Job Details

Overview

Equipment Mechanic/Operator (EMO) at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The EMO reports to a Maintenance Supervisor or Field Resource Specialist in the Land Stewardship & Trails Department. The selected individual will be responsible for using heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, dozers, agricultural tractors, backhoes and rollers. Other responsibilities include the operation and maintenance of gas and electric-powered tools such as chainsaws, welders, and compactors. For additional information about the position, see the job description on our website.

Assigned work location may be at any of these offices. In addition to filling this position, we intend to create a pool of highly qualified candidates to fill future opportunities at Midpen for the position of Equipment Mechanic/Operator.

Base pay range

$111,740.00/yr - $139,549.00/yr

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.

About the Position

The EMO reports to a Maintenance Supervisor or Field Resource Specialist in the Land Stewardship & Trails Department. The selected individual will be responsible for using heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, dozers, agricultural tractors, backhoes and rollers. Other responsibilities include the operation and maintenance of gas and electric-powered tools such as chainsaws, welders, and compactors. For additional information about the position, see the job description on our website.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (loaders, excavators, dozers, tractors, backhoes, rollers) for construction, maintenance, restoration and repair of public trails and rural roads.
• Operate and maintain gas and electric-powered tools (chainsaws, welders, compactors).

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: High School Diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training in heavy equipment repair and operation and three (3) years of experience operating and transporting heavy equipment and maintaining and repairing vehicles, tools, and power equipment.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class A Driver's License with appropriate endorsements within six (6) months of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Depending on assignment, possession of, or ability to obtain, a District approved Fire Suppression Training certification within twelve (12) months of assignment into the District's fire program.

Working Conditions

The EMO is a full-time position within the Land Stewardship & Trails Department. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Following onboarding and successfully meeting job performance expectations, may be eligible for the flexible work program which includes 9/80 schedules. Must wear prescribed District uniform and adhere to strict safety procedures and work habits. Depending on the exposure, employee is required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, face, hand, and full protection equipment. Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, and poison oak.

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.

Benefits & Equal Opportunity

Midpen provides a competitive benefits package including health, life and disability insurance, CalPERS pension and paid leaves. 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) ###-#### or via email at ...@openspace.org.

How to Apply

Apply online at CalOpps.org. The following application items are required: fully completed CalOpps employment application and a resume. Incomplete applications or applications without the required items will not be considered.

Recruitment Timeline

First interview (virtual): Wednesday, November 12, 2025; Skills Assessment (in-person): Tuesday, December 2, 2025; Final interview (in-person): Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Notes

If you currently live outside the San Francisco Bay Area, consider relocation feasibility and cost of living. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing.