Natural Resources Specialist

CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job-someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.

Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

Under minimal supervision, the Open Space Specialist - Natural Resources coordinates natural resource related maintenance and restoration on Parks, Golf, and Open Space Division natural lands. Responsibilities include seasonal supervision, daily coordination of activities, and performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the areas of natural lands maintenance, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), wildlife management and equipment operation, and to perform related duties as required. This position is responsible for developing requests for proposals (RFP), defining scope of work, and managing contractors performing natural resource management work for the Division.

This position requires a high degree of technical knowledge pertaining to invasive species management, native grass ecosystems, project and contractor management skills, and supervisory skills.

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space and recreational trails. This position works towards the accomplishment of the Departments mission: “Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.”

Every employee is accountable to:

• Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is apriority
• Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
• Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
• Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
• Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
• Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
• Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
• Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
• Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:

• Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
• Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self-development
• Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
• Achieve goals, and handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate accountability for work, and take ownership in job performance
• Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

Job Specific - Every employee in this position must be able to:

• Apply applicable safety rules and procedures
• Identify native and invasive plant species
• Conduct monitoring and mapping operations utilizing GIS tools
• Oversee contractors, including writing Requests for Bids and contracts
• Maintain accurate records
• Supervise seasonal employees; training, directing work and monitoring employee safety
• Preserve Open Space lands and facilities
• Operate light and heavy equipment, tractors, and City vehicles with trailers
• Perform facility and grounds maintenance on open space areas
• Remove snow at public facilities when necessary
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including some weekend days and scheduled on-call shifts
• Attend meetings and work at division sponsored special events
• Demonstrate knowledge of equipment, material, and practices used for general open space maintenance, construction, and trail work

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
1. Develops, implements, and monitors an integrated pest management plan for all POST lands

• Ensures that the Parks, Golf, and Open Space Division is following all state mandates pursuant to the Colorado Weed Act, and supporting other divisions in meeting these mandates
• Conducts field surveys to inspect for, identify, document, and map invasive species
• Prepares and administers service contracts for invasive species control projects
• Plans, organizes, implements, and monitors invasive species control projects including but not limited to chemical control, mechanical control, biological control, cultural control, and education and outreach
• Assists in budget development for POST invasive plant management

2. Implements Russian olive and tamarisk removal project, including working with contractors and youth corps to eliminate trees on POST lands
3. Conducts and oversees the collection of data for resource monitoring projects, including:

• Coordinating with GIS staff to create and maintain monitoring databases
• Maintaining electronic and paper copies of monitoring protocols, monitoring data, as well as monitoring reports and presentations
• Utilizing GPS technology to collect data points in the field and uses data to create maps with an ArcGIS program
• Supervising and training seasonal staff in data collection activities, assists, as necessary, with data collection in the field

4. Works closely with the open space volunteer coordinator to establish volunteer projects for invasive plant control
5. Ensures all safety procedures are closely followed
6. Maintains regular and punctual attendance

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required :

• Degree in Natural Resource Management, Botany, Rangeland management or related field from an accredited college or university; or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience identifying native and non-native plant species of the Colorado Front Range
• Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge of natural lands, wildlife and IPM management with an emphasis on project management, prairie dog techniques and invasive species control practices
• Experience with GIS/GPS mapping, and report writing
• Experience in invasive plant control, open space, trails, or native land maintenance
• At least one (1) year of experience supervising seasonal employees in the invasive plant management
• Possess and maintain a State of Colorado Pesticide Applicator's License at time of hire, and Qualified Supervisor level prior to, or within six (6) months of employment
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record throughout employment, with a valid Class B Commercial Driver License obtained prior to, or within six (6) months of employment

Preferred :

• Experience writing RFPs and supervising contractors
• Current State of Colorado Pesticide Applicator's License at time of hire, and Qualified Supervisor level

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Physical Requirements:
Work is physical in nature and requires sufficient physical strength and stamina to:

• Occasionally sit while driving to work assignments and performing office tasks; frequently stand and constantly walk on uneven terrain in all weather conditions to safely complete assigned tasks
• Occasional squatting, twisting, climbing, and balancing to inspect assigned areas and perform snow removal
• Frequent bending, kneeling, and reaching below shoulder to perform irrigation repair and open space maintenance
• Frequent light/firm grasp to properly use tools and equipment; occasional fine manipulation to perform office duties; constant handling to use safely use machinery and heavy equipment
• Occasional stepping up and/or down to enter and exit vehicles and climb ladders; constant actuate mechanism to safely operate heavy equipment and vehicles
• Standard near and/or far acuity and hearing
• Occasional lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds from ground to waist to move material and supplies; constant carrying of up to twenty-five (25) pounds at waist level to use weed clearing equipment; frequent carrying of up to fifty (50) pounds to use a backpack sprayer; frequent pushing and/or pulling of up to 100 pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is constantly performed indoors and outdoors with constant exposure to extreme temperatures year-round. Position is responsible for the maintenance of all City right-of-ways, forestry, and open space sites throughout the year. Snow removal at City facilities, parks, and trails is done when needed.

Required Materials and Equipment
Operates light and heavy equipment such as UTVs, pick-up truck, small dump truck, chippers, tandem dump trucks, skid loaders, tractors, horticultural hand tools, pruners, backpack sprayers, chainsaws, snow blowers, self-propelled, walk-behind mowers, and riding mowers, 20-foot trailers, water equipment, equipment to maintain trails, and other equipment as necessary. Depending on the project, may also utilize carpentry tools and power tools to complete assigned responsibilities.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Background checks will include employment references and criminal history, and when applicable, credit check, driver license record, and education verification
• Drug screen
• Must be legally entitled to work in the United States

The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Health and Dental
• Flexible Spending
• Pension/Retirement Plans
• Term Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability
• Survivor Benefits
• Wellness Program
• Career Development Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Leave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on the job injury

For a more detailed overview of our General Non Exempt employee benefit package:
Benefit Package

The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.

401(a) Contribution Rates:
Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.
Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.

Employer Contribution Vesting Schedule

• Less than 3 years - 0%
• 3 to 4 years - 60%
• 4 to 5 years - 80%
• Over 5 years - 100%
• For employees age 55 and older, the employer contributions are 100% vested

The City of Westminster provides employees with innovative and practical ways to improve their commute through two key features, EcoPass and Commute Benefits powered by Commutrics. EcoPass provides unlimited trips on RTD's core transit services and Commute Rewards allows you to record your trips and get rewards based on your commute mode.

Closing Date/Time: 2/3/2025 8:30 AM Mountain

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• City of Westminster, Colorado

• 303-658-2150

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