Lead Open Space and Trails Technician

Town of Windsor (CO); Windsor (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Open Space and Trails Technician to oversee the maintenance of natural areas and trails. This role involves supervising a dedicated crew, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations, and engaging with the community to promote environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a passion for outdoor management, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems. Join a team that values hard work and community engagement, and help shape the future of open spaces in the Town of Windsor.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in open space management and trail maintenance.
• Ability to supervise and train a crew effectively.
• Knowledge of safety practices and equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train crew in open space maintenance and repair.
• Assist in coordinating with contractors for project completion.
• Communicate with the public regarding open space and trail issues.

Skills

Open Space Management

Trail Maintenance

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership

Public Communication

Equipment Operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

4-Year Degree in Natural Resources or Related Field

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaws

Irrigation Systems

Power Tools

Job description

Hiring Range:$30.85 - $33.94 per hour

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically M-F 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; may be asked to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the needs of the department and town

NATURE OF WORK
Under the direct supervision of the Open Space and Trails Manager, the Lead Open Space and Trails Technician is expected to supervise and train a crew to complete projects associated with maintaining open space, natural areas, and trails within the Town of Windsor. The individual must be hardworking, self-motivated, dependable, able to work with or without supervision, and enjoy working with the public. As a member of the Open Space and Trails Division, this individual will work in a team-based environment, supporting the department's mission and vision along with the goals and philosophies of the Open Space and Trails Manager. This position will regularly work with volunteers and staff to perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in open space and range management, trail maintenance and repair, and public land operations.

The Lead Open Space and Trails Technicianis required to perform work in a manner consistent with and exemplary of the town’sPRIDEphilosophy and the town’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Lead Open Space and Trails Technician works under the direct supervision/leadership of the Opens Space and Trails Manager or designee to carry out assigned duties, functions, roles, and projects in both routine and complex circumstances. Individuals report directly to the Open Space and Trails Manager and are a part of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department and may receive guidance regarding daily work from other Team Members and Supervisors.

SUPERVISION/LEADERSHIP EXERCISED
This position will work with full-time staff, seasonal staff, and volunteers and will be expected to effectively build relationships, foster a safe working environment, and lead a work team of other technicians by providing clear direction and administering tools and equipment.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are with superiors, peers, subordinates, elected officials, users, volunteers and/or vendors. Contacts require the ability to exercise a high degree of interpersonal skills to influence persons at all levels. The individual is accountable for the results of the contact.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Lead Open Space and Trails Technician is assigned specific assignments, job duties, scope, authority, responsibility, roles, and requirements as determined by the town, department, division, and pursuant to laws, regulation, and practices. Individuals in this position must be able to successfully perform, be responsible for, and/or assist in the fulfillment of many job functions and duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Supervises and trains crew in all technical open space maintenance, repair, and land management duties, including but not limited to mowing, weed trimming, noxious species mitigation, fertilization, seeding, irrigation, fence repair, and litter control.
• Work with Open Space and Trails Manager to develop plans to achieve quarterly goals, as well as monthly and weekly Open Space tasks
• Assists Open Space and Trails Manager in training new hires on essential job duties for Open Space Technicians and seasonal employees
• Assist with creating, developing, engaging, and overseeing regular and ongoing volunteer teams and one-time volunteer engagement events
• Assists in coordinating with contractors and may oversee and approve work to complete projects
• Performs trail maintenance, including but not limited to trail design, installation, mapping, upkeep, and repair
• Perform wetlandrestoration and wildlife habitat preservation
• Perform installing and maintaining interpretive/educational signage
• Safely and properly operates and maintains open space-related equipment, including but not limited to Town vehicles, trucks and trailers, slope mowers, tractors, front-end loaders, skid steers, sprayers, plows, dump trucks, UTV’s, etc.
• Safely and properly operates and maintains power equipment,light to midsize equipment,and other open space-related power tools, including by not limited to chainsaws, weed trimmers, backpack blowers, backpack sprayers, etc., toperform general open space and trail maintenance and support of recreation events and activities.
• Assists in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing irrigation and drip line systems for town-owned Open Spaces and maintained trees and shrubs located in open space, natural areas, and Wetlands
• Assists in Maintenance of the Treasure Island Demonstration Garden
• Professionally communicate and conduct consultations with the public – in person, on the phone, and via email – regarding open space, natural area, and trail issues, concerns, and management needs
• Performs maintenance, repair, and land management duties on Town of Windsor open space properties, trail corridors, and trailheads. May assist with parks, cemetery, forestry, turf, and irrigation duties as needed.
• Performs restoration of native grasslands and riparian areas, including native grass seeding operations, planting, establishment, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants; and the management of noxious weeds on open space properties and trail corridors.
• Install, repair, inspects and provide overall maintenance of open space and trailhead amenities; list includes but not limited to fences, drainage systems, restrooms, shelters, benches, trash collection, graffiti/vandalism and other related equipment and facilities.
• Trimming, refuse pick-up, edging, weeding, general clean-up, and occasional cleaning of restrooms.
• Maintain and repair paved and gravel driveways, trailheads, parking lots, and various types of trails.
• Understand and adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
• Assist with Open Spaces Program event management at various locations throughout the town, which may include organizing/managing volunteer groups.
• Plowing and removal of snow within parks, trailheads, parking lots, streets, trails, sidewalks, and facilities. Serves as a part of snow operations for essential facilities and amenities. Work hours and call-in status vary depending on weather conditions and needs of the organization.
• Serve as essential personnel for town and may assist in town emergency management operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES
Depending on organizational need, additional duties may include the following:

