Open Space Supervisor of Natural Resources

City of Louisville•Louisville, CO

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Louisville is seeking an enthusiastic, self-driven, and innovative individual to serve as its Open Space Supervisor for Natural Resources. This role operates with limited supervision from the Open Space Superintendent and supports the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department in achieving its objectives as outlined in departmental guides and the Open Space Master Plan. The position provides expertise in researching, monitoring, and mapping plant species, plant communities, and wildlife. It involves developing short- and long-term management plans and strategies using data collection and analysis, implementing restoration objectives and habitat improvements, and supervising the Open Space Specialist and other natural resource staff. The City of Louisville manages approximately 2,000 acres of open space and over 32 miles of trails. This role emphasizes land stewardship and natural resource management, including developing and implementing an inventory and monitoring program to assess stewardship efforts. This is a full-time, benefited position working 40 hours per week year-round.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Biology, Rangeland Ecology, or closely related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of related field experience in applying principles of natural resource management.
Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Experience must include supervision of professional level, full-time staff.
Knowledge and expertise in ecological principles and environmental preservation techniques specific to the Rocky Mountain Front Range and/or western plains.
Advanced to expert skills in plant identification using a dichotomous key, monitoring, and mapping noxious weeds, native vegetation, and agricultural grass species specific to Rocky Mountain Front Range and/or western plains.
Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.
Intermediate knowledge of a variety of inventory methods and techniques.
Ability to represent Louisville Open Space program on external and internal technical collaborative working groups.
Ability to collect, analyze and manage data and present information.
Ability to professionally respond to citizen inquiries.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide variety of audiences including the general public, boards and commissions, and volunteers.
Ability to collaborate with City staff and other local, state and federal organizations.
Intermediate experience using: GIS/Arc Map, Pro or similar; Trimble GPS units and mobile data collection applications; Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to safely operate a full size pick-up truck, ATV, string line trimmer, backpack sprayer, and small power tools and hand tools.
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, and meet deadlines.
Ability to identify and apply for grant opportunities.
Ability to think critically, multi-task, and be innovative and enthusiastic.
Knowledge of wildland fire operations and management.
Basic knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required.
Must obtain the Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator's License within twelve (12) months of hire and maintain the license throughout employment.
Candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-placement physical, background investigation, and acceptable reference checks prior to employment.
Ability to perform duties involving strenuous hiking, digging, hammering, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 80 pounds with assistance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Rangeland Ecology or related field desired.
May consider a combination of equivalent experience, training, and education as deemed appropriate by the City of Louisville.

Responsibilities

Leads the planning, prioritization, and implementation of natural resource programs and projects, ensuring work is completed safely, effectively, and in accordance with established priorities.
Develops, selects, and implements natural resource inventory and monitoring protocols to establish baseline conditions, assess ecosystem health, track trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of vegetation, restoration, and wildlife management activities.
Collects, manages, analyzes, and interprets natural resource data related to plant species, plant communities, wildlife populations, habitat conditions, and management outcomes.
Maintains natural resource databases and associated GIS data to document ecological conditions, management activities, spatial information, and trends over time.
Develops, reviews, and implements short- and long-term natural resource management plans, best management practices, and strategies to protect, restore, and enhance vegetation and wildlife habitat while integrating recreation, climate adaptation, sustainability, wildfire mitigation, and flood mitigation objectives.
Facilitates and coordinates academic research on Open Space lands to support and inform natural resource management decisions.
Coordinates and oversees ecological restoration, habitat improvement, and prescribed fire activities.
Coordinates and oversees staff responsible for invasive and/or non-native vegetation management and integrated control recommendations.
Coordinates and oversees staff responsible for wildlife management activities, including population and distribution monitoring, mapping, habitat evaluation, and management recommendations, with particular emphasis on prairie dog populations.
Assists with development and administration of the Natural Resources budget and monitors expenditures to ensure responsible use of resources.
Presents technical information, findings, and management recommendations to professional audiences at conferences, the public, Open Space Advisory Board, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
Coordinates natural resource content for Open Space websites, social media, and other public outreach platforms.
Develops educational materials and contributes to education and volunteer programs, including leading public programs and events.
Supports development of natural resource projects for the Boulder County Youth Corps.
Develops and/or participates in the development of staff work plans, measures and tracks progress towards goals, prepares and conducts timely and constructive performance appraisals.
Makes decisions or recommendations for hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, and other personnel actions as necessary.
Coaches, counsels and supports staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Consistently educates and advises staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Supports creative thinking and problem solving and encourages participatory decision making when appropriate.
Provides training and job enrichment opportunities for direct reports and encourages professional growth and development.
Responds to emergencies and/or disasters that may require additional overtime or adjustments to your normal schedule to fit the needs of the organization.