IST Application Program Manager

Are you a talented Information Technology (IT) professional who values the preservation of open space and public access to preserves? Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking an experienced and innovative Information Systems and Technology (IST) Application Program Manager to serve as the information systems lead in evaluating, recommending, and implementing enterprise information systems and as well as overseeing the maintenance and optimization of its existing software portfolio.  This is a supervisory role within the high-functioning Information Systems and Technology (IST) Department. This position provides a collaborative work environment and opportunities to engage with all aspects of technology in a public service setting.

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, outdoor recreation and environmental education, 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:  Midpen aims to recruit and retain employees who exemplify professionalism, accountability, and respect, who value working in a purpose-driven agency that aspires to contribute to an inclusive and diverse community. The incumbent will be part of a cohesive 14-member IST department. The IST Department is responsible for all District related IT and GIS services. The IST Application Program Manager supervises two Applications Engineers and assigned staff, overseeing daily operations of enterprise application systems, including design, administration, and maintenance of District-wide applications and database infrastructure. This role provides technical leadership, high-quality internal customer service, and fosters positive working relationships across the organization. For additional information about the position, see the Job Description on Midpen’s website.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Possesses a solid background in the management and administration of enterprise information systems, business applications, and databases.
• Is a creative thinker, problem solver and able to juggle competing priorities.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of system and software engineering principles.
• Is committed to ensuring best practices for information security.
• Possesses the ability to analyze, evaluate and develop systems and procedures for District-wide technology implementations.
• Possesses the ability to adapt specific program procedures and activities to meet the needs of the District, other agencies, and technological advances.
• Background in project management, from developing project scopes, schedules and budgets to consultant and contract oversight.
• Supervisory or lead experience specifically in the management and administration of an Information Management System.
• Ability to train and instruct users on the use of applicable hardware and software applications; develop documentation and how-to materials.
• Excellent communication skills.

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:  This position is part of Administrative Services at Midpen’s office in Los Altos, California and reports to the Information Systems and Technology Manager.  The IST Application Program Manager can work a hybrid schedule and is expected to be in the office three days per week. The incumbent may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. The selected individual may work a 9/80 schedule depending on staffing levels and operational needs. The position will also require occasional work at the various District field offices.

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.

Education and 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:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in computer science, engineering, business information systems, or a related field, and seven (7) years’ experience with information systems including applications analysis, design, and development with three (3) years at a supervisory or lead level specifically in the management and administration of an Information Management System.

Licenses & Certifications Required:   Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Benefits:   Midpen provides an excellent benefits package including health, life & disability insurance as well as CalPERS pension. Please see the Benefits page on our website for details.

How to Apply: apply online at https://www.calopps.org/midpeninsula-regional-open-space-district/job-20577622

(To avoid missing email communication about this recruitment, add mpropenspace@calopps.org to your contacts or list of safe senders.)

Application deadline: February, 12, 2025.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required in order to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
4. Supplemental question responses

*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

Interview Schedule: (We are unable to accommodate individual schedules and dates are subject to change)

First Interview (virtual): Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Second Interview (in person):  Wednesday, March 12, 2025

A note to applicants who currently live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area: before committing to the application process, and if you haven’t done so already, we suggest evaluating the feasibility of relocation. We recommend researching the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost to relocate, and typical commute times to Los Altos from outlying areas.

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.

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) 691-1200 or via email at hr@openspace.org.

Put your passion for Open Space to work!