Natural Resources Specialist - Noxious Weed 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 11:59 PM on 02/09/26

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

We recognize that diverse applicants bring valuable perspectives. If you are hesitant to apply because you do not check every box, we encourage you to apply. A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

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

• 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

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…