Ecological Restoration Crew Member

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Final date to receive applications
January 21, 2026

Compensation Details
$21.01 - $29.40
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range. This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Benefit Eligibility Group
Seasonal Max
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary
Under general supervision, conduct on-the-ground ecological restoration and maintenance on City managed Open Space and Mountain Parks lands. This role focuses on seed collections, planting and seeding, watering and other plant maintenance, erosion control and invasive species management on natural lands in order to restore ecosystem function and health. The job demands focus and attention to detail, as well as a team-oriented mindset, as everyone is accountable for the safety and well-being of the group.

Crew members will have the opportunity to gain technical certifications as well as learn new skills and best practices related to ecological restoration and management.

• Works collaboratively on native seed and other plant materials collection and increases with other staff and/or volunteers in forest, grassland, and riparian/aquatic ecosystems.
• Implements management prescriptions using restoration specific techniques such as seeding, planting, weed management, erosion control, etc., to help restore degraded native ecosystems.
• Maintains detailed records of restoration treatments and plant materials collected.
• Maps and logs work efforts using GIS technology, aerial photography, and databases.
• Assists in rare plant inventories across the OSMP system.
• Knows and complies with all city and department policies; participating in professional training and development; and adhering to attendance and other workplace policies.
• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Use all proper safety equipment. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Operates four-wheel drive vehicles as well as related hand tools and equipment like weed whips, chainsaws, herbicide sprayers, and tractors on rough terrain.

• Ability to be flexible and take assignments as assigned.
• Ability to follow established procedures and direction for the benefit and safety of the team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers, with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment under a variety of weather conditions. Physical ability to stand, walk, kneel, and lift heavy objects on a regular basis.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn local plant identification. Interest in plants, natural resources, and/or ecology.
• Willingness to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability to evaluate conditions in assigned area and make judgments related to safety.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

• Knowledge of and experience in ecological restoration techniques and/or invasive species management in forest, grassland, or aquatic systems.
• Experience with basic GIS/GPS and database applications.
• Knowledge of and experience with trailers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, tractors, weed whips, and/or other related equipment.
• Knowledge of local flora and ability to use botanical keys.
• Knowledge in nursery operations, native plant grow-outs, and/or seed collection and storage techniques.
• Knowledge of field sampling techniques, vegetation monitoring, and data collection, management, and reporting.
• Knowledge, training and/or experience in mapping, aerial photo interpretation and map reading.
• Knowledge, training in and/or knowledge of vegetation inventory and monitoring principles.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year experience or college-level course work in Ecology, Biology,…