Natural Resources Specialist I - Noxious Weed Management

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

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Description:

Jefferson County Open Space is currently hiring Limited-Term Natural Resources Specialists 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 implementing 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.  
   

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Natural Resources Specialist is responsible for: 

• Implementing noxious weed related projects, including herbicide application, mechanical removals, and other management or park maintenance activities. 
• Operating specialized equipment for herbicide application including UTV -mounted sprayers, backpack sprayers, and tractors, as well as additional equipment including but not limited to: 4WD vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, and tree chippers. 
• Following requirements and regulations of local, county, state, and federal weed control programs, including all requirements relative to pesticide storage, mixing, application, and disposal. 
• 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.    
• Identifying and distinguishing native and nonnative plants.
• Collecting field data using equipment such as tablet computers with mobile mapping capabilities, GPS units, and laptop computers. 
• Ensuring all operations are conducted in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Additional duties may include installing erosion control items, vegetation inventories, forest management, wildlife surveys, 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. 

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 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, natural resource management, or similar field. 
• CO Dept. of Agriculture Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor of Pesticide Application License or equivalent license from another state 
• Ability to identify native and nonnative plants of the Colorado Front Range 
• 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]

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