Landscaping Technician Lead

City of Boulder; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Boulder seeks a Parks Maintenance Lead to coordinate turf and horticultural tasks in urban parks under limited supervision. You will operate equipment, supervise staff, monitor quality, and oversee contracted work and event setups.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, at least five years in horticulture and turf maintenance, and the ability to read manuals and blueprints. A CDL Class B is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five years of experience in horticulture, turf management, irrigation, and park maintenance.
• CDL Class B preferred or obtainable within one year.
• Able to read manuals, blueprints, and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Lead parks staff by assigning tasks and guiding the team.
• Monitor quality and adherence to standards during ongoing work.
• Assist in hiring, training, and performance management of staff.
• Oversee safety training and equipment operation practices.
• Coordinate with event promoters, city departments, and vendors for events and setups.
• Oversee irrigation systems maintenance and water conservation efforts.
• Respond to emergencies and perform snow removal when required.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

CDL Class B (preferred)

Tools

Asset management software

Job description

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder! Application Deadline: October 19, 2026 Compensation Details: Hiring Range 34.51 - 50.05 This is a full-time hourly position. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Benefit Eligibility Group: BMEA (20+ Hours) Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary

Under limited supervision, coordinates and performs turf and horticultural maintenance tasks, skilled equipment operation, and variety of maintenance duties in an urban park setting. Assists the supervisor and leads components of daily operations as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Takes a leadership role within the parks staff, efficiently assigning and coordinating tasks, and providing guidance as needed.
• Monitors ongoing work to ensure quality, efficiency, and adherence to operational standards.
• Assists in the hiring, training, and performance management of regular, seasonal, and other team members.
• Leads training programs focusing on equipment safety, parks maintenance, wildlife management, and other relevant areas.
• Collaborates closely with other Parks field staff to address maintenance needs, special projects, and unforeseen emergencies.
• Oversees contracted work, ensuring timely completion and adherence to project specifications.
• Coordinates with event promoters, city departments, and vendors for successful event setup and execution.
• Oversees the City of Boulder Park and Playground Safety Program, including conducting repairs, safety inspections, and equipment maintenance.
• Performs a range of horticultural tasks such as planting, fertilizing, pruning, and effective weed control.
• Executes comprehensive turf maintenance practices, including mowing, fertilization, aeration, and irrigation management.
• Coordinates with irrigation division to implement and maintain irrigation systems while promoting water conservation practices.
• Enforces safety procedures, regulations, and policies to create a secure work environment.
• Schedules and perform maintenance tasks on equipment, structures, infrastructure, and recreational facilities.
• Responds promptly to emergency situations, which may include addressing tree damage, flood recovery, and other urgent maters.
• Understandings and adheres to departmental and city mission, vision, and values.
• Performs snow removal duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to be a dependable team player (can-do, will-do attitude).
• 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.
• Ability to read various operational manuals, schematic drawings, and blueprints.
• Ability to train subordinate level employees and impart knowledge effectively.
• Ability to use light equipment such as string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge clippers, push mowers,
• Knowledge at a thorough level of equipment maintenance requirements and preventative maintenance scheduling,
• Knowledge at a thorough level of horticultural practices and turfgrass maintenance.
• Knowledge at a thorough level of Integrated Pest Management theory and practical application in a park setting.
• Knowledge at a thorough level of landscaping principles, maintenance requirements and standards, and practical application.
• Knowledge at a thorough level of standard safety practices for working around heavy mechanical equipment and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge at thorough level and understanding of the methods, materials and equipment involved in the operation and maintenance of parks, multi-use trails, and other parks facilities.
• Skills in computers, data entry, and effective use of asset management software.
• Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, including the coordination and supervision of a team.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of resource conservation within a parks maintenance context.
• Knowledge and familiarity with high-visitor urban environments.
• Skills at a proficient level in utilizing tools, equipment, and software relevant to the role.
• Advanced experience working for a public agency.
• Bachelor’s Degree, certification, or completed training in a related field.
• Possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) class B.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in horticulture, turf management, irrigation and general park maintenance.
• Possessthe followingcertifications or new hireshave the ability toobtain within one (1) year: First Aid, CPR, AED, OSHA 30 hr. CIT (Certified Irrigation Technician), CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector), Heavy Equipment Certification or equivalent.
• Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Landscaping Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Physical and Mental Effort: Engage in physically demanding tasks outdoors across a variety of weather conditions.

Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks outdoors and under all weather conditions, including the ability to stand, kneel and bend frequently and for extended periods of time.

Display the ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and competently operate machinery.

Requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, lifting, dragging, and pushing.

Leverage effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Work Environment: Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, or emergencies as required to respond to Parks and Forestry maintenance needs, including on-call for snow removal or tree related emergencies.

Adaptability to work under stressful situations and shifting priorities.

Machines and Equipment Used: Demonstrate proficiency in operating machinery and using office equipment. Will be required to perform snow removal duties as required. Riding and hand mowers, edgers, weed eaters, backpack blowers, grinders, drills, chainsaws, rototillers; equipment such as tractors, front-end loaders/ backhoes, pick-up trucks, utility vehicles, trailers, snowplows, snow blowers; and hand tools such as wrenches, hammers, paint brushes and rollers, shovels, rakes, pruning shears and saws

EEO AND DIVERSITY STATEMENTS

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals.

The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.

Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the programs and resources available to our diverse staff, we work to intentionally embed our core values into the fabric of our organization.

The city recognizes that careers are shaped through many pathways, and we value the perspectives and talents that come with them.

We believe that diversity in all its forms makes us stronger.

We welcome candidates with a wide range of lived experiences and professional backgrounds — including those historically excluded or underrepresented in government.

We especially encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others whose voices haven’t always been heard in public service.

Our commitment to equity also extends to the planet we share.

We’re working toward a sustainable, thriving community that supports clean energy, protects ecosystems, and uses resources responsibly for generations to come.