Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife Technician

Jefferson County CO • Golden, CO

26d • $26 - $28

About The Position

Jeffco Parks and Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 by PLAN Jeffco and The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County. These organizations proposed a unique concept to the Board of County Commissioners to preserve the scenic vistas and open lands within the county using the collection of one-half of one percent tax on sales in Jefferson County to fund the program. The voters agreed, thereby ensuring perpetual land conservation, stewardship of open space and parklands, and access for public enjoyment. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, Jeffco Parks and Open Space contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 56,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks and more than 244 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado. View the Jeffco Open Space Park system map. Mission: Preserve open space and parkland Protect park and natural resources Provide healthy, nature-based experiences Read more at Jeffco P ark s an d Open Space . https://www.jeffco.us/open-space Jefferson County Parks and Open Space is currently hiring a limited fixed-term, full-time Wildlife Technician to assist with our wildlife management program. We are seeking game changers, people that love what they do and are motivated to share their knowledge with those that they work with. The Wildlife Technician collects, analyzes, and disseminates natural resource data and information with a focus on wildlife ecology, conservation, monitoring, and management. As directed by senior staff, this position also assists with preparing and implementing wildlife management plans, supporting natural resources management projects (e.g., forest management), supporting planning and implementation of park infrastructure development (e.g., conducting baseline surveys for trail alignment evaluations), training and managing volunteers, and collaborating with agencies and other organizations. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a meaningful summer opportunity to gain experience in a wildlife management program. SCHEDULE : This position typically operates on our 4x10 work week (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:30pm), but occasionally the work requires a variable work schedule, due to project wildlife-related tasks . Details will be discussed during the interview process. The employment status is Limited (Fixed-Term) with an anticipated assignment start date of March 24, 2026, and end date of October 4, 2026. This position is eligible for personal medical coverage the first month after you start . O ne appli can t wi ll st art M arch and the o ther a p plic ant wi ll st art A pril .

Requirements

• Work-related experience in wildlife conservation and management, natural resources, or similar field.
• Bachelor's Degree
• Must be able to safely navigate mountain roads using trucks and potentially UTVs, and hike long distances over rough terrain using GPS or other navigation tools carrying personal supplies and project gear.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
• Must have a valid driver's license; if you are from out of state, you must have a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of hire date, and you must not have any major violations or DUI, DWI, DWAI convictions.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resource management, or a similar field
• Three or more years of wildlife conservation/management experience
• Experience with Colorado bird identification and monitoring, including point-count surveys, behavioral observations, and a high proficiency in identifying local bird species by sight and song
• Experience with database management
• Experience with mobile mapping technology (e.g., Field Maps)
• Experience with natural resource management in Colorado ecosystems
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders (e.g., researchers, contractors, volunteers, and members of the public) regarding wildlife conservation and management

Responsibilities

• Assist with wildlife inventory, monitoring, and management efforts on county-owned properties, including but not limited to Colorado avian inventories and wildlife surveys, surveys of additional taxa (e.g., amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects), wildlife camera program management, and public outreach.
• Using GIS related technology to collect and organize spatial data .
• Coordinate with stakeholders regarding key wildlife conservation and management issues and translate such issues into JC P OS management frameworks.
• Stay up to date on relevant scientific literature and assist in preparing peer-reviewed and outreach publications .
• Demonstrate willingness to develop new skills and experience regarding additional taxa outside of core areas of expertise.
• Provide training for wildlife-focused volunteer projects in collaboration with other Open Space staff.
• Participate in public meetings as needed.
• Interact with park neighbors and on-site park visitors concerning wildlife inventory, monitoring, and management activities.
• Engage with media in collaboration with other Open Space staff and work units.
• Contribute and maintain wildlife-related content on JCOS webpage , in tern a l, an d ex t erna l di gita l ne wsl e tter s .
• Assist with development and implementation of wildlife monitoring and management plans, likely in coordination with state and federal agencies, universities, consultants, and NGOs.
• Assist with inter-agency (e.g., Colorado Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and other inter-organizational (e.g., Colorado Natural Heritage Program) collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• This role is a Limited position anticipating an assignment end date after one year and offering Medical coverage for both the employee and/or any dependent children for limited rates.
• This position is eligible for personal medical coverage the first month after you start

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level