Natural Resources Specialist - Native Plant Materials Program and Trails Reclamation

Overview

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on: 02/09/26
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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Jeffco Parks and 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, Jeffco Parks and 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. Mission:
Preserve open space and parkland;
Protect park and natural resources;
Provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Read more at Jeffco Parks and Open Space. URL: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-space

The Natural Resources Specialist I is responsible for performing entry level professional work in the conservation, preservation, and management of natural resources while training on the methods and techniques.

This position typically operates on our 4x10 work week (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:30pm), but occasionally the work requires a variable work schedule, due to project wildlife-related tasks required. Details will be discussed during the interview process. The employment status is Limited (Fixed-Term) with an anticipated assignment start date of Beginning of May through October 2026. This position is eligible for personal medical coverage the first month after you start.

6 Month Position.

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $28.00 USD Hourly. Compensation will be determined based on education, experience and skills.

• Assist with implementing, monitoring, and evaluating natural resource management prescriptions on county-owned properties, including safe operation and maintenance of equipment and vehicles.
• One or more years of experience identifying native or non-native plant species using dichotomous keys when necessary.
• Support native seed collection and planting projects.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports, and plans related to plant ecological inventories and restoration.
• Stay up to date on relevant scientific literature and assist in preparing outreach material related to natural resource management.
• Demonstrate willingness to develop new skills and experience regarding natural resource management.
• Assist with invasive species management, including the operation and maintenance of equipment and tools such as backpack sprayers, UTV-mounted sprayers, etc.
• Construct and maintain park infrastructure (fences, trail re-routes, etc.) as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.

Education:

Natural Resource Management, Land management, ecology or similar

• Note:
  
  An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

• Firefighter Type 2 Certification within 1 year of date of hire
• Colorado Department of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor License
• Firefighter Type I certification
• Certified Forester
• Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner
• Certified Ecologist
• Certified Wildlife Biologist
• Certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture