Natural Resources Specialist - Noxious Weed Management

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Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
01/20/25
Division:
Open Space Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

Job Description Summary:
Jefferson County Open Space is currently hiring a Natural Resources Specialist to assist with our invasive species management program. This position provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges. We are seeking people that love what they do and who are motivated to share their knowledge with those that they work with.

The Natural Resources Specialist assists with invasive species management on JCOS Parks and properties by safely overseeing a team of Limited Term Employees during implementation of invasive species management projects . This includes mixing, loading, and applying herbicides using motorized and/or hand-held equipment; following requirements and regulations of local, county, state, and federal weed control programs, including all requirements relative to pesticide storage, mixing, application, and disposal; operating light equipment, heavy equipment, vehicles, and hand tools; collecting and analyzing vegetation field data; engaging park visitors and other members of the public regarding JCOS vegetation management; and, working effectively as part of a team in challenging conditions and remote locations.

Depending on project needs, the Natural Resources Specialist may also assist with additional vegetation management activities by safely operating tools, equipment, and vehicles during implementation of projects focused on wildfire risk reduction, habitat enhancement and restoration, vegetation inventory and/or monitoring, and related themes.

About Jefferson County Open Space:

Jefferson County Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 by PLAN Jeffco and The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County. These organizations proposed a unique concept to the Board of County Commissioners to preserve the scenic vistas and open lands within the county using the collection of one-half of one percent tax on sales in Jefferson County to fund the program. The voters agreed, thereby ensuring perpetual land conservation, stewardship of open space and parklands, and access for public enjoyment .

Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, Jefferson County Open Space contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 56,000 acres, and manages 28 open space parks and more than 244 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado. View the Jeffco Open Space park system map .

Jefferson County Open Space Mission:

• Preserve open space and parkland
  

• Protect park and natural resources
  

• Provide healthy, nature-based experiences
  

Read more at Jeffco.us

Schedule:

This position operates on our four-day work week (Monday-Thursday ) . Due to the nature of the role, this position is predominately field and office based, but remote work is an option under some circumstances.

Compensation :

Target Hiring Rate: $31.50-$3 4 USD Hourly

Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.

Benefits: Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, remote work options and more . For more information, click Here for our Total Rewards summary.



Essential Duties:

• Performs integrated pest management of noxious weed s , including using chemical, mechanical , and biological cont rols .
  

• Serves as field lead, helping train and supervis e temporary and seasonal staff, youth work groups, and volunteers on noxious weed /natural resource management related projects. Assist with interviewing and evaluating potential permanent and seasonal employees during the hiring process. Assist with managing time accounting records and providing reports for supervisors and managers.
  

• Operate and maintain specialized vegetation management-related equipment and tools including but not limited to: backpack sprayers, ATV/UTV-mounted sprayers, drill-seeders, , tractors , chainsaws, skid steers, 4WD vehicles and trailers .
  

• Maintain herbicide application records for Colorado Department of Agriculture. Also i mplement, monitor , and evaluate a variety of resource assessments and management prescriptions on county owned properties. Such assessments and prescriptions may include, but are not limited to: noxious weed management, planting native species, forest management, range management, prescribed fire, wildlife management, inventory and monitoring of natural resources.
  

• Works extended periods of time under a variety of environmental conditions including rough/steep terrain, inclement weather, driving on hazardous roads and operating dangerous equipment.
  

• Assist with defining project tasks and resource requirements. Assist with writing and implementation of management plans and reports. Assist with managing day-to-day operational aspects of projects, including budgets, contractors, and collaborators. Assist with evaluation, purchasing , and maintenance of equipment and supplies necessary for projects.
  

• Interact with park neighbors and on-site park visitors concerning weed management forest management , , wildlife management, restoration, and/or prescribed fire activities. Coordinate necessary public information signs as needed for noxious weed management, and other resource management activities. Participate in public meetings as needed. Provide information and participate when requested for various stakeholder groups.
  

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

Qualifications:

Research shows women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, natural resource management, or similar field or equivalent combination of work experience and education.
  

• One or more years of work-related experience in invasive species management, plant ecology, natural resource management, or similar field.
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• CO Dept. of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor of Pesticide Application License or equivalent license from another state
  

• Three or more years of experience conducting invasive species management and working with diverse field crews in wildland settings
  

• Working knowledge of Colorado Front Range noxious weed management practices, and applicable local agency programs/initiatives
  

• Experience with noxious weed inventory and monitoring
  

• Ability to identify native and nonnative plants of the Colorado Front Range
  

• A high attention to safety protocols and situational awareness in hazardous working environments
  

• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with operating small and heavy equipment
  

• Class A Commercial Driver's License and experience safely transporting medium to heavy equipment
  

• Completion of Type 2 wildland firefighter certification (S-130/190)
  

Additional Information:

• Offer of employment contingent on criminal history, MVR check and education verification.
  

• Must have a valid driver's license; if you are from out of state, you must have a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date, and you must not have any major violations or DUI, DWI, DWAI convictions.
  

• Must be able to safely navigate mountain roads using trucks and potentially UTVs, and hike long distances over rough terrain using GPS or other navigation tools carrying personal supplies and project gear.
  

• Must be able to work with the public, volunteers, and team members in a professional and collaborative manner.
  

How to Apply:



Applications will be accepted electronically at Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities .



Applicants complete an online form and have the option to provide a resume and detailed cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for the position. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team regarding next steps. To view the status of your application or direct communication from the hiring team, please log into your candidate portal .

In any materials you submit , you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information .



For more details on the recruitment process, please visit https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs



Questions: County Recruitment Team: 303-271-8400 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us

Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum one year

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Natural Resources

• 

• Jefferson County Government

• 303-271-8400

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