Planning & Stewardship Specialist- Open Space & Natural Resources
About The Position
Eagle County Government is hiring for one open position. This role is designed to be filled at one of two levels—OSNR Planning & Stewardship Specialist or Senior Resource Planning & Stewardship Specialist—depending on the specific qualifications, certifications, and experience of the selected candidate. Working within the Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) department, this role protects Eagle County’s environment, public health, and quality of life through science-based planning and restoration. OSNR Planning & Stewardship Specialist: Working under the supervision of the Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) Director or Senior Planners, this support role assists with Eagle County’s OSNR policies, planning documents, and restoration projects. This position is ideal for a candidate looking to grow their career in natural resources, who enjoys fieldwork, basic spatial mapping (GIS), and assisting in the review of regulatory and environmental documents. The incumbent will support the team by gathering data, conducting ecological monitoring, and helping draft educational materials. By maintaining accurate data and supporting community outreach, this role helps protect the natural environment, public health, and quality of life within Eagle County. Senior Resource Planning & Stewardship Specialist: Working under the supervision of the Open Space and Natural Resources Director, this highly analytical role is the technical support behind Eagle County’s Open Space & Natural Resource (OSNR) policies, planning documents, and restoration projects. This position is ideal for a candidate who thrives on deep-dive research, complex spatial analysis (GIS), and synthesizing dense regulatory and environmental documents into actionable, science-based recommendations. The incumbent will proactively collaborate with land use planning, technical review teams, and state/federal partners to ensure planning files align with land use regulations, NEPA requirements, and adopted community plans. By transforming complex data into clear white papers, comment letters, and educational products, this role is critical to protecting the natural environment, public health, and quality of life within Eagle County.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Planning, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Resource Management, or a closely related field.
- Minimum two years of related experience in natural resources management with a focus on land use and policy development, Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which produces the required technical knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Planning, Ecology, Environmental Resource Management, or a closely related field is required. Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which produces the required technical knowledge, skills and abilities
- Minimum four years of related experience in Natural Resources with a focus on land use and policy development.
Nice To Haves
- Enjoy fieldwork, basic spatial mapping (GIS), and assisting in the review of regulatory and environmental documents.
- Thrives on deep-dive research, complex spatial analysis (GIS), and synthesizing dense regulatory and environmental documents into actionable, science-based recommendations.
- Proactively collaborate with land use planning, technical review teams, and state/federal partners to ensure planning files align with land use regulations, NEPA requirements, and adopted community plans.
Responsibilities
- Actively conduct ecological and recreational monitoring; collect data from trail counters, take photo data points, and administer visitor surveys.
- Perform basic spatial mapping and data updates using ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro to visualize field findings.
- Assist in the initial review of land use applications and gather site data for senior staff evaluation.
- Help draft educational materials (brochures, social media) and coordinate logistics for community stewardship events.
- Track grant milestones, maintain organized contract records, and research best practices for restoration projects.
- Serve as the primary researcher for dense environmental documents (NEPA, federal/state policies); translate findings into white papers and official recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners.
- Utilize ArcGIS Pro daily for advanced spatial analysis and cartography to drive science-based land management decisions.
- Assess complex environmental impact reports and establish specific requirements to avoid or mitigate development impacts.
- Direct the work of external consultants and collaborate directly with state and federal partners to achieve County objectives.
- Lead the development of annual reports and grant applications; cultivate relationships with media and stakeholders to heighten the program's profile.
Benefits
- Comprehensive and low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance (as low as $85/month for employee only)
- Wellness program where you can earn cash or extra days off
- 15 paid holidays
- Paid time off (starting at 12 days) and additional medical leave
- Paid volunteer hours
- 8% (dollar-for-dollar match) retirement plan
- Free classes at Colorado Mountain College
- Eagle County University classes (internal training)
- Tuition reimbursement programs
- Bilingual Pay Incentive
- Free bus pass
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
