Operations Technician II (Open Spaces)

Arapahoe County • Aurora, CO

8d • $22 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

This position will complete a variety of field activities associated with maintaining and improving Arapahoe County Open Spaces' urban parks. Tasks include but are not limited to, irrigation inspection and repairs, pruning trees and perennials, mowing and fertilizing turfgrass, weed management and herbicide applications. This position will also inspect playground for safety hazards and help maintain Arapahoe County Open Spaces' assets. Under general supervision the Operations Technician II (Open Spaces, Parks & Trails) serves as a technical staff member within their functional area(s) and provides assistance, education, and support to the Operations Team. This position performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in the maintenance and repair of open spaces, parks, turf, landscapes, trails, and associated equipment, facilities, and public properties.

Requirements

• Knowledge specific to vegetation management related to turf, ornamental and native plants, ecological systems, agricultural areas, and weed science.
• Ground’s maintenance specific knowledge and technical safety knowledge of landscape equipment.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of parks, playground, and landscape maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of horticulture to include annuals, perennials, plant identification and basic landscape design and installation.
• Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest management program.
• Inventory techniques utilizing geographic information systems or global positioning systems.
• Ability to work safely by utilizing applicable PPE’s and adhering to all safety protocol/procedures.
• 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 produce field reports and provide data summaries.
• Ability to work independently and show good judgement.
• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 3 years of experience in open space, parks/turf, trails, natural resource management 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 Class B Colorado Driver’s License 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.
• C.O. in Turf and Ornamental or ability to obtain within 8 months OR C.O. in Rangeland or ability to obtain within 8 months
• C.O. in Industrial/Rights-of-Way or ability to obtain within 12 months
• CPR/1st Aid/AED or ability to obtain within 3 months
• Landscape Industry Certified Technician OR Certified Native Plant Master OR Certified Irrigation Technician or Certified Arborist or the ability to obtain 1 in 1 year.
• Ability to operate the following equipment: 4x4 pickup truck, assorted sprayers or spray rigs, assorted mowers, hand and power tools, blowers, edgers, assorted tractors and associated implements, assorted trailers including 5th wheel and dump and assorted snow removal equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree or technical training or certification in landscaping, horticulture, grounds maintenance, natural resource management, or other related field.
• Class A CDL.
• Landscape Industry Certified Technician or Certified Grounds Technician or Certified Native Plant Master or Irrigation Technician or Certified Playground Safety Inspector or Certified Arborist.

Responsibilities

• Completes and advises field activities of Operations maintenance programs.
• Develops plans and logistics to carry out maintenance tasks and projects.
• Supports the safety and performance of Operations Team.
• Supports Operations Team and divisional contractors in meeting maintenance and services standards and efficiency requirements.
• May provide Operations Technician III with input regarding work planning.
• Supports Turf & Irrigation Specialist, Forestry & Horticulturist Specialist, and Natural Resource Specialist in implementing county wide programs, agronomic practices, reforestation plans, and agricultural programs.
• 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.
• Install, repair and inspects 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, chainsaws, sprayers, plows, power tools, UTVs, dump trucks, trailers, skid steers, and mini excavators.
• Supports the removal of debris and snow from parks, trailheads, parking lots, trails, and sidewalks using tractors, pick-up trucks, dump 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 17 Mile House Farm Park, the Fairgrounds Event Center or through Departmental partnerships.

Benefits

• Arapahoe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other status protected under the law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors. Arapahoe County is committed to making employment accessible to persons with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

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