Seasonal Open Space Technician (20681052)

If you enjoy working hard in the outdoors, learning new skills and being with a fun group of people, we invite you to apply for the position of Seasonal Open Space Technician at the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen). As a small mission driven organization, every employee at Midpen makes an impact - so if you are looking for a challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space preservation, we welcome your application.

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! 

About the Position:  The Land Stewardship & Trails Department is Midpen’s largest department and the Seasonal Open Space Technicians play an important role assisting during the construction season. The Seasonal Open Space Technicians assist with building and maintaining roads and trails on Midpen lands, and operate mechanical equipment such as chainsaws, power pruners and mowers. Seasonal Open Space Technicians also use hand and power tools to do semi-skilled carpentry, construction tasks, and remove invasive non-native plants. Additional duties include cleanup, routine maintenance in buildings and restrooms, and other tasks as required. Coveralls & personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided. Seasonal employees are provided with uniform items, chainsaws appropriate work boots may need to be purchased by the employee if this items is not already owned. Start dates will be in April 2026 and the selected individuals will continue working through October 2026. 

 

Work location may be at any of these offices (there is no seasonal housing available):

• Coastal Area Outpost – La Honda (Address: 5710 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, CA  94074)
• Foothills Field Office – Cupertino (Address: 22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014)
• Skyline Field Office – La Honda (Address: 21150 Skyline Blvd., La Honda, CA 94020)
• South Area Office – Campbell (Address: 240 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA 95008)

Requirements:  Basic requirements include high school diploma or G.E.D.; possession of a valid California driver’s license; skills to perform basic construction and maintenance assignments; ability to perform manual labor requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting; and the ability to work in, or around, poison oak. Highly desirable traits include prior work experience in a park, forest, or public recreation area involving work with equipment and tools used in park maintenance.  Candidates selected for the position will be required to successfully pass and obtain a certification in Basic First Aid/CPR, AED for Lay Responders.   

 

Schedules: This is a full-time (preferred), Monday through Friday position, with occasional weekend and holiday work required. Seasonal assignments will not exceed 950 hours or 6 months, whichever comes first, and do not include benefits. Seasonal Open Space Technicians are expected to work a minimum of 5 consecutive months.

Working Conditions:  Employees work in the field in rugged and remote areas and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and poison oak.

How to Apply:  Application Deadline: Sunday, December 28, 2025

Apply online at CalOpps.org.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for interviews. Answers to supplemental questions are required to be submitted with the application.

Employment offers are conditional upon the results of a fingerprint background check and a pre-employment physical.  Candidates who advance to reference checks must provide a current DMV report. Midpen only accepts the DMV report the candidate receives by submitting form INF 1125 to the DMV.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE: (we are unable to accommodate individual schedules and dates are subject to change)

• Virtual Interviews – Tuesday, January 27, 2026 through Thursday, January 29, 2026 - We suggest planning your calendar accordingly.
• Reference Checks – week of February 1, 2026
• Fingerprinting – week of February 16, 2026
• Pre-employment Physical – week of March 9, 2026 
• Start Dates – April 2026

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.

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!