Natural Resource Specialist I (Limited) - Forest Management

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
02/05/26
Division:
Open Space Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This role is a Limited position anticipating an assignment end date after one year and offering Medical coverage for both the employee and/or any dependent children for limited rates.

Description:

Jefferson County Open Space is currently hiring Limited-Term Natural Resources Specialists 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 people that love what they do and who are motivated to share their knowledge with those that they work with.

The Natural Resources Specialists assist with forest management on JCOS Parks and properties by implementing fuels reduction, habitat enhancement, and forest restoration projects. This will require extensive chainsaw, chipper use, difficult hiking, and safely operating light and heavy equipment; collecting forest inventory and monitoring data depending on project needs; and, working effectively as part of a team in challenging conditions and remote locations.

Depending on project needs, the Natural Resources Specialists may also assist with other natural resource management during implementation of noxious weed, native vegetation, wildlife, or grassland management; and collecting related inventory and monitoring data.



SCHEDULE:

This position operates on our four-day work week (Monday-Thursday) 7:00am-5:30pm and requires work to be considered on-site.
These are limited-term positions with projected start and end dates of March 2026 through October 2026.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $28.00 - $28.50 USD Hourly

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

BENEFITS:

Please note that the employment status is Limited, full-time (Fixed-Term) with an anticipated assignment end date of October 2026 and is eligible for personal medical coverage following the month after hire.

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 27 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 Open Space: https://www.jeffco.us/open-space

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Natural Resources Specialist is responsible for:

• Implementing forestry field related projects, including directional tree felling, skidding, chipping, pruning, and other management or park maintenance activities.
• Operating specialized equipment ranging from hand tools to heavy equipment including, but not limited to chainsaws, tree chipper, rubber-tired skidder, skid steers, UTVs, 4WD vehicles, and trailers.
• Working extended periods of time under a variety of environmental conditions including rough/steep terrain, inclement weather, driving on hazardous roads and operating dangerous equipment.
• Ensuring all operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner.
• Collecting forest inventory and other field data using equipment such as handheld data loggers, GPS units, laptop computers, and/or tablet computers with mobile mapping capabilities.
• Identifying and distinguishing native and nonnative plants.
• Additional duties may include invasive species management, data entry, installing erosion control items, tree pruning, vegetation inventories, wildlife surveys, and other activities at peak times during the season.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry or related field.
• Note an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, natural resources management, or similar field.
• One or more years of experience in forest management, arboricultural, natural resource management, or related field.
• Experience operating chainsaws.
• Experience with forest inventory and monitoring.
• Experience with natural resource management in Colorado ecosystems.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact careertalent@jeffco.us . This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
• 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.
• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday.
• 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.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities

A resume and cover letter submitted with your application is encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal .

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

Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us

Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Work Experience: No Experience

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Natural Resources

• 

• Jefferson County Government

• 303-271-8400

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