Parks Natural Resource Planner

Salary : $111,901.92 - $135,410.08 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-T24-A
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01

Description
Under general direction, to research, plan, analyze and implement ongoing Countywide natural resource conservation projects and/or components of larger environmental conservation programs.

Typical Tasks

• Functions as a project leader for natural resource conservation and land use by, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final recommendations;
  
• Leads in the preparation and submittal of the public projects application package for covered parks activities/projects to the new Habitat Agency staff;
  
• Provides technical review and assistance on the Habitat Agency's preparation of a Reserve Unit Management Plan;
  
• Plans for the allocation, management and protection of department natural resources;
  
• Performs environmental reviews and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements;
  
• Keeps management apprised of developments having a Departmental or Countywide impact;
  
• Prepares presentations, project proposals and other materials to represent the County before various groups, organizations, and commissions;
  
• Participates in meetings, committees, conferences, workshops, etc. as a representative of the Department;
  
• Confers with various entities including scientists, engineers, regulators, Habitat Agency staff, etc. to plan or review projects;
  
• Collaborates with the Park Planning Division and affected staff to plan production activities;
  
• Designs and coordinates successive phases of problem analysis and solution proposals;
  
• Prepares and administers budgets and financial reports;
  
• Assists in the research and preparation of grant applications;
  
• Provides stewardship for plant or animal resources or habitats; studies land use, monitors animal populations/ resources;
  
• Completes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permit applications from regulatory agencies;
  
• Develops and maintains databases, Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and data records related to tracking and monitoring the progress of assigned projects;
  
• Develops user manuals, checklists and internal procedural memos;
  
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education and experience to demonstrate the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Regional Planning, Biology, Botany, Environmental and Natural Resource Planning, Environmental Biology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Management and Protection or a closely related Natural Science field.
- AND -
Three (3) years of professional planning experience.
A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic aims, trends, concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of city and regional planning, zoning administration and regional habitat conservation plans;
  
• Species, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes and their conservation needs in Santa Clara County;
  
• Wildlife and vegetation monitoring/surveying techniques;
  
• Implications of physical, economic, aesthetic and social factors involved in city and regional planning including the development of urban and suburban environments;
  
• Governmental organization operations and community interrelationships;
  
• Research and statistical methods;
  
• Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and geospatial software;
  
• Socioeconomic trends, land use and development patterns as they relate to natural resources;
  
• Cartographic and infographic design skills;
  
• Publishing geospatial data and maps to the Web.

Ability to:

• Apply environmental guidelines, regulatory requirements and conditions, evaluate and analyze biological data and technical reports;
  
• Organize and conduct research studies, manage projects and supervise/manage the work of consultants;
  
• Prepare comprehensive reports or projects findings, using graphic aids;
  
• Develop recommendations based on studies, field observation and public contact;
  
• Speak and write effectively;
  
• Conduct appropriate procurement process to retain qualified consultants and other expert assistance;
  
• Understand and relate to others the aims, concepts and principles of city and regional planning and regional habitat conservation plans;
  
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
  
• Lead and/ or work with inter-disciplinary teams;
  
• Manage multiple, concurrent projects.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performedDo you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

03

Please indicate if you possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college in any of the following fields:

• Biology
• Botany
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Management and Protection
• Environmental and Natural Resource Planning
• Regional Planning
• Other closely related field
• None of the above

04

If you selected "other related field" in the previous question, what was the major field of study? If not applicable, type "N/A".
05

Please indicate if you possess a Master's Degree from an accredited college in any of the following fields:

• Biology
• Botany
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Management and Protection
• Environmental and Natural Resource Planning
• Regional Planning
• Other closely related field
• None of the above

06

If you selected "other related field" in the previous question, what was the major field of study? If not applicable, type "N/A".
07

How many years of professional planning experience do you possess?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five years or more

08

Describe your professional planning experience. Be detailed and specific and include job title(s), employer name(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, type "N/A".
09

How many years of professional environmental planning experience do you possess?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than three years
• Three years or more

10

Describe your professional environmental planning experience. Be detailed and specific and include job title(s), employer name(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, type "N/A".
11

How many years of experience do you possess managing consultants to develop and implement plans that manage and protect natural resources?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than three years
• Three years or more

12

Describe your experience managing consultants to develop and implement plans that manage and protect natural resources. Be detailed and specific and include job title(s), employer name(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If no such experience, type "N/A".
13

Please indicate if you possess experience in either of the following areas:

• Applying for and/or implementing measures required under a Habitat Conservation Plan
• Applying for and/or implementing measures required by regulatory permits for sensitive habitats and/or species
• I do not possess experience in either of these areas

14

Describe your experience in each area you indicated in the previous question. Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), and duties performed. If no such experience, indicate "N/A".
15

Do you possess experience with environmental review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

• Yes
• No

16

Describe your experience with environmental review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), and duties performed. If no such experience, indicate "N/A".
17

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event<