Ecology Lead Technician

Performs technical and mostly field based natural lands functions including tasks in the areas of natural lands maintenance, IPM, restoration, wildlife management, and community engagement across the Parks & Recreation system to ensure safe and efficient operations, including the following: 

• Implements best management practices for the removal of noxious weeds by utilizing assorted mechanical methods (digging, hand pulling, whipping, tractor and mower operation, etc.), chemical control (backpack and UTV spraying, wicking, etc.), cultural practices (planting, burning, etc.), and assists with biological control (insects, animals).   

• Performs and/or coordinates prairie dog management tasks including surveys, colony monitoring, mapping, installing and maintaining barriers, and potentially trapping and relocation.  

• Utilizes GIS, GPS, and tablet technologies to collect field data and uses ArcGIS platform to add and manage data in established databases and creation of maps.  Works with GIS staff to implement data into overall system.    

• Performs and/or coordinates restoration projects such as native seed collection, re-seeding, mitigation work, and wildlife habitat enhancements.  

• Performs and assists with research, monitoring, and data collection associated with various natural land management tasks (IPM, wildlife, etc.), data entry, and preparing of scientific reports. 

• Performs and/or coordinates community engagement including public environmental education and outreach programs.  

• Performs and/or coordinates regular maintenance and creation of natural lands and park infrastructure such as fencing, trails, restroom amenities, trash/litter removal, graffiti/vandalism removal, signs, and other light construction.  

• Performs and/or coordinates various urban wildlife management tasks including surveys, addressing wildlife concerns for projects, assisting with closures and adhering to best management practices.  

Serves as a subject matter expert for one of the specialized program areas (i.e., vegetation management, wildlife management, visitor management), including the following: 

• Plans and implements programs and projects within the specialized program area 

• Makes recommendations for process improvements and implementation of best management practices 

• Researches and stays current on best practices 

• Trains and oversees other staff and volunteers on the implementation of programs and/or projects within specialized program area 

• Gathers data and information to evaluate program and project success 

• Provides assistance on grant applications as appropriate for specific programs or projects 

• Participates in specific subject matter working groups related to area of expertise 

Coordinates projects to efficiently complete natural lands activities for specific area of expertise.    

• As necessary, may coordinate activities with a contractor 

• Works closely with and may direct non-standard employees, volunteers, community service workers, jail crew workers or others. 

• Oversees and inspects work to ensure quality and compliance plans, agreements, city code/licensing/insurance, and industry standards.   

• Coordinates schedules and project elements with other staff and stakeholders.  

• Provides work instruction and task assignment, communicates job expectations, provides appropriate feedback on performance to manager, corrects problems with work habits or safety issues, ensures adherence to City and Department policies, and the accuracy of reported time use.   

• Communicates with the public, other city staff, private contractors, and outside agencies to ensure safe and efficient natural lands field operations and public safety 

Ensures all city and department safety procedures, regulations and policies are observed and followed in order to promote a safe work environment and prevent injuries and illnesses, including the following:  

• Enforces to and adheres by organizational policies, rules and safety regulations related to persons using city vehicles, equipment, and park facilities  

• Ensures safe public spaces while completing work tasks and raises safety concerns to appropriate supervisors or contacts  

• Oversees seasonal staff in safe operation of all equipment and vehicles  

• Identifies, addresses or elevates any health and safety risks within the natural areas  

• Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment and uses all required personal protective equipment (PPE)  

• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents  

• Does not operate a vehicle or equipment in an unsafe manner, including avoiding the use of a cell phone  

• Reports all injuries, accidents and damage to City property on the same day that they occur  

• Adheres to all Label and MSDS requirements when using chemicals and is fully aware of the product specifications and required PPE  

• Ensures the appropriate records are being kept  

Ensures proper use of vehicles, equipment and tools to accomplish tasks. This includes:  

• Obtaining proper training before operation.  

• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of machinery, equipment, and tools to ensure safe operation.  

• Performs basic safety checks and cleaning of all vehicles and equipment before use.  

• Report all damage and poorly functioning equipment and vehicles to the Parks Equipment and Fleet Technician.

• Is alert to conditions and events indicating possible misuse of or damage to Parks vehicles and/or equipment, and reports any such information to the appropriate staff.   

Other 

• Performs emergency response work for the city that may include; tree damage, flood response and recovery, and other emergencies.   

• Coordinates work with other City field staff to ensure timely response to ongoing maintenance needs, special projects, and provides resolution of identified issues or emergencies.  

• Ensures that resource conservation techniques are implemented throughout work responsibilities (recycling, composting, air and water quality protection). 

• Stays up to date on job related issues such as technical procedures, safety issues, product development and technology improvements.  

• Updates job knowledge to remain current with natural lands management practices including but not limited to, IPM including mechanical, chemical, biological and cultural practices, restoration, wildlife management, community engagement, equipment operation, general safety and training, risk management issues, the City of Boulder Urban Wildlife Management Plan, the City of Boulder IPM Plan and corresponding IPM and wildlife ordinances.  Keeps current with trends and issues as they affect the professional field of parks and recreation and water conservation management.  Updates job knowledge through attendance and participation in continuing education opportunities such as conferences and specialty schools when offered.  

• Thorough understanding and ability to apply to day-to-day tasks of one of the following: 

• Vegetation management including IPM theory and application, maintenance and management requirements and standards, and practical application 

• Wildlife management, monitoring and management 

• Visitor management, including outreach and education, usage, and appropriate infrastructure  

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the methods, materials and equipment involved in the operation and maintenance of parks, multi-use trails, and other parks facilities. 

• Thorough knowledge of equipment maintenance requirements and preventative maintenance scheduling  

• Thorough knowledge of standard safety practices for working around heavy mechanical equipment and hazardous materials 

• Ability to use light equipment such as string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge clippers, push mowers 

• Ability to train subordinate level employees and impart knowledge effectively 

• Ability to prioritize, schedule, and assign day-to-day activities for other employees 

• Computer skills, data entry, and effective use of asset management software 

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city officials, vendors, other governmental agencies, other employees, and the general public 

• Dependable, team player (can-do, will-do attitude) 

• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.  

• Capable of carrying out physically demanding tasks outdoors, even under varying weather conditions.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history 

• Hold an advanced degree, certification, or documented training in ecology, wildlife science, biology, environmental science or other natural resources field  

• Advanced experience working for a public agency.  

• Extensive experience applying herbicides in a natural lands setting 

• Showcase knowledge of resource conservation within a parks maintenance context.  

• Demonstrate familiarity with high-visitor urban environments.  

• Exhibit the ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences. 

• Exhibit strong leadership capabilities, including the coordination and supervision of a team.  

• Ability to plan, assign, and oversee day-to-day work for a team 

• Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.  

• Possess proficient skills in utilizing tools, equipment, and software relevant to the role. 

• Exhibit excellent communication and customer service skills.  

• Maintain flexibility regarding irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergencies. 

• Engage in physically demanding tasks outdoors across a variety of weather conditions 

• Ability to lift 50 lbs and at times up to 75 lbs 

• Requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, lifting, dragging, and pushing on uneven or slippery surfaces 

• Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, stinging insects), toxic chemicals (e.g., pesticides), and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning) 

• Leverage effective communication skills, both written and verbal 

• Adaptability to work under stressful situations and shifting priorities 

• Demonstrated proficiency in using hand and power tools, operating machinery and using office equipment