Invasive Species Management Lead

Jefferson County CO • Golden, CO

8d • $33 - $42 • Onsite

About The Position

The Invasive Species Management Lead plays a key role in protecting local lands by leading and supporting invasive species management efforts. This position combines hands-on professional work with team leadership and focuses on education, outreach, enforcement, control activities, and field inventories. We’re looking for an experienced , motivated self-starter with a strong understanding of forest pests and terrestrial noxious weeds. The ideal candidate enjoys working with landowners, providing practical, science-based guidance, and communicating clearly and professionally , and has field supervisio n of multi-unit teams. Creativity, adaptability, and a passion for land stewardship are essential.
About Jefferson County Invasive Species Management: Jefferson County Invasive Species Management is a section of the Land Resource Stewardship Team . We are responsible for ensuring compliance with noxious weed and pest laws and regulations through education, outreach, site assessments, and enforcement . Read more at Jeffco Invasive Species Management: https://www.jeffco.us/jcism

Requirements

• Experience: A minimum of four years related experience.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• License/Certifications: Must obtain a Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Qualified Supervisor license in the required designated categories within 6 months of hire , and obtain any remaining designated categories within 12 months of hire . Applicable categories include: 103 Agricultural Weed Control, 106 Forest Pest Control, 107 Rangeland Pest Control, 108 Aquatic Pest Control, 109 Industrial and Right-of-Way, 206 Turf Pest Control, 207 Ornamental Pest Control, 301 Outdoor Vertebrate Control, and 309-B Non-Soil Fumigation Pest Control. Licensure requires verifiable experience. More information on Colorado’s pesticide applicator licensing requirements is available on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website.
• Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Nice To Haves

• Five years or more field experience leading permanent or seasonal multi-person teams in forest insect pest or forest health projects
• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, forestry, ecology, pest management, or a related field
• Professional certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist, SAF Certified Forester, ESA Certified Ecologist, or SER-CERT
• Experience using GIS for project design, data collection, and map production related to invasive species, forest health, or natural resource management
• Experience providing adult education, outreach, or technical assistance to landowners or the public
• Colorado Department of Agriculture Qualified Supervisor Pesticide Applicator License (preferred)
• Strong critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, lead groups, and work effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and the public
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, adaptability, and resilience
• Demonstrated professional experience design ing and deploy ing mapping projects using ArcPro , ArcOnline , Field Maps, and Survey 123

Responsibilities

• Assign, schedule, and supervise day-to-day activities of staff, seasonal workers, and volunteers performing invasive species ( i.e. forest pest and terrestrial noxious weeds) and land stewardship activities.
• Assess public and private lands for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations relating to invasive species including but not limited to noxious weeds and forest pests.
• Lead and conduct research, map, inventory, monitor, and analyze plant, insect, and disease populations.
• Identify and quantify species of concern, native species, and environmental conditions.
• Develop and recommend invasive species management solutions and plans based on scientific and biological principles.
• Develop and deploy mapping projects using GIS and GPS technologies.
• Conduct site visits to assist landowners to identify and quantify invasive species.
• Advise on solutions, methods, and treatment recommendations to control or eradicate issues.
• Respond to complaints related to the presence of invasive species on public and private lands to observe and quantify infestations.
• Communicate with landowner to provide information on infestation and eradication prescription.
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate records for inventory tracking, site visits, and inspections.
• Assist with preparation of case documentation, and enforcement tracking activities.
• Provide input and data for state reporting.
• Participate in public outreach activities that support public engagement including seminars, training classes, and site visits.
• Deliver and disseminate information and education to internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in public meetings and interact with landowners and residents.
• Assist with the creation of informational and educational communications, including fact sheets, brochures, website content, and public media, and training and seminar content.
• Supervise and participate in the implementation and monitoring of weed and pest management solutions and prescriptions for invasive species control, forest management, ecological restoration, and wildlife management . May include application of pesticides, mechanical removal, and habitat manipulation.
• Operate and maintain light equipment, hand tools, and data collection technology-based devices .
• Provide input on the evaluation and purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Assist in developing annual work plans, programs, and projects.
• Provide input for budget needs and assist with the development of the budget.
• Assist with development and oversight of contracts and grants.
• Work requires functioning as a lead worker 20% to 50% of the time and performing essentially the same work as those directed. Regularly assigned leadwork elements that normally consist of priorities determination, work assignment, instruction and review, and problem resolution.
• May provide recommendations to an employee’s formal supervisor regarding other employees’ performance reviews, minor disciplinary actions, hiring, pay, and termination decisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires ; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement; flexible schedules; remote work options; and more.
• For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees