prepare collateral and materials for events, and conduct outreach at events. The intern may be asked to develop an interactive game or activity for SJCE’s event booth.
• Organize SJCE’s marketing collateral and develop a library of materials that is visible and accessible for department staff and the public.
• Assist with noticing for SJCE programs and improve and streamline processes. This includes drafting letters and emails, developing and refining key messaging, and reviewing data to measure the effectiveness of communications.
• Become a cheerleader for SJCE and CCAs! Connect with colleagues in the field and develop an understanding of industry trends and initiatives.

Additionally, this intern will help support SJCE’s ongoing work, including attending meetings, developing marketing collateral, and collecting and analyzing data to improve customer experiences.

Pay: Graduate Student Intern: $20.52-$30.30 per hour (unclassified, unbenefited) 
This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The actual salary will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Work Schedule: During the academic year, interns are recommended to work 24-40 hours per week, with schedules determined collaboratively between the hiring manager and the intern based on student availability and project needs. During summer and winter breaks, interns may work up to 40 hours per week. 

 

Minimum Qualifications  

 

Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's Degree and current
enrollment in a Masters degree program from an accredited college or university in business or public administration
or closely related field.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the state of California may be required in performing job duties.

Desired skills:

• Provide creative suggestions to achieve communication goals.
• Research, fact check, proofread, and edit as necessary.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• May include other duties and tasks of a similar nature as assigned.

Other desired knowledge and characteristics:

• Environmental or energy coursework and other training
• Experience/knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software and Canva Pro
• Experience/knowledge of social media
• Bilingual Spanish, Vietnamese or Chinese.

Other Qualifications

Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those 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.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Adrienne Barreto at Adrienne.Barreto@sanjoseca.gov
 

 

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility:  Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.  

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

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.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.  IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. 

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process. 

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.

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!

Under general supervision or direction of the District Engineer, performs a variety of civil engineering work related to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the District’s wastewater treatment plant, collection system, recycled water, and related facilities; manages construction and capital improvement projects; conducts field inspections to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications and District regulations; confers with developers, contractors, and representatives of other agencies regarding facility and infrastructure development; performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents technical and staff reports; and performs other related work as required. The position may directly or indirectly supervise engineering staff in accordance with District policies and procedures as well as applicable labor, regulatory, and safety laws.

This is an advanced-level classification in the professional engineering classification. Incumbents perform highly complex engineering, project management, and construction management work with a high degree of independence and discretion. Positions at this level serve as lead engineers and project managers on major maintenance and capital improvement projects, responsible for establishing project objectives, scopes, budgets, schedules, and delivery methods, and for overseeing planning, design, construction, and close-out activities. Depending on the position, the incumbent will perform professional work including*:

• Prepares and reviews designs, specifications, plans, estimates, bid documents, and reports related to the construction, maintenance, and operation of wastewater treatment, collection system, recycled water, and other District facilities.
• Conducts engineering analyses and related studies, prepares engineering calculations, evaluates alternatives, makes recommendations, and prepares reports for management and the Board of Directors.
• Manages capital improvement, construction, and maintenance projects through all phases including planning, design, construction and implementation, and close-out; leads project teams in the execution of projects; develops work plans, scope of work, budget, schedules, and baseline requirements.
• Confers with and provides information to contractors, developers, engineers, and architects regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications, and related requirements; explains requirements and procedures and evaluates alternatives.
• Provides support for District construction projects, including conducting inspections, monitoring progress, reviewing design changes, submittals, and requests for information, interpreting contract documents, and negotiating and approving change orders and claims; prepares, reviews, and approves progress payments; resolves billing issues.
• Maintains accurate records of facility components and property rights, including the administration of real property interests and easements.
   

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Sausalito Parks and Recreation is Seeking Vibrant Skilled Recreation Leaders 

This recruitment is for spring, summer and fall events and activities beginning March 9th, such as Bocce and Volleyball Referee, Jazz and Blues, Fourth of July, Chili Cook-off, A Toast to Sausalito, Halloween and other fun classes, activities, and events. Ideal candidates will be available to referee Monday through Thursday each week and/or to staff events on Friday evenings from June through August and occasional Saturdays. 

Pay: $16.90 - $17.90/ Hr.

The City of Sausalito is recruiting part-time temporary help for the spring, summer, and fall seasons of recreation activities and City-wide events.  The first of these is the Bocce League referee.  

Bocce Referee
As a Sausalito Parks and Recreation Bocce Referee, you are responsible for set-up, management, and cleanup of scheduled Bocce matches. You are the enforcer of rules, an impartial judge, and an advocate for fun and fair play, all while maintaining a positive attitude and providing a friendly environment when communicating with teams and keeping score. This position reports directly to the Recreation Supervisor.  The ideal candidate must meet all minimum requirements as listed below and be confident and capable of dealing with conflict and intense games.  

Event Staff

As a Sausalito Parks and Recreation Event Staff member, you are responsible for actively participating in set-up, cleanup, and management of your assigned event.  You must arrive on time and remain until the event leader releases you after the event.   Event staff may set up chairs, tables, stages, corridors, and barriers.  You may be asked to perform traffic control or direct drivers to parking.  The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, meet all of the minimum requirements below, remain calm under pressure and in the face of adversity, be cheerful, friendly, and love the diversity of people. 

The minimum requirements for the position are:

• Reliable transportation to and from games or events
• Ability and commitment to arrive on time and remain until duties are completed and you are released
• Confidence and capability to manage conflict with grace and calm
• Commitment to long hours, days, evenings, or on weekends depending on the assigned event schedule
• Must be 14 years of age or older and must obtain a WORK PERMIT if under 18
• Able to work independently
• Excellent people skills
• Strong ability to follow directions
• Ability to lift and carry 25lbs

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates should apply through CalOpps.org. Please go to the Member Agencies tab and select the City of Sausalito. Complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate.

Applications will be reviewed for completeness.  Applicants must answer the supplemental questions.  All applicants who will work with children must undergo a LiveScan review and TB test prior to employment.   

Applications that meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the eligible list and forwarded to the hiring manager for consideration.   Applicants reaching the eligible list will be notified of their status.   Once on the eligible list, you may or may not receive a call to interview.   Interviews will depend on the number of positions available and the answers to the supplemental questions.

Temporary positions receive no benefits except as required by law.  Employees in this position will be eligible after 30 days of employment for California paid sick leave. 

The City of Sausalito is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing alternate pathways to entry for positions and promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce.

THE COMMUNITY:  Sausalito is a beautiful, San Francisco Bayfront city of 7,400 residents within 2.2 square miles that serves a visitor population that may be several times the size of the year round population.  The blend of historical buildings, wooded hillsides, sweeping Bay, and San Francisco views nestled against the Golden Gate National Recreation Area combine to make Sausalito a community of unparalleled charm and natural beauty. 

Description:  Applications for the Ranger Recruit and Ranger positions will be accepted beginning the week of March 2. Interested applicants are encouraged to create a personal profile in CalOpps and sign up for job alerts to receive notifications about future opportunities that match their employment interests.

About the Position:

The start date for these positions is early-December 2026.  For additional information, see the Ranger Recruit and Ranger specifications on our job description page at OpenSpace.org.

The Ranger Recruit is a trainee-level position for individuals who do not possess a Ranger Academy certificate or equivalent, or valid PC 832 certificate.  Upon commencement of employment, new Ranger Recruits will participate in pre-academy instruction on the duties of a District Ranger, receive orientation to District lands and operations and complete additional required training.  Upon completion of pre-academy instruction, new Ranger Recruits will participate in a district approved Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy based out of the South Bay Regional Training Center in San Jose, CA located on Bailey Avenue with the nearest cross street on Santa Teresa Avenue.  The 14-week long academy begins in January 2027 and will include the California Penal Code 832 training.  Upon successful completion of the academy and the District’s required robust 12-week Field Training program and final review by the Chief Ranger, a Ranger Recruit may be appointed as a probationary Ranger.   

The Ranger is a challenging and adventurous journey level position offering a wide variety of responsibilities and opportunities to exercise independent judgement while working on Midpen preserves.   

What does a District Ranger do?  District Rangers are Generalist Rangers who perform a wide variety of functions. A brief list of day-to-day activities follows:

• Midpen Rangers are sworn peace officers responsible for patrolling District Preserves and enforcing the District's regulations and pertinent local, State, and Federal laws on District Preserves. Patrol may be by 4x4 truck, foot, UTV, motorcycle, or mountain bike.  
• Respond to medical emergencies, wildland fires and search and rescue incidents.
• Help maintain the preserves by performing light maintenance tasks and resource management assignments.
• Engage the public through interpretive activities and community outreach.
• Shift schedules include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Positions will be assigned to one of the following District offices:

• Skyline Field Office – Palo Alto Hills
• Foothills Field Office - Cupertino
• Coastal Area Office – La Honda
• South Area Office – Campbell

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! 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.  

Peace Officer Standards for Rangers: Applicants must meet the standards for being a California Peace Officer as outlined in Government Code Section 1031.  Ranger Recruits must complete Midpen's requirements for training of Peace Officers by attending and successfully completing a Midpen approved law enforcement academy upon hire, unless they have successfully passed an equivalent academy, and possess a California Penal Code 832 certificate. 

Basic Job Requirements: Must have the ability to enforce pertinent laws and regulations; administer first aid and CPR; demonstrate and maintain the physical fitness and mobility to meet District fitness standards, and to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to respond to emergency situations to provide emergency medical services, perform fire suppression, and to gain control of a situation for self-defense or in defense of others; operate and maintain various power tools and equipment; operate emergency patrol vehicles and two-way radios; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Possess the aptitude and demonstrated interest in park/open space work, philosophy, and principles; willingness to perform law enforcement duties; aptitude for interpretive and public relations work; emotional maturity; dependability; punctuality; tact and diplomacy; poise and self-confidence; sensitivity to needs and attitudes of others; neatness and courtesy.   

Certificates and Licenses: A valid California driver’s license; Possession of or ability to obtain the following certificates prior to completion of the employment probationary period: valid professional rescuer CPR certificate and Medical First Responder or equivalent; a Midpen approved Fire Suppression Training certificate; certification in the Incident Command System courses as specified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Education & 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:

Ranger Recruit

• Equivalent to an Associate degree from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience working in visitor/customer service or an equivalent position that includes interacting with the public.  Education and/or experience in law enforcement, resource management, natural sciences, park management, wildland firefighting, or a related field is highly desirable. 
• Certificates and Licenses: A valid California Class C driver’s license.

Ranger

• Meet all qualifications for Ranger Recruit, plus:
• Certificates and Licenses:  Current possession of a District approved Law Enforcement Training certification and a valid California 832 certificate for appointment as a peace officer, and ability to obtain the following certificates prior to completion of the employment probationary period: completion of the District’s Field Training Program, valid professional rescuer CPR certificate and Medical First Responder or equivalent; a Midpen approved Fire Suppression Training certificate; certification in the Incident Command System courses as specified under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Working Conditions:  Rangers work cohesively with local law enforcement, fire agencies and other adjoining land agencies. Rangers typically work alone and self initiate their day-to-day patrols. Work conditions require rangers to work weekends, nights, and holidays in all weather conditions.  Most work is outdoors within Midpen’s open space lands with exposure to inclement weather conditions. This requires the ability to patrol on foot, off trail, and in rugged terrain.  Also requires the ability to perform all related emergency services and light maintenance and construction work on Midpen lands. District Rangers interact daily with a diverse Bay Area community to provide safe access for all visitors. 

TYPICAL STEPS IN THE HIRING PROCESS:

• Application, resume, cover letter and supplemental questionnaire submission. 
• Initial Panel Interview. 
• Skills Assessment. 
• Second Inteview including Supervisor Ride-Along and Command Staff Panel. 
• Fitness Test 2 mile walk while carrying a 25 lb pack in 30 minutes or less.
• Pass a pre-employment background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations per CA State Law Government Code (GC) 1031. 
• A ride along with a District Ranger is available for those considering the position. Ride-alongs are not offered while a Ranger recruitment is open. 

IMPORTANT:

It is recommended to review the 27-page Personal History Statement and the required documents on the POST website at www.post.ca.gov/forms.aspx. Select "Background/Hiring" and form 2-251, Personal History Statement for details on the information and certificates you will be required to provide.

If more candidates successfully complete the recruitment and background process than we have available positions to fill, these candidates may be brought on at a later date as vacancies occur. 

The academy is held at the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training campus in South San Jose.  To successfully complete the academy, recruits must pass the physical agility test. Information about this test is available at Pre-Employment Testing and Training - The Academy.   The academy also offers optional practice sessions for a small fee; available dates are listed on the web site. Attending a practice session is strongly recommended, as it allows potential candidates to gauge their ability to pass the physical agility test by the end of the academy.

*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.

 Benefits

Competitive Benefits:

• CalPERS Retirement Pension
• Choice of HMO or PPO medical plan through CalPERS. 
• District Paid Dental and Vision plan. 
• Vacation starts at 15 days per year. 
• 12 days of sick leave per year. 
• 12.5 paid holidays per year. 
• 32 hours of personal leave time per year. 
• Potential discounted District housing when available.