Open Space Technician

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is accepting applications for a full-time Open Space Technician for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space department. This technician performs a variety of unskilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and operations of district’s natural areas. We strongly encourage candidates that are hard-working, prompt, responsible, able to work independently and with a team, and have a willingness to learn, to apply for this position.

Check out our amazing full-time employee benefits in the About Us section below the job description or view the attachment. Pay is commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Open Space Tech I

• Complies with established safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety of self, co-workers, community residents, and visitors.
• Prioritize excellent internal and external customer service.
• Proactively work to support quality service delivery to community by acting on all observed opportunities for repair, maintenance and improved service delivery.
• Performs all aspects of general open space maintenance including but not limited to; trail maintenance, vegetation management, dog park maintenance, community garden maintenance, trash removal, and other duties as assigned.
• Assists in the implementation of vegetation & wildlife management plans, and native area improvements (e.g. drill seeding, herbicide application and mowing in managing noxious weed infestations, drainage repairs, etc.).
• Maintains knowledge of resource maintenance and management practices and principles which include upland, wetland, riparian ecosystems; wildlife management; maintenance of trails and open space resources.
• Work independently with all open space equipment. Operates midsized equipment for excavating, mowing and snow removal operations and for the maintenance of open space areas, (e.g. tractors, mowers, plows, quads, trucks, chain saws, etc.).
• Completes work orders using the Asset Essentials work order and asset management system.
• Contribute to the snow removal program and adjust schedule using flextime. This may include weekend and nighttime hours operating snow removal equipment.
• Assists with setting up and taking down special event equipment from various parks and recreation programs, and community events.

Open Space Tech II

In addition to the above…

• Implements vegetation & wildlife management plans, and native area improvements (e.g. drill seeding, herbicide application and mowing in managing noxious weed infestations, drainage repairs, etc.).
• Assigned member of the snow crew, for the snow removal program and adjust schedule in response to snow events. This may include weekend and overnight hours operating snow removal equipment
• Special projects, tasks and responsibilities specific to open space may be assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Serves as a member of various employee committees and planning teams as assigned. Identifies and suggests actions as necessary to ensure a safe experience for open space visitors and protecting natural resources and facilities.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Space Tech I (up to $25.08/hr)

• Associates degree in Natural Resource Management or related field
• Two years’ experience in open space/natural resource management.
• A combination of equivalent education and experience.

Open Space Tech II (up to $29.04/hr)

• Associates degree in Natural Resource Management or related field
• Three years’ experience in open space/natural resource management.
• A combination of equivalent education and experience.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of equipment, materials and supplies applicable to open space management. Skill in using hand and power tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Supervise and coordinate projects for those with court-ordered community service.
• Knowledge of indigenous vegetation, wildlife, and range management concepts and ability to analyze multiple resource management issues & make recommendations to resolve significant conflicts.
• Work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Lift heavy objects and walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Communicate orally and in writing.
• Understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Successfully pass and maintain CO Dept of Ag Rangeland and Right of Way herbicide applicators license within 12 months of hire date.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Pickup truck, hand and power tools, loader, tractor, excavator, dingo and skid steer. Personal computer, copier, scanner, printer, and cell phone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable job accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a variety of settings to include office work and field work in a variety of locations and weather conditions.

WORK SCHEDULE

Generally, Monday through Friday between 6:30am and 3:00pm. Work schedules will vary depending on time of year, weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and/or staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours. Schedule may vary seasonally.

This position is part of the HRMD on-call/weekend schedule and snow removal program as scheduled by the Open Space Supervisor / Manager. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, panel interview and reference check. Job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The District conducts illegal drug screenings on all full-time candidates offered employment, as well as background and motor vehicle record checks for 18 .

ABOUT US

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more.

We prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!

• 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
• 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
• 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
• 100% contribution match for the pension plan
• Up to 6% contribution match for the optional retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.

Work/life Balance!

• Earn 2 weeks’ vacation accrual per year (3 weeks after 5 years)
• On date of hire receive 80 hours of sick leave (and each year on work anniversary)
• 9 full paid holidays and 2 half holidays in 2024
• 200 hours of medical leave

Wellness & Improvement!

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
• Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
• Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee

Saving & Planning!

• Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
• Group discounts for employees on everything from legal assistance to cell phone bills.

We are accepting applications for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing this posting from our career center, click "Apply" below.