• The Lead Open Space & Trails Technician position is part of the snow removal program which includes scheduled on-call responsibilities typically during the months of October to April. Open Space & Trails Technicians are required to review and acknowledge the Snow Guidelines annually.
• The Lead Open Space & Trails Technician position participates in the Shared Fleet Vehicle Program, which requires an annual motor vehicle record check.
• Assists with applications for grants to assist with program operations.
• Performs research as directed, such as discovering new technology or tools, market research, etc.
• Performs related duties as established by law/ordinance or reasonably directed by the town.
• Assists other town departments/divisions, as necessary.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND FORMAL TRAINING

• High School diploma or GED required; 4-year degree in Natural Resources, Forestry, Biology, or a closely related field is preferred but not required
• Four (4) or more years of open space management, natural resources management, trail maintenance or public land management experience desired.
• Two (2) years of experience coordinating a work crew or volunteer group, desired.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant processes the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions may be substituted for required education

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES

• Must have a current Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment, that meets the Town of Windsor’s standards.
• Must possess and maintain Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Must possess Colorado Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in the Rangeland and Right of Way categories
• Must possess Native Plant Master Designation or ability to acquire within 12 months of hire.
• Must possess CPR/1st Aid certification or ability to obtain within 6 months

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of open space and range management and trails maintenance and repair.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools, and equipment used in open space and range management and trails maintenance and repair.
• Advanced knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Advanced knowledge of Best Management Practices in open space and trails management.
• Thorough knowledge of grasslands and natural areas to include grasses, forbes, plant identification and forestry.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest management program. Inventory techniques utilizing geographic information systems.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions which includes communicating in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town officials, the general public, internal and external customers.
• Ability to react quickly and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain composure during mentally, physically and emotionally stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly and effectively with people inside and outside the organization using verbal and written methods.
• Ability to perform the necessary functions of the position and to make appropriate decisions consistent with the job expectations and position description.
• Ability to successfully pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated physical examination as required, and the controlled substance/alcohol tests on a random basis.

MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT USED
Materials and equipment used include, but may not be limited to the following:

1. Equipment: Position requires use of a variety of equipment: computers, tablets or other digital equipment, digital cameras, copiers, printers, scanners, fax machines, telephones, vehicles.
2. Materials: Position requires use of a variety of open lands and parks maintenance supplies and materials related to landscape and facility maintenance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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.

The physical activities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

The physical requirements of this position are consideredHeavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

The employee may be subject to the following environmental conditions: inside, such an office setting; outside, with little to no effective protection from weather; extreme cold, typically below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour; extreme heat, temperatures typically above 100 degrees of periods of more than one hour; subject to noise and vibration.

The employee is subject to hazards, including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals. The employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system, or the skin.

The employee works in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia. The employee is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.

This position is consideredsafety-sensitive because the individual must operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) as a regular function of daily job duties.

Note: This position description is not intended to be an exclusive list of all of the requirements, duties, tasks, roles or responsibilities associated with the position. Nothing in this position description restricts the town’s ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

The Town of Windsor will make all reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity in employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The town is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The town prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), gender (regardless of gender identity or gender expression), sexual orientation, color, religion, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.