Intern II - Open Space Special Projects

CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job-someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.

Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Intern II - Open Space Special Projects position is intended to serve in diverse capacities supporting the Open Space Division. This internship offers a multifunctional role, providing support to the Open Space team through tasks such as working with volunteers and volunteer projects, assisting with youth core initiatives, contributing to restoration projects and integrated pest management efforts, supporting grant services, conducting ecological monitoring, aiding educational programs, and assisting with project needs within the City of Westminster. Work is performed under the general direction of the Open Space Specialist - Volunteer and Grants and Open Space Supervisor.

This is a temporary, non-benefited position consisting of no more than 1500 hours in a calendar year (10 to 40 hours weekly during the school year) up to 40 hours a week. Regular weekend and holiday work is required. The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space and recreational trails. This position works towards the accomplishment of the department’s mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.

Every employee is accountable to:

• Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
• Communicate with customers to ensure that where possible they are satisfied and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
• Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
• Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty and ethical behavior
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
• Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility and takes calculated risks when appropriate
• Participate in personal growth opportunities and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
• Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
• Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
• Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:

• Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
• Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-development
• Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
• Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance
• Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

Job Specific - Every employee in this position must be able to:

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Communicate effectively with the public
• Establish effective working relationships with other employees and supervisors, perform multiple tasks, and work under pressure with limited supervision
• Handle emergency situations such as fire alarms, injuries, and accidents

All employees are expected to provide excellent customer service, communicate in an effective manner both verbally and in writing, display professionalism and integrity, work efficiently, effectively and accurately, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, solve problems, display good judgment, take ownership for delivering a high-quality product or service, have regular and punctual attendance, and effectively handle emergency situations.

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks

• Assist with land management activities and Open Space programs and projects within City of Westminster’s 3,100 acres of Open Space.
• Gain practical experience in ecological monitoring, data management, public speaking, and environmental education, while receiving guidance and mentorship from seasoned Open Space professionals
• Assist with the administrative responsibilities facilitating grant funding for restoration, environmental education, and other Open Space projects
• Support the Open Space team by assisting with volunteer projects, youth initiatives, restoration efforts, ecological monitoring, and educational programs on the City of Westminster Open Space
• Assist with planning, developing, scheduling, and implementing interpretive nature education programs such as campfire programs, guided hikes and outreach programs within Open Space or Standley Lake Regional Park for park visitors, schools and various other groups
• Assist with the daily coordination and leadership of Youth Corps teams involved in open space projects
• Develop and maintain record keeping by documenting work performed, resources utilized and public interaction
• Assists with various tasks as needed (including, but not limited to, writing, filing, analysis, and calling partner agencies)
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance
• Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required :

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a two-year or four-year college
• A valid driver’s license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment
• Proficient or willingness to learn Microsoft Office (including ArcGIS, Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Experience in one or more of the following: outdoor/environmental education, natural resource management, park maintenance
• Availability and willingness to work weekends and holidays as needed
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record throughout employment

Preferred:

• College level course work related to natural resource management, conservation, ecology, environmental studies, outdoor recreation or similar area of study
• Vegetation mapping/monitoring experience
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Hmong

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide required knowledge and skills, may be considered
Physical Requirements

• This is an office and field position and requires a degree of physical stamina and strength including the ability to:
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, and reaching below shoulder to perform open space maintenance
  • Frequent light/firm grasp to properly use tools and equipment; occasional fine manipulation uses to perform office duties; constant handling to safely use machinery and light duty equipment
  • Frequently see objects up close to perform office tasks and far away to observe activity for safety hazards or problems
• Occasional stepping up and/or down to enter and exit vehicles and climb ladders; constant actuate mechanism to safely operate light duty equipment and vehicles
• Frequently stand and constantly walk on uneven terrain in all weather conditions to safely complete assigned tasks
• Standard near and/or far acuity and hearing
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds from ground to waist to move material and supplies; constant carrying of up to 25 pounds at waist level to use weed clearing equipment; occasional carrying of up to 50 pounds to use a backpack sprayer

WORKING CONDITIONS
Computers and computer programs such as Outlook, GIS, Windows and related software programs. Knowledge of or willingness to learn the operation of equipment used in the maintenance of open space and public facilities including trucks, trailers, tractors, loaders, backhoes, mowers, renovators, seeders, mulchers, and other related equipment. Work is constantly performed indoors and outdoors with constant exposure to extreme temperatures year-round. Position may assist with the maintenance of all City rights-of-way, forestry, and open space sites throughout the year. The position requires a great deal of communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies.
Required Materials and Equipment
Willingness to learn how to operates light and heavy equipment such as pick-up truck, small dump truck, skid loader, tractors, horticultural hand tools, pruners, self-propelled or walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, 20-foot trailers, water equipment, vegetation mapping/monitoring equipment, and various herbicide application equipment as necessary. Depending on the project, may also utilize personal computers, keyboards, calculators, telephones, copy machines, other standard office equipment, and AED machine.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check, and substance screen. There may be additional pre-employment requirements depending on the nature of the position.
We are a caring, courteous, team-oriented organization committed to public service excellence. Employees thrive in a culture that is respectful, professional, and diverse. Our work culture encourages passionate, positive, and enthusiastic employees. Westminster is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

Employees not assigned benefits are employees working less than 20 hours a week, temporary employees, seasonal employees, and hourly employees.

Closing Date/Time: 2/10/2025 8:30 AM Mountain

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• City of Westminster, Colorado

• 303-658-2150

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