Natural Resource and Agriculture Specialist

Arapahoe County • Aurora, CO

454d • $52,416 - $78,645

About The Position

The Natural Resource and Agriculture Specialist position is a field-based role focused on the management and stewardship of open spaces, rangelands, native grasslands, agricultural areas, and riparian zones in Arapahoe County, CO. The specialist will coordinate operational, maintenance, and improvement programs while supporting general field operations and maintenance of County properties. This role involves technical guidance, planning, monitoring, and implementing natural resource management strategies, as well as public outreach and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in natural resource management or related field preferred.
• Four or more years of experience in natural resource, open space, agriculture, forestry, or public land management.
• Two or more years of experience coordinating a work crew or volunteer groups.
• Possession of or ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within six months.
• Valid Colorado Class R Driver's License required; must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Colorado Class A Commercial Driver's License within one year of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Best Management Practices in open space and range management.
• Experience with GIS and GPS technologies for data collection and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and stewardship activities on open spaces, rangelands, agricultural areas, forests, wetlands, riparian areas, and trail corridors throughout the County.
• Support minor/major maintenance, stewardship, and capital improvement projects.
• Assist administrative and management staff with planning and development of natural resource and agricultural resource programs.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to Operations staff on field stewardship activities.
• Plan, monitor, and implement routine natural resource management and stewardship operations on County properties.
• Draft reports and maintain databases to support program operations and management.
• Understand and read natural resource and agricultural plans to support land development and stewardship.
• Provide input to construction plans for property and recreational development.
• Perform restoration of native grasslands and manage noxious weeds on open space properties.
• Install, inspect, maintain, and operate open space and agricultural amenities.
• Operate and maintain various maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Conduct periodic natural resource and property asset inventory surveys using GPS and GIS technologies.
• Monitor compliance with County land management standards and policies.
• Build collaborative relationships with local/state/federal land management agencies and partners.
• Participate in public outreach and education efforts regarding natural resource management.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Mandatory Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Pre-paid Legal Services
• Vacation and Sick Leaves
• Holiday pay
• Training and Educational Reimbursement Opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED