Natural Resource Specialist (Inventory/Monitoring)

Description

Jefferson County Open Space is currently hiring a full-time Natural Resources Specialist to assist with vegetation inventory and monitoring on Jefferson County Open Space properties by collecting and analyzing vegetation field data, identifying native and nonnative plants using dichotomous keys, and assisting with preparing reports based on sound scientific and biological principles.

provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges. We are seeking game changers, people that love what they do and who are motivated to share their knowledge with those that they work with.

The Natural Resources Specialist is responsible for providing for the conservation, preservation and management of the natural resources on Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) properties by collecting and disseminating natural resource data and information, preparing natural resource management plans based on sound scientific and biological principles, and completing various reports that detail past, current, and future needs to ensure best management practices are followed.

Operates specialized heavy and light power equipment, hand tools, and data collection devices in the performance of invasive species control, forest management, ecological restoration, wildlife management, inventory and monitoring of natural resources, and related work.

Trains staff and assists with supervision of park technicians and provides public outreach and communicate with other work units, departments and agencies.

About Jefferson County Open Space :

Jeffco 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 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 Open Space .

This position operates on our four-day work week (Monday-Thursday, 7 : 00am-5 : 30pm). Due to the nature of the role, remote work is not an option.

Target Hire Range : 27.39 33.00 USD Hourly

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

Benefits : Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursements and more.

For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.

Essential Duties :

Natural Resource Assessment and Management :

Assist with vegetation inventory and monitoring efforts in varied landscapes, including :

• identifying native and nonnative plants using dichotomous keys;
• establishing and collecting vegetation data from monitoring transects and plots at varying levels of detail depending on project needs;
• working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary ecological team;
• quickly learning and following complex survey protocols;
• and, assist with other related tasks, potentially including but not limited to : invasive species management; data entry and database management;

public outreach; and, potentially assisting with wildlife or other surveys at peak times during the season.

Administration :

May assist senior staff with defining and tracking vegetation inventory and monitoring tasks.

Planning :

May assist senior staff with generating information to be used in park and other management plans.

Public Outreach / Engagement :

May interact with park visitors regarding native and non-native vegetation.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resource management, or a similar field and
• 1 or more years of work-related experience in wildlife conservation and management, natural resources, or similar field.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Experience with field identification of native and nonnative plants of Colorado
• Experience conducting vegetation inventory and monitoring
• Experience conducting rare plant surveys
• Experience collecting / planting native seed
• Experience with ArcGIS software, including mobile mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS, Collector)

Additional Information :

• 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 available to work flexible hours including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
• Must have a valid driver's license; if you are from out of state, you must have a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date, and you must not have any major violations or DUI, DWI, DWAI convictions.
• Offer of employment contingent on upon successful completion of criminal history, MVR check, education verification and references.
• Please note that supplemental questions requiring a written response will serve as a writing sample.

How to Apply :

Applications will be accepted electronically at Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities.

Applicants complete an online form and have the option to provide a resume and detailed cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for the position.

Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team regarding next steps.

To view the status of your application or direct communication from the hiring team, please log into your candidate portal.

For more details on the recruitment process, please visit

Questions :

• County Recruitment Team : 303-271-8400 or
• Library Recruitment Team : 303.275.6168 or
• Sheriff Recruitment Team : 303.271.5332 or o.us

Education : Experience :

Experience :

Work Experience : Minimum one year

Certifications : Languages :

Languages : Category :

Category : Natural Resources

Natural Resources