Pay Range: $5,588 - $6,978 per month
Final filing date: January 25, 2015 at 5:00 pm OR after 100 qualified applications are received, whichever comes first. The application window may close at any time without notice.
Do you enjoy working on a variety of planning, environmental review, design and construction projects that support preservation and public use of open space? The Planner I is an exciting entry-level position offering the opportunity to develop professional planning and project management skills within a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will possess an educational background in environmental planning or design, architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, or civil or structural engineering. The candidate should have excellent communication skills, be creative, collaborative and an organized self-starter who enjoys working in a group dynamic.
About Midpen: The District is a regional greenbelt system in the Santa Cruz Mountain region comprised of over 62,000 acres of land in 26 open space preserves, protected for public enjoyment and recreation. As a growing organization with a focused Mission that guides our work, every employee at the District makes an impact - so if you are looking for a challenging opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space preservation, we invite you to apply for the Planner I position.
About the Position: The Planner I supports Planning and project management staff in the development and implementation of a wide variety of capital improvement projects to increase public access and enjoyment of District lands. The Planner I will work with staff to identify project needs, conduct research, analyze information and complete written reports utilizing effective oral communication. The ideal candidate is expected to foster collaboration with other District departments to coordinate project requirements, work with local jurisdictional agencies to complete project permitting requirements, and maintain project documentation, both digitally and in hard copy format.
Work Environment: This position will work in the Planning Department at the District’s offices in Los Altos, California. The department is comprised of a Planning Manager, two Senior Planners, five Planners and Project Managers, and three GIS staff who enjoy a close, collaborative, supportive and fun work environment. The key function of the department is to complete long range planning and evaluation of opportunities and environmental constraints affecting the opening of District lands for public access. In addition, the Planning Department manages the design, engineering, permitting and implementation of public access projects, including trails, parking lots, bridges, and other site amenities to support public enjoyment of District lands. In order to complete these projects, the Planner I may occasionally work in the field, and hike through steep terrain and wildland areas with poison oak and wildlife. 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.

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 planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field. Related fields that are highly desirable are architecture, landscape architecture, civil or structural engineering, and construction project management. No work experience is required; however, previous experience or internships completed in a field related to architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering or work in the construction field are desirable.
Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required.

HOW TO APPLY
Final filing date: January 25, 2015 at 5:00 pm OR after 100 qualified applications are received, whichever comes first. The application window may close at any time without notice.
Apply online via the public agency job board, CalOpps.org. A link to CalOpps is available on Midpen's website job page. The following four application items are required in order to be considered for the position: (1) Employment application (2) Resume (3) Letter of interest in the position and (4) Supplemental question responses. Resumes and letters may be pasted in the application resume window, or attached to the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the position. Applicants with the most ideal experience and qualifications will be contacted for interviews.

Recruitment Timeline: We suggest planning your calendar accordingly as these dates have been confirmed. Interviews: February 10, 2015; Final Interviews: February 18, 2015; Estimated Start Date: March 16, 2015.

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department.