Operations Technician I (Open Spaces)

Arapahoe County • Aurora, CO

30d • $20 - $29

About The Position

The Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we’re here for our neighbors on their best days—and their worst. We share our residents’ goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we’re proud to call home.

NOTE: This position is 4 ten-hour shifts either Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:Under general supervision the Operations Technician I (Open Spaces, Parks & Trails) serve as a staff member within their functional area(s) and provides assistance and support to the Operations Team. This position performs a variety of semi-skilled work in the maintenance and repair of open spaces, parks, turf, landscapes, trails, and associated equipment, facilities, and public properties.

Requirements

• Knowledge related to vegetation management related to turf, ornamental and native plants, ecological systems, agricultural areas, and weed science. Basic ground’s maintenance and safety knowledge of landscape equipment.
• Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, methods and techniques of parks, playground, and landscape maintenance. Basic knowledge of horticulture to include annuals, perennials, plant identification and basic landscape design and installation.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions which includes communicating in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively and show good judgement.
• Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest management program.
• Ability to work safely by utilizing applicable PPE’s and adhering to all safety protocol/procedures.
• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• 0-1 years of experience in open space, parks/turf, trails, and/or landscape maintenance/repair.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Class A CDL within 12 months. Must be able to pass CDL medical exam.
• CPR/1st Aid/AED or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Ability to operate the following equipment: 4x4 pickup truck, assorted sprayers or spray rigs, assorted mowers, hand and power tools, blowers, edgers, and assorted snow removal equipment.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance.
• Position is deemed essential, and incumbents must be available for winter storm and other emergency events and available to work on-call on a rotational basis including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Work locations, facilities and hours are subject to change based on business need.
• Available to work on-call hours in rotation, as needed.
• Available to work the County Fair, including preparations and take down as well as other Open Spaces special events.
• Available to work during evenings, weekends, irregular hours, as needed. Serves as County essential personnel.

Nice To Haves

• Training or certification in landscaping, horticulture, grounds maintenance or another related field.
• Class B CDL
• Landscape Industry Certified Technician or Certified Grounds Technician or Certified Native Plant Master.

Responsibilities

• Completes a variety of field activities associated with the Operations maintenance programs. Implements plans to carry out maintenance tasks and projects. Supports the safety and performance of Operations Team.
• Assists Operations Team and divisional contractors in meeting maintenance and services standards and efficiency requirements. Provides information to support work planning.
• Performs maintenance, stewardship and land management duties on Arapahoe County open space owned and managed properties, trail corridors and trailheads, parks, turf, irrigation systems, sports fields, landscape beds, Heritage Areas, and other related public use facilities and equipment.
• Performs restoration of native grasslands and riparian areas, including native grass seeding operations, the planting, establishment and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and the management of noxious weeds on open space properties parks, trailheads, and trail corridors.
• Performs parks, turf, forestry, and landscape duties including but not limited to pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, fertilizing, weed management, aerating, top-dressing verticutting, power raking, over-seeding, soil amending, sodding, planting, and irrigation maintenance.
• Repair and maintain open space, trailhead, and park amenities; amenities include but not limited to fences, drainage systems, restrooms, shelters, benches, trash cans as well as graffiti / vandalism damage, playground equipment, athletic equipment, and other related equipment and facilities.
• Safely operate and maintains equipment including but not limited to County vehicles, mowers, blowers, string trimmers, sprayers, hand tools, power tools, and snowplows.
• Supports the removal of debris and snow from parks, trailheads, parking lots, trails, and sidewalks using pick-up trucks and trailers as well as blowing, sweeping and snow removal equipment. Supports County level snow removal and emergency management operations when necessary.
• Supports the operations and logistics associated with special events occurring at the 17 Mile House Farm Park, the Fairgrounds Event Center or through Departmental partnerships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED