Ecologist

Do you have a passion for protecting and preserving open space?  Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking a skilled and motivated Ecologist/Botanist to join our team of resource management professionals working to protect and restore the natural environment within Midpen’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Peninsula.  In addition to regular field work, the ideal candidate will also bring strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills to the position.  The expected start date for this position is early November 2023.

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 14 in the Natural Resources (NR) Department, which is part of the Visitor and Field Services business line. 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. 

The key function of the NR Department is to protect native plants and animals, sensitive natural communities, clean water, healthy soil, cultural resources, and restore natural habitat.  We are seeking an Ecologist/Botanist to oversee Midpen’s ecological sensitive vegetation management programs and support its mission and continued growth of a preserve system in the San Francisco Bay area.  Ecologically sensitive vegetation management is primarily focused on maintaining and improving high biodiversity and ecological health on the landscape.  Midpen’s land management practices include vegetation management to improve native species habitat, reduce wildland fire risk and hazards, maintain patrol routes, and recreational facilities (e.g., parking lots and trails).

The ideal candidate has a strong background in biology/ecology; techniques for inventory, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting; restoration and mitigation; experience applying IPM principles in the management of invasive, weedy and flammable plants and pest animals in natural park environments and facilities; possesses excellent judgment and proactive problem-solving skills; has the ability to successfully collaborate with field staff, contractors, and biologists; and is able to communicate with the public clearly. The successful candidate has a working technical knowledge of a wide range of vegetation management techniques, including low-toxicity pesticides; pesticide alternatives; measures to protect the health of people and the environment; and is accustomed to working independently and exercising sound judgment.

This position oversees aspects of Midpen’s vegetation management programs; advises and monitors field and office staff and contractors on vegetation management; leads a multi-department team in reviewing and setting priorities for all vegetation management activities on approximately 70,000 acres according to Midpen policy; train staff in ecologically sensitive vegetation management and safety; conduct field inspections; recommend appropriate treatment methods; monitor work; and reports on the progress of the programs to the General Manager, Board of Directors, and public.

The position is responsible for leading and assisting on other natural resource projects in the department. This position requires familiarity with the identification of plants, pests and sensitive environments with the Santa Cruz Mountain region, safety, monitoring, databases, GIS mapping, regulations, project management, hiring and oversight of contractors, and report writing.  Must have, or be able to obtain, a California Pest Control Advisor license, Qualified Applicator License, or Qualified Applicator Certificate within one year of hire date.  Additional requirements include: PC and MS Office Suite proficiency; excellent oral and written communication skills; and strong interpersonal skills. For additional information, see the description of Midpen’s Integrated Pest Management Program and Wildland Fire Resiliency Program on our website, Openspace.org.

The Resource Management Specialist II supports the Senior Resource Management Specialist and works in collaboration with other staff to facilitate complex projects. The Resource Management Specialist II may directly manage smaller projects and does not have any supervisory responsibilities.  This is a non-exempt/hourly position.

The Resource Management Specialist III has broad, technical experience with natural resources, is self-directed, and works independently managing complex large-scale projects.  May supervise other staff biologists, including interns.  This position reports to the Senior Resource Management Specialist and is an exempt/salaried position.

 A Few Reasons Why You May Love This Job

• Collaborative work that directly supports Midpen’s mission to protect and restore the natural environment
• You’ll be part of a talented and dynamic team whose work contributes to providing nature’s benefits to everyone
• Excellent employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement pension through
• California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Work Environment:  The Resource Management Specialist will work at Midpen’s Administrative Office in Los Altos, California.  Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations, the selected individual may be eligible to work remotely from home up to two days a week (40%) and on-site up to 3 days per week (60%).  This position will regularly report to the field in addition to producing required reports and reviewing data.  May also be eligible for the flexible work programs which includes 9/80 schedules.

Field Work: Fieldwork is integral to this position and dependent on the season and current projects.  Fieldwork will require driving in remote areas on dirt roads, working in all weather conditions, and hiking through steep terrain and wildland areas. 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.  

Required 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: 

Resource Management Specialist II

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in ecology, biology, wildlife, or a related field, and three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in evaluating, surveying, or monitoring of natural resource systems.  Experience and/or education with botany is desirable.

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and natural community ecology;
• Experience conducting botanical field surveys, or experience conducting such botanical field surveys under the direction of an experienced botanical field surveyor;
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to plants and plant collecting.

Resource Management Specialist III

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. Experience and/or education with botany as well as a master’s degree is desirable.

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and natural community ecology;
• Experience conducting botanical field surveys;
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to plants and plant collecting.
• Experience analyzing the impacts of projects on native plant species and sensitive natural communities.
• Familiarity with plants of the region, including special status plants;
• Familiarity with natural communities of the region, including sensitive natural communities;
• Experience with Survey of California Vegetation Classification and Mapping Standards;
• A Master’s Degree is desirable.

Licenses & Certifications Required:   Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. The Resource Management Specialist must have or be able to obtain a California Pest Control Advisor license, Qualified Applicator License, or Qualified Applicator Certificate within one year of hire date. 

Benefits  Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life and disability insurance, CalPERS pension and paid leaves. Detailed information is available on the Benefits page of our website.