Natural Resource Specialist ; Limited - Forest Management

Overview

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.

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on 02/05/26

Division Open Space Division

Management Level Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

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.

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.

Hiring Range: $28.00 – $28.50 USD Hourly

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

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.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-space

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,…