Do you have a passion for the outdoors, trails, and preserving open space? Are you a motivated and experienced resource management professional? If so, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has an excellent opportunity for a skilled Senior Resource Management Specialist to lead the earth sciences program in the Natural Resources Department. This interdisciplinary position will oversee program staff to assess and protect archaeological and cultural resources, as well as oversee programs to protect and restore water and geological resources, Midpen’s Climate Program and projects ranging from contaminated site cleanup to erosion control projects on Midpen preserves in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Counties. The start date for this position is in November 2024.
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! Check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.
About the Position: The incumbent will be a part of a cohesive team of 15 in the Natural Resources Department, which is part of the Visitor and Field Services service line. The Earth Sciences Program is comprised of 4 fulltime program staff, including this position, and a shared intern. Midpen aims to recruit and retain employees who embody professionalism, accountability, and respect, and who value working in an environment focused on inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
This is a supervisory position for the Earth Sciences Program, comprised of water resources, soil conservation, archaeological resources, Native American relations, and climate program. Program staff and/or consultants generally provide subject matter expertise; this position is not expected to have expertise in all areas. This position will supervise, coordinate, advise, and assist program staff and consultants in implementing the Earth Sciences Program to support Midpen natural and cultural resource management, planning efforts, stewardship and maintenance work, and capital projects.
Typical program work includes identification monitoring and protection of aquatic habitats; inventory, monitoring, and curation of archaeological resources, including coordination and engagement with indigenous peoples; overseeing contractors and consultants, environmental impact analysis, and coordination and administration of permits from resource agencies. Administrative tasks include budget preparation, project management, setting priorities, providing guidance to multi-disciplinary teams, partnering with outside entities, managing and mentoring staff.
The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is well versed in program and project management, supervision, organization and collaboration and possess excellent oral and written communication skills, understand ecological systems, and can implement land management practices accordingly. Applicants will have the educational background and relevant experience in managing cultural and/or natural resources. In addition, the candidate will provide frequent verbal and written reports to staff, including Department Managers and the General Manager’s Office, as well as the Board of Directors at public meetings. The candidate must also have the skills to foster communication and collaboration with other District departments to coordinate program requirements; foster and develop relationships with Native American communities; work effectively with local agencies, meet permitting requirements, and keep projects on schedule; manage and direct consultants; oversee the work of, and negotiate with, contractors; and maintain detailed documentation. For additional information about the position, see the Job Description on Midpen’s website.