Natural Resources Operations- Forest Management

.

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
02/02/25
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 forest 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 forest management on JCOS Parks and properties by safely overseeing a team of Limited Term Employees during implementation of fuels-reduction, habitat enhancement, and forest restoration projects. This will require extensive chainsaw use, as well as operating and maintaining light and heavy equipment . Depending on project needs, the Natural Resources Specialist may also assist with collecting and analyzing forest inventory and monitoring data; engaging in public relations activities; and, working effectively as part of a team in challenging conditions and remote locations.

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, 7:00am-5:30pm ). 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 :

Hiring Range: $3 1.50 - $3 5 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 all forest management field related tasks, including directional tree felling, skidding, forwarding , and processing.
  

• Serves as field lead, helping train and supervis e temporary and seasonal staff, youth work groups, and volunteers on forestry/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.
  

• Operates and maintains specialized forestry equipment ranging from hand tools to heavy equipment including, including but not limited to: chainsaws, rubber-tired skidders, tree chippers, masticators, skid steers, ATV/ UTV, 4 WD vehicles and trailers .
  

• Implement, 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: forest management , prescribed fire, noxious weed management, planting native species , range management, 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 forest management, weed management, wildlife management, restoration, and/or prescribed fire activities. Coordinate necessary public information signs as needed for forest ry, prescribed fire , and other resource management activities. Participate in public meetings as needed. Provide information and participate when requested for various stakeholder groups.
  

• Additional duties may include collecting and analyzing forest inventory data, tree pruning, invasive species management, prescribed fire, public outreach, and other activities at peak times during the season.
  

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

Qualifications:

Research shows that 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.

M inimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, 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 forestry, natural resource management, or similar field .
  

• Or an equivalent combination of education & experience.
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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

• Working knowledge of Colorado Front Range forest /fire ecology, forest management practices, and applicable local agency programs/initiatives
  

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

• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with operating small and heavy equipment
  

• Certified Forester® or Candidate Certified Forester® through the Society of American Foresters
  

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®
  

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

• Experience with forest inventory and monitoring
  

• Commercial Driver's License Type A (CDL A)
  

• Skill in planning, organization and time management
  

• Basic/entry level GIS experience, specifically with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Collector (AKA Field Maps), and ArcGIS Survey123 .
  

• Working knowledge of general ecological principles and resource management techniques
  

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

Additional Job 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 willing and capable of obtaining a CDL Class A license within one year of hire.
  

• Must be willing and capable of obtaining Type 2 wildland fire certification within one year or hire.
  

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

• Please note that supplemental questions requiring a written response will serve as a writing sample.
  

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 .



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

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 .

Questions:

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

• Library Recruitment Team: 303.275.6168 or talent@jeffcolibrary.org
  

• Sheriff Recruitment Team: 303.271.5332 or sheriff.recruiting@co.jefferson.co.us
  

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

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Natural Resources

• 

• Jefferson County Government

• 303-271-8400

Show more