Supervising Ranger

Overview

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is recruiting for a Supervising Ranger to lead patrol operations and help protect the District’s extensive open space preserves. The Supervising Ranger is a leadership opportunity for an experienced professional who wants to make a visible impact in protecting open space and serving the public.

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 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.

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.

The Supervising Ranger is a leadership role with broad responsibility, overseeing patrol operations across Midpen preserves. The position leads a team of sworn district peace officers, coordinates emergency response efforts, builds positive relationships with the public and stakeholders, represents the District at public meetings, and works with departments throughout the organization.

Successful candidates are people-focused leaders who can inspire and guide staff in day-to-day operations and critical incidents. The role requires clear and effective communication, tact and diplomacy, and a commitment to public safety and resource protection. Responsibilities include enforcing applicable laws and regulations; administering first aid, providing Emergency Medical Response as a first responder; operating emergency patrol vehicles and two-way radios;

and supporting wildland fire suppression as needed. Work conditions require weekend, night, and holiday work in all weather conditions. For additional information, refer to the Supervising Ranger job description page.

Midpen is filling one Supervising Ranger position, reporting to an Area Superintendent. This assignment is expected to begin in July 2026 and will be based at the Foothills Field Office in Cupertino (501 Rancho San Antonio Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014). The District reserves the right to reassign employees to other locations as staffing and service needs evolve.

In addition to this position, Midpen intends to create a pool of qualified candidates for future Supervising Ranger opportunities. Assigned work locations may include:

• South Area Office (SAO) – Campbell (240 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA 95008)
• Foothills Field Office – Cupertino (501 Rancho San Antonio Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014)
• Skyline Field Office (SFO) – La Honda (21150 Skyline Blvd., La Honda, CA 94020)
• Coastal Area Outpost (CAO) – La Honda (5710 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, CA 94074)

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. Outdoor work includes exposure to inclement weather. This requires the ability to travel on foot, off-trail, and in rugged terrain, and to perform emergency services and maintenance across District lands. Work schedules vary and include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

Midpen reserves the right to limit or deny off-duty employment or business ownership that creates a conflict of interest with District employment. Additional information can be found in the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual section on Off-Duty Employment and Business.

We realize your time is valuable, so please apply only if you have the required minimum qualifications: any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical qualification would be equivalent to:

Equivalent to an Associate degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of experience working in protection, operation of a park, forest, public recreation area, or equivalent. Education and/or experience in law enforcement, resource management, natural sciences, park management, or wildland firefighting is highly…