Natural Areas & Trails Technician II

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Natural Areas & Trails (NAT) Maintenance Technician II participates in a wide range of construction and maintenance projects, in addition to operating equipment and chemical application support. This position will work closely with NAT staff including Technician I position, volunteers, and occasionally direct assigned seasonal staff who help to provide safe and well-maintained natural areas and trail corridors through general maintenance, vegetation management and public improvement projects.

Requirements

Three (3) years of experience in stewardship of natural resources and trails maintenance.
Valid CO driver's license and 2 years of a good driving record.
Experience operating tractors, mowers, utility vehicles, brush chipper, chain saws, stump grinder, tree spade, backhoes, snow plow, snow blowers, snow brooms, dump trucks, loaders, and skid loaders.
Experience in the fields of natural resources, wildlife biology, weed science, agronomy, agriculture, botany, or ecology.
Specialized training beyond high school normally gained in a program of less than 18 months duration.
High school diploma or GED OR Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job, AND Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability to safely operate and support a preventative maintenance program for a variety of equipment including (but not limited to) trucks and trailers, tractors, mowers, utility vehicles, brush chippers, chain saws, stump grinders, tree spades, backhoes, truck-mounted snow plows, snow blowers, snow brooms, dump trucks, loaders and skid loaders.
Working knowledge of Colorado noxious weed species, integrated pest management strategies, and techniques to minimize impacts to non-target species.
Experience leading and training hourly staff to assist in the safe operation of equipment and maintenance of areas of responsibility.
Experience leading small crews or volunteers in small construction projects.
Managing of cyclical maintenance programs which helps to improve native vegetation health, overall ecosystem function and image for the entire city.
Knowledge of various gas-powered and electric tools commonly used in construction projects, vegetation management, and snow removal.
Knowledge of basic traffic control methods for safe work zone set ups.
Strong organizational skills of hard copy and electronic files.
Ability to effectively communicate standard management/maintenance rules, policies and procedures to the public to aid NAT’s outreach efforts, either one-on-one or in group settings, in- person, via telephone, or email.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to use judgment in unique situations that arise to determine the safest method of completing tasks.
Ability to manage multiple and conflicting priorities.
Experience with limited pesticide applications.
Experience in traffic control situations.
Ability to assess traffic control needs and stage traffic control devices in a standardized manner.
Demonstrated ability to use common office computer software, specifically MS Excel and Word.
Demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external individuals or groups.
Ability to exercise sound judgement to determine the safest method of completing tasks.
Ability to keep documents, maps, and plans organized and filed for easy retrieval.
Comprehend and make inferences from written materials and produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts, using proper grammar.
Ability to walk, sit, climb, ladders, kneel, bend, crouch, reach, push, pull, lift and lower, handle, feel and grasp tools and equipment, and make minor repairs.
Moderate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions.
Frequent use of light or medium weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs.) and use of medium weight tools.
Communication skills enough to convey information verbally and in writing.
Vision enough to perform physical activities and read computer keyboards, reference books, and other written documents.
Vision enough to operate motor vehicles and other equipment.
Manual dexterity enough to operate equipment, tools, vehicles, and machinery.
Strength and stamina enough to carry, load, and unload equipment for activities.
Ability to move over rough, uneven, and rocky surfaces in the performance of job duties.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, range management, natural resources management, or similar field preferred.

Responsibilities

In coordination with Crew Supervisor and Restoration specialist, lead NAT mowing operations, including trailside, right of way, and noxious weed management operations oversee part-time and seasonal staff during mowing operations.
Operate equipment, and lead fleet safety program, help train other NAT staff on safe and efficient operation of equipment.
Manage small construction projects including trailheads, fencing, kiosks, soil prep and compaction, grading and leveling, small concrete jobs, and other small projects.
Lead design, oversight fabrication, and install as applicable for each project.
Work closely with other NAT staff to develop priorities and implementation of signage in the NAT system, and lead implementation of the inventory and installation of signage.
Manage landscapes within the NAT system, including repairing irrigation systems, string trimming, mowing, shelter maintenance and site cleanup.
Plan for, lead, and participate in volunteer projects, ensuring best practices and safety of staff and volunteers on projects.
Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports on all NAT equipment to evaluate safety and mechanical problems, anticipate potential problems, and act promptly and diligently to avoid equipment down time and safety issues.
Provide supplemental support to NAT and Parks staff in herbicide application within natural areas properties and trail corridors using backpack, ATV, and truck-mounted spray equipment.
Participate in prescribed burn activities in conjunction with Greeley Fire Dept. and other partners.
Demonstrate ability to use computer software including GPS/GIS applications, Cityworks, MS Excel, Word and Outlook.
Inspect properties in response to customer complaints and determine actions to resolve issues.
Assist Crew Supervisor with the screening and interviewing process and make hiring recommendations for hourly and seasonal maintenance staff.
Assist with snow removal operations that may take place on weekends or holidays.
Regularly interact with users, landowners, contractors, and others daily in the course of the position.
Ability to act as an ambassador for the NAT program, skill in having difficult conversations with landowners/users.
Perform and oversee the performance of a variety of complex maintenance and construction activities in Natural Areas and Trails.
Provide leadership and guidance to hourly, seasonal, and volunteer staff on policies and safety procedures.
Inspect all equipment pre- and post-trip to evaluate safety and mechanical problems, anticipate potential problems, and act promptly and diligently to avoid equipment down time.
Monitor and determine when equipment should be temporarily removed from service due to needed repairs and safety issues.
Conduct playground maintenance and safety inspections.
Utilize CityWorks software to organize work, manage inspection requests, and monitor task budgets.
Inspect properties in response to customer complaints and determine remediation.
Effectively communicate standard management / maintenance rules, policies, and procedures to the public to aid the Program's outreach efforts, either one-on-one or in group settings, in person or using a telephone.
Performs other duties as assigned.