County of Santa Clara

Parks Program Coordinator - Cultural Resources

County of Santa Clara$103K — $125K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in related field
  • 2 years experience coordinating or leading programs or events
  • 1 year experience in archaeological or historic resource preservation
  • Experience working with diverse ethnic populations and community groups
  • Valid California driver's license and ability to maintain County driver authorization

Responsibilities

  • Research, coordinate, implement, and evaluate park programs
  • Plan, organize, and facilitate park operations and maintenance
  • Develop and recommend improvements for park programs and outreach activities
  • Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and staff
  • Collaborate with community organizations and public agencies for events
  • Prepare reports and marketing materials related to departmental programs

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with no out-of-pocket costs
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Robust retirement plans with pension and deferred compensation options
  • Health Flexible Spending Account for tax-free healthcare contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program offering mental health support and counseling
  • Wellness programs including fitness classes and resources
  • Education reimbursement program for professional development
Full Job Description
Salary : $103,733.76 - $125,544.64 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-T2A-C
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 09/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92

Description
Under general direction, to research, coordinate, implement, and evaluate park programs, special events, outreach activities, and day-to-day operations.
This position is located in the Park and Recreation Department and is responsible for coordinating and implementing the goals and mission of the Department's Cultural Resources Program. The Cultural Resources Program preserves, rehabilitates, records, reports on, and educates staff and the public about the varied archaeological and historical built resources and historical collections stewarded by the Department, while effectively engaging with communities historically affiliated with the cultural resources stewarded by the department - particularly Native American Tribes.

In addition to meeting the employment standards of the Parks Program Coordinator, candidates must also meet the following criteria:
  • Candidates must demonstrate experience in identifying, recording, and appropriately preserving archaeological resources and/or historic built resources and including experience completing these tasks working in the field.
  • Candidates must demonstrate a general understanding of how to manage the data and collections produced by preservation and research efforts.

Typical Tasks

  • Assists in planning, organizing, and facilitating park operations and maintenance;
  • Coordinates interactions with partners, volunteers, staff, contractors, licensees, and lease-holders;
  • Plans, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and develops recommendations to improve a variety of park programs, special events, and community outreach activities;
  • Schedules, assigns work, trains, and instructs assigned staff, volunteers, and docents;
  • Recruits, orients, evaluates, and recognizes park volunteers, contractors, and docents;
  • Assists in the development and implementation of service agreements and contracts;
  • Evaluates and reports on the progression of service agreements and contracts;
  • Collaborates with field operations staff, other County/public agencies, community organizations, and partners to secure and schedule programs, special events, and/or the special use of park facilities;
  • Explains and interprets park policies and procedures to cooperative partners and others under agreements or contracts;
  • Prepares correspondence and writes reports related to departmental programs; may present to various groups;
  • Reviews, approves, and generates a variety of materials for marketing, informational, or educational purposes;
  • Initiates supply and equipment orders for park programs and events, and manages related inventory;
  • Gathers, develops, furnishes, and maintains accurate data, records, and files of departmental programs, activities, and operational expenses to assist in grant writing, reporting, and budget preparations;
  • May perform minor custodial duties related to maintenance of park facilities, exhibits, and open space;
  • Supervises and operates park visitor centers and gift shops;
  • Maintains specialized equipment and materials;
  • May supervise staff responsible for assisting in the facilitation of day-to-day operations or specialized programs;
  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  • Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's Degree,

and

Two (2) years of work experience coordinating or leading programs, projects, or planning large-scale events.

One (1) year of the required experience must have been in the field of the specialized program(s) when it can be demonstrated that: 1) it is an absolute necessity for the successful operation of the program(s); 2) that the Parks Program Coordinator will be held accountable for the specialized knowledge.

Special Requirements:
  • Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization;
  • Possession of valid Advanced First Aid and CPR certificates issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period.

Knowledge of:
  • A wide range of historical, cultural, natural history, and ecological concepts;
  • Techniques and strategies for working with diverse ethnic populations and community groups;
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, policies, codes, and ordinances;
  • Program development and evaluation;
  • Techniques and strategies for recruiting, leading, training, supervising, and mentoring staff and volunteers;
  • Techniques of organizing and motivating groups;
  • Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:
  • Work independently and in a team environment;
  • Investigate and respond to complaints, assemble information, and prepare detailed written reports;
  • Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations;
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with those contacted in the course of work;
  • Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate programs, special events, and activities;
  • Recruit, train, motivate, direct, supervise, and monitor volunteers, contractors, docents, and park staff assigned to implement assigned park program;
  • Maintain flexibility, adjusting to changes in financing, staffing, materials, or other conditions;
  • Collect and organize data using current information systems and basic computer software;
  • Prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports, including budget recommendations and justifications;
  • Collaborate effectively with other department staff;
  • Conduct and manage retail operations.


Physical Requirements

  • Must wear prescribed uniform and use proper safety clothing and equipment;
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, or other irregular hours and adapt to changing work load requirements and customer demands;
  • Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to sixty (60) pounds;
  • Stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time;
  • Stoop, bend, reach, grasp, and manipulate small objects with hands.

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. Please include the name of employers, job titles, dates of employment, and hours worked per week for questions asking about work experience.
Do you understand these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

02

What is the highest level of education that 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

How many years of experience do you have performing analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory or management duties? Relevant experience includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data, formulating recommendations, and report writing.
  • 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 to less than six years
  • More than six years

04

Describe your experience performing analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory or management duties, which includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data, formulating recommendations, and report writing.
Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If none, indicate "N/A".
05

How many years of experience do you possess coordinating or leading programs or projects, or planning large-scale events?
  • 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 to less than six years
  • Six years or more

06

Describe your experience coordinating or leading programs or projects, or planning large-scale events. Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If none, indicate "N/A".
07

Describe your experience with identifying, recording, and appropriately preserving archaeological resources and/or historic built resources, including experience completing these tasks working in the field.In your response please include the name of the software program(s) used, job title(s), employer name(s), and dates of employment. If none, indicate "N/A."
08

Describe your experience with managing data and collections produced by preservation and research efforts. In your response please include the name of the software program(s), job title(s), employer name(s), and dates of employment. If none, indicate "N/A."
09

Describe your experience working with diverse ethnic populations and/or community groups.Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), number of hours worked per week, and job duties performed. If none, indicate "N/A".
10

Please indicate if you posses e

About County of Santa Clara

The County of Santa Clara is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and encompasses 1,312 square miles. It has one of the highest median family incomes in the country, and a wide diversity of cultures, backgrounds and talents. The County of Santa Clara continues to attract people from all over the world. With more than 70 agencies/departments and 22,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services including public health protection, environmental protection, medical services through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need. The County's population of nearly 1.9 million is one of the largest in the state, and the largest of the nine Bay Area counties. Its population constitutes about one fourth of the Bay Area's total population. There are 15 cities including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale ranging from Palo Alto to the north, to Gilroy in the south. San Jose is the largest city in the County, with a population of 1.035 million, and is the administrative site of County Government. A significant portion of the county's land area is unincorporated ranch and farmland. Nearly 92% of the population lives in cities. The County of Santa Clara operates 27 parks covering more than 50,000 acres including scenic lakes, streams, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Learn more about County of Santa Clara

